Crinum x powellii

Crinum x powellii is a hybrid produced by crossing C. bulbispermum and C. moorei.  The plants are durable and hardy, reportedly surviving into zone 6.  Like C. bulbispermum, C. x powellii plants hold their leaves through light and medium frosts; they are typically evergreen in East Texas except for the coldest winters. 

Depending upon the parent plants various colors have been produced ranging from pure white through various shades of pink.  Typically, C. x powellii plants are sterile but Marcelle Sheppard has used to the pollen to achieve some crosses, such as the beautiful, semi-double seedling that resulted from a cross with ‘Cecil Houdyshel’ (see photo below). 

Some C. x powellii have lasted as pass-along plants for many years not because they are especially beautiful but because they are so durable.  Depending upon seedlings, some have excellent color and substance, but others have smallish flowers the wilt by noon. 

Crinum x powelii ‘Album’ (sometimes ‘Alba’)

Budrant seedling from a pink-flowered C. x powelii

Sheppard seedling, Budrant pink-flowered C. x powellii seedling crossed with ‘Cecil Houdyshel’

C. powelii with small blooms, poor color, and poor substance