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Crinum (From Krinon the Greek name)

(from Krinon, the Greek name for Lily). ORD. Amaryllideae. A large genus of very handsome bulbous plants. Perianth funnel-shaped, half six-cleft, with a long, slender tube, and a six-parted limb of nearly equal segments, which are erect, spreading, or reflexed.

PROPAGATION may be effected by seed, or by offsets. The former are of considerable size, and should be sown singly, as soon as ripe, in 3in. or 4in. pots, the roots, when formed, being so large and succulent. Sow in sandy loam and leaf mould, place in a temperature of from 70deg. to 80deg., and keep rather dry until the plants appear, when more moisture should be applied. As most of the species are partially or entirely evergreen, young plants may be grown on all the season, without much drying off. With plenty of heat and moisture, rapid growth is insured when once they are well started, some soon attaining sizes large enough for flowering. Some species produce offsets pretty freely, while others are very shy in this respect. Where they can be obtained, a great saving of time is effected, as large plants are formed much quicker than by seed. They should be removed when rather small, on account of injury to the roots, and as many roots as possible must be preserved. The young plants should be potted separately, and grown on as recommended for seedlings. Crinums require copious supplies of water at all times when in growth; even young specimens will bear much more than the majority of other bulbs. Being distributed over rather a wide area of tropical and sub-tropical countries, they are of different degrees of hardiness. Some require a high temperature, and a moist position in the stove; others succeed in a greenhouse; and a few are sufficiently hardy to thrive in a sheltered position outside, with protection in winter.