Crinum Ellen Bosanquet

Crinum Ellen Bosanquet is a fairly hardy perennial bulbous plant, bearing tall, large umbels of flowers resembling brightly carmine pink lilies in summer. Its corn-like foliage generally disappears during flowering. It is easy to grow in shade and prefers loose and well-drained soils.

Crinum Ellen Bosanquet is a bulbous plant related to Amaryllis, both genera belong to the Amaryllidaceae family. The Ellen Bosanquet variety develops from a very large bulb (8-10 cm (3-4in) in diameter), with a very long 'neck' (10-20 cm (4-8in)) that usually emerges above the ground. At the very beginning of spring, leaves over 5 cm (2in) wide and 50 cm (20in) long appear, spread out in a star shape at the top of the neck, with a texture like maize leaves. The flower stalks appear in summer (July-August), and reach 80 cm (32in) to 1m (3ft) high. They bear umbels of 10 large flowers resembling brightly carmine pink lilies at their tips, which open successively in star-shaped, 10 cm (4in) long trumpets. All floral parts are white to white-pink, including the filaments of the stamens and the styles. The very wide leaves generally begin to wither when the flowers bloom.

Crinums live for many years (20 and more), without being replanted, forming large clumps over time. With good fertilisation and regular watering in summer, the vegetation becomes very impressive, with a long summer flowering. If the climate in your region is not too harsh, you can plant Crinum Ellen Bosanquet in a shaded area, in a clear understory with soil that retains moisture. It will blend well with amaryllis belladona, toad lilies (Tricyrtis formosana), wild arums, and ferns. This plant is fabulous for creating large pots in the shade on the terrace or balcony, or near an entrance.