Amarcrinum howardii 1 Bulb
What happens when you cross a Crinum moorei with the beautiful Amaryllis belladonna? You get Amarcrinum howardii, a terrific summer-blooming bulb for Southern gardens! Developed by and named for California plantsman Fred Howard, this hardy hybrid takes the toughness of a crinum and the soft pink charm of a belladonna lily and rolls them into one easy-going, long-lived bulb that has a beautiful scent to boot.
Blooms: Sturdy stalks rise above the foliage carrying clusters of fragrant, shell-pink, trumpet-shaped flowers, each about 3-4 inches long. The show begins in the heat of summer and can carry on into early fall, with plants reaching roughly 2-3 feet tall in bloom. Beautiful and fragrant, these blooms make excellent cut flowers!
Planting: Plant Amarcrinum in full sun to light afternoon shade in rich, well-drained soil. Like its crinum parent, it should be planted with the neck of the bulb at or just above the soil surface, with the round base of the bulb buried. Space bulbs about 12-18 inches apart to give the clumps room to grow. Plant in spring or fall in the ground in zones 8-10; in zone 7, choose a protected spot and add a thick layer of mulch over winter. Water well after planting and during dry spells while it is actively growing.
Landscaping Tip: The long, strap-like leaves stay attractive for much of the year, so Amarcrinum makes a handsome clump in a border, along a fence, or as a focal point in a bed. Once established, leave it undisturbed. It will slowly multiply into a larger clump and bloom more heavily each year.
Pots: In colder zones, grow it in a large, deep pot with good drainage and move it to a frost-free spot for the winter.