Swamp Lily
It’s common to see crinum lilies in many southern gardens. However, only one type of crinum is native to the Southeast, and that’s the swamp lily (Crinum americanum).
Sometimes also called string lily, the swamp lily is native to wet areas like stream banks and swamps. Around the home, it’s perfect for water gardens, rain gardens, drainage swales and on the shores of ponds.
Swamp lily features green, strap-shaped leaves and can grow 2–3 feet tall. It blooms in the warm months of the year with spidery white flowers that can reach several inches across. The flowers also emit a delicious fragrance.
Plant in full sun to partial shade for best growth. As you might guess from its name, swamp lily grows best in soils that are at least moderately moist. If your site is dry and you want flowers, you may need to seek out a different plant. The swamp lily is moderately tolerant of salt spray and will grow well in coastal landscapes.
Relatively easy to care for, the main problem for swamp lily is grasshoppers — lubbers love crinums! It should also be noted that the plant is poisonous; take care when planting in areas accessible to children or curious pets.
For more information about swamp lily and other landscape plants, contact your county Extension office.
Also on Gardening Solutions
- Bog Gardens
- Crinum Lilies
- Eastern Lubber Grasshoppers
- Rain Gardens
- Toxic Landscape Plants
- Water Gardens