Crinum americanum aka Florida Swamp Lily

Crinum americanum is a bulb-forming perennial in the amaryllis family. Common names include southern swamp lily and Florida swamp lily. Its native range spans the southeastern United States, Mexico, and western Caribbean. It grows in swamps, marshes, and along streams. In the United States, it ranges from South Carolina to Texas. Each thick bulb has a narrow neck and forms a leafy clump.

Garden plants reach 1–3 feet [0.30–0.91 metres] tall. Clumps spread 1–2 feet [0.30–0.61 metres] wide. They can spread over time to form large colonies. Glossy green leaves grow straight from the bulb. These long, flat leaves have smooth edges and parallel veins. Sources give leaf lengths from 1–4 feet [0.30–1.22 metres]. The foliage stays evergreen. Smooth, upright flower stems lack leaves and may have reddish tones.

Each flower stem holds an umbel of two to six flowers. The white blooms may have a pink blush or stripes. Narrow flower parts bend back around long, projecting stamens. The blooms have a sweet scent that grows stronger at night. June to September is the main bloom period cited. Florida reports describe flowers across a wider part of the year. Sphinx moths pollinate them, while bees and butterflies also visit. The plant hosts the young of the Spanish moth. Round seed capsules start green and turn brown as they ripen. Each holds four or five large, fleshy seeds.

Grow this lily in full sun or part shade. It suits rich soil kept moist to wet. It accepts sand, loam, clay, and shallow standing water. Sources place its hardiness in USDA zones 8–11 or 7–11. Mulch helps protect bulbs where winters test their hardiness. Moving bulbs may delay bloom for two or three years. Propagate plants by seed or division. Use them beside ponds, in wet borders, or in moist containers. Their flowers also suit cutting. Submerged growth shelters small water animals that feed fish and other wildlife.

Pests seldom harm the plant's long-term health. Grasshoppers may chew leaves; slugs, snails, and mealybugs may occur. Spider mites and nematodes are other possible pests. Disease risks include red blotch fungus and crinum mosaic potyvirus. Leaves may also scorch. The plant is poisonous and should not be eaten. Swallowing it may cause nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. It poses risks to people, cats, and dogs.