Crinum (Crinum 'Ellen Bosanquet')
The stunning Crinum 'Ellen Bosanquet' delivers showy, fragrant, wine-red flowers in mid-summer. A low-maintenance bulb for zones 8-10.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Crinum ‘Ellen Bosanquet’ is a highly cherished, old garden hybrid known for its dramatic summer display of deep wine-red, lily-like flowers. This variety of Crinum produces clusters of blooms atop tall scapes, rising above deep green, strap-like foliage, making it a spectacular accent plant in the warm-season garden. Gardeners value the Crinum for its low maintenance needs once established, rewarding them with consistent beauty during the peak of summer heat.
As a tender perennial bulb, its cultivation often depends on climate. In warmer zones, Crinum lilies readily naturalize, forming attractive colonies over time, while gardeners in cooler regions benefit from its portability in containers. The spicy fragrance accompanying the showy blossoms only enhances its appeal as a summer focal point.
Crinum ‘Ellen Bosanquet’ adds vertical interest and rich color contrast to perennial borders or patio settings. Its ease of care, coupled with its magnificent floral show, secures its spot as a favorite among those seeking dramatic, reliable summer color from a large bulb.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Amaryllidaceae
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 8-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-3 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: July to August
- Bloom Description: Wine red
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting the large Crinum bulbs should occur when soil temperatures warm, ideally while allowing the neck of the bulb to remain exposed above the soil line. They thrive in organically rich, moist, yet well-drained soil. For a successful season, ensure they receive full sun to light shade; insufficient light can reduce bloom quality.
Consistent moisture is key during the active growing and blooming period, requiring medium water levels. Keep soils constantly moist throughout the growing season and fertilize regularly to support flower production. Once the summer bloom finishes, slightly reduce watering, allowing the soil to begin drying between applications as the plant prepares for dormancy or overwintering.
For those gardening north of Zone 8, container culture is highly recommended. Plant bulbs in pots that are at least two inches wider than the bulb itself, as Crinum bulbs prefer a somewhat pot-bound situation. Before the first fall frost, bring potted Crinum ‘Ellen Bosanquet’ indoors to a cool, dry, frost-free location for winter storage.
Disturbing Crinum roots is ill-advised, as they may fail to bloom for several seasons afterward. While some gardeners in Zone 6 use heavy winter mulch for in-ground protection, container growing remains the safest way to ensure the survival of this beautiful Crinum hybrid outside its optimal range.
Landscape Uses
Crinum lilies offer exceptional versatility in landscape design, serving effectively as strong vertical accents or anchors in mixed borders. Their substantial foliage mass provides good structure even when the plant is not in bloom. Use them generously where summer color is needed, particularly near entryways or patios where their fragrance can be readily appreciated.
For container gardening, Crinum ‘Ellen Bosanquet’ excels as a ‘thriller.’ Plant them centrally in large urns, pairing them with cascading annuals or groundcover perennials that suit similar sun and moisture requirements. Even when grown in pots, their low overall maintenance level keeps garden chores manageable.
The bold presence of these summer bloomers also works well in grouping to create an informal, lush effect, especially in perennial beds or along the margins of sunny borders. Their deep wine-red flowers contrast beautifully against silver foliage or plants bearing bright yellow or white blossoms.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Crinum lilies are tender perennial bulbs belonging to the Amaryllis family, boasting lily-like flowers up to four inches wide that cluster atop leafless scapes rising to three or four feet tall, emerging from a base of strap-shaped green leaves. The specific hybrid, ‘Ellen Bosanquet,’ dating from 1915-1920, is famed for its bell-shaped blooms shaded wine red, accompanied by a distinct spicy fragrance. These large Crinum bulbs are recognizable by their elongated taper at the neck.
Tolerances
Potential Problems
While generally low maintenance, Crinum ‘Ellen Bosanquet’ can occasionally attract pests such as mealybugs, various nematodes, slugs, and snails, especially in damp conditions. Prevention often involves ensuring excellent air circulation and avoiding overly wet soil around the bulb base, which can encourage bulb rot. Monitor the foliage for signs of leaf scorch in intensely hot, exposed locations, managing water intake during peak summer heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Crinum suitable for?
Crinum ‘Ellen Bosanquet’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 8 through 10.
How large does Crinum grow?
This bulb typically reaches a height between 2 and 3 feet, with spreads ranging from 1 to 2 feet wide at maturity.
What sun exposure does Crinum need?
This plant performs best when situated in full sun to areas receiving part shade throughout the day.
When does Crinum bloom?
The showy, wine-red flowers of Crinum ‘Ellen Bosanquet’ appear reliably from July through August.
Conclusion
The Crinum ‘Ellen Bosanquet’ offers unparalleled mid-summer impact through its vibrant color and notable fragrance, all delivered with surprisingly low maintenance needs for the dedicated gardener. Integrating the structure and color of this Crinum hybrid into your landscape is straightforward, provided you respect its tropical bulb nature and zone requirements. Before planting, confirm your zone is 8 or warmer, or prepare for successful container overwintering.
Companion Planting
When selecting neighbors for your Crinum, focus on plants that share similar cultural needs for medium water and well-drained soil. Consider pairing the verticality of the Crinum scape with broad-leafed, mounding companions to create textural balance in the border. Plants that enjoy afternoon shade can thrive alongside the Crinum, benefiting from the light filtering through its taller stature during the hottest part of the day.
Good accompanying choices that complement the wine-red bloom include silvery foliage plants like Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina) or dusty miller, which make the deep flower color pop. In early summer before the Crinum peaks, consider using perennials that offer contrasting yellow or white flowers to create a vibrant seasonal transition.
Propagation Tips
The primary, recommended method for increasing your stock of Crinum ‘Ellen Bosanquet’ is through the division of bulblets. These small offsets, or bulblets, naturally form around the base of the main bulb cluster. Wait until spring when the plant shows signs of new growth before carefully separating these bulblets.
Ensure each bulblet is large enough to handle independently before planting. Plant the separated bulblets in smaller containers first, keeping their soil consistently moist and feeding lightly during the growing season. This method is far less stressful on the mature plant than attempting to transplant the main bulb mass, which can halt flowering for several years.
