Perhaps you have noticed the attractive crinum lilies blooming in local landscapes. They are the big plants with white, pink or red blossoms. At least one is native and most others can be traced to African relatives. But one has a bit of Florida history too.
During the early 1900's Louis Percival Bosanquet began hybridizing the crinums at his nursery near Fruitland Park, Florida. It is likely not known how many new lilies he created but one named for his wife has flourished in area gardens. Its name is "Ellen Bosanquet" a beautiful deep pink that looks a bit like an amaryllis. It grows with little care and is always a summer bloomer.
All crinums seem to be pretty carefree. I don't know that I do much more than toss them a little fertilizer once or twice a year and water them during the dry times. The plants do need grooming from time to time to remove the declining leaves. They are cold sensitive and damaged by freezes but always grow right back come spring. There are white and maroon and white types with strap-like petals too. One is called milk & wine, an also popular selection for local landscapes.
While we are talking Florida bulbs, don't forget the blood lilies. These low growing plants open rounded blooms composed of many small flowers and are - well, almost blood red. The plants are from South America and bloom in late spring. The flower heads push up first and are then quickly followed by the lily type leaves.
Blood lilies received attention as possible container plants for seasonal sales from Florida growers but a good production method seems to have avoided the nurserymen. Still, they make great garden additions requiring no more than typical perennial plant care.
Some other bulbs or bulb-type plants you might like to grow include day lilies, agapanthus, caladiums and rain lilies. All bloom or offer colorful foliage at this time of the year. Many can be found at local garden centers.
