Contemplating a Crinum

American Meadows has a Crinum X Powelli or Cape Lily on sale for 3.72. Indicates that the plant grows to 3' to 4' and that in northern climates the bulb should be lifted for winter. Does anyone know or have an opinion about whether these can be grown successfully in northern zones? Can these be put in pots and if so, how big of pots. I think I read somewhere these bulbs get pretty big.

I have no experience with growing them up north but even here in Florida a lot of people have them in large pots (they look good in a simple pot) and yes, they do get huge, say 6 ft (eventually). They are a fantastic specimen plant though.

I have grown them here in Iowa with no problems.In pots and in the ground in summer then dug up and potted for winter. I stored mine in the basement, cool(not cold) and on the dry side till spring then moved outdoors.they need lots of sun and water when dry and feed twice a month.Then get someone to help lift the pot in the fall. They get real heavy when they get big.

Many of them can be left out in a zone 6 if mulched. I have been testing many of them for the last few years. I think a zone4 maybe to cold for wintering outside though even with mulch.

Eclipse, how big a pot do you use and do you cut back the foliage in the fall?

I use a pot just about 4 inches bigger diameter than the bulb, and no I let the foliage dry and then remove it in the spring.If you cut the foliage back it will just promote more growth to replace it, letting it dry off will induce dormancy

beaker....Also check the variety you are looking at....some can grow a huge basal stump, and may be hard to lift for the winter. Others remain a bit smaller. If you can move the entire pot, that would be better with the large basal stump varieties. As a general rule, crinums do not like their roots disturbed too much, or won't bloom well.