Marcelle's Crinums

Crinum oliganthum

Crinum oliganthum in flower with unopened bud
photo ©Mike Burnett

This diminutive Crinum is reported to come from the Caribbean Islands.  The leaves are about 6 inches long and have similarities with C. americanum.  The white flowers are small, but not proportionately as small as the leaves.   The plant grows well in damp soils but survives drought in East Texas; it is an excellent container plant if watered regularly.  C. oliganthum can make a small patch of plants in a few years, spreading unaggressively by underground stems. Sometimes the plant is called 'West Indies Mini’. 

This species is carefree and durable, and sets seed easily.  Anecdotal reports suggest it is hardy to 10 F (-12 C) or even colder if the cold is not of long duration.