Queen Emma Crinum Lily
- **Type**: Tropical evergreen perennial (bulb-forming)
- **Height**: 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters) including flower stalks
- **Width**: 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters), clumping over time
- **Growth Habit**: Upright, arching, forming a rosette of foliage with tall flower scapes
- **Foliage**:
- Broad, strap-like leaves, 3 to 4 feet long (90 to 120 cm), 3 to 4 inches wide (7.5 to 10 cm)
- Deep green with a rich purple-burgundy flush, especially at the base or in new growth
- Evergreen in frost-free zones; may die back in cooler climates
- **Flowers**:
- Large, fragrant, spider-like blooms, deep pink to reddish-purple
- 4 to 6 inches across (10 to 15 cm), with long, narrow petals and prominent stamens
- Bloom season: Late spring to fall (May to October), sporadic year-round in mild climates
- Sweetly fragrant, attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
- **Fruit**:
- Fleshy, green capsules, about 1 inch (2.5 cm), containing large seeds
- Not ornamentally significant; seeds can be planted
- **Light**: Full sun (6+ hours daily) to partial shade (4-6 hours); best color in sun
- **Soil**:
- Well-drained, rich; tolerates sandy, loamy, or even clay soils
- Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0)
- **Watering**: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but tolerates drought once established
- **Hardiness**: USDA Zones 8 to 11 (10°F or -12°C; may regrow from bulbs in Zone 8 with mulch)
- **Wildlife**: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds; deer-resistant due to tough foliage
- **Care**:
- Fertilize with a balanced mix (e.g., 10-10-10) in spring and mid-summer
- Remove faded flower stalks and dead leaves for tidiness
- Divide bulbs every 3-5 years to propagate or reduce crowding
- **Pests/Diseases**:
- Generally pest-free; may see slugs, snails, or red spider mites
- Resistant to most diseases; avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot
- **Uses**: Specimen plant, mass planting, borders, containers, or tropical accent
- **Growth Rate**: Moderate; bulbs expand slowly over years
- **Special Features**:
- Hybrid of *Crinum bulbispermum* and *Crinum asiaticum*, named after Queen Emma of Hawaii
- Striking purple-tinged foliage and long-lasting blooms
- Heat and salt tolerant, great for coastal gardens
The Queen Emma Crinum’s dramatic purple-green leaves and bold reddish-purple flowers make it a regal, low-maintenance standout for sunny tropical or subtropical gardens. Let me know if you’d like more care tips or planting ideas!