Orange River Lily
(Crinum bulbispermum)
Orange River Lily (Crinum bulbispermum)
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© Daniel Patterson
CC BY 4.0
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© Daniel Patterson
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Daniel Patterson | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: daniel_observer | Publisher: iNaturalist |























Estimated Native Range
Summary
Crinum bulbispermum, commonly known as Orange River Lily or Milk-and-Wine Lily, is a perennial herb native to grasslands and riverbanks in South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini. It typically grows from large, tunicate bulbs and reaches a height of 24-36 inches (60-90 cm). The plant features robust, strap-shaped leaves that can be up to 34 inches long. From spring to summer, it produces showy inflorescences of trumpet-shaped flowers, which are typically pink with a deeper pink or red stripe down the center of each petal, adding to their ornamental value.
Orange River Lily thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils, though it can tolerate periods of dryness once established. It is often used in water gardens, as a border plant, or naturalized in informal garden areas. While it is relatively low maintenance, it is sensitive to frost and may require protection in colder climates. In cultivation, it is valued for its striking flowers and ability to naturalize in suitable conditions. However, it can be potentially invasive outside its native range due to its vigorous growth and self-seeding habit, so gardeners should be cautious and check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Orange River Lily thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils, though it can tolerate periods of dryness once established. It is often used in water gardens, as a border plant, or naturalized in informal garden areas. While it is relatively low maintenance, it is sensitive to frost and may require protection in colder climates. In cultivation, it is valued for its striking flowers and ability to naturalize in suitable conditions. However, it can be potentially invasive outside its native range due to its vigorous growth and self-seeding habit, so gardeners should be cautious and check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb, Bulb
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Pink, Red, White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Native to grasslands and riverbanks in South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini
Other Names
Common Names: Orange River Lily, Crinum Lily
Scientific Names: , Crinum bulbispermum, Amaryllis bulbisperma, Amaryllis capensis, Amaryllis longifolia var. longiflora, Amaryllis longifolia var. minor, Amaryllis longifolia var. minor, Amaryllis longifolia var. riparia, Amaryllis longifolia var. riparia, Amaryllis longifolia var. rosea
GBIF Accepted Name: