Swamp Lily

Swamp Lily (Crinum pedunculatum) is a large, fountain-shaped native lily with bold strappy leaves and big rounded clusters of white, softly scented flowers. It reaches about 1m tall and 1m wide and makes a statement even when it is not in bloom. It is the plant for wet corners, pond edges and coastal borders where few others are happy.

Why you'll love it

• Bold foliage all year. A fountain of broad strappy leaves gives structure and presence long before the flowers open.
• Scented white flower heads. Long stems carry rounded clusters of large white flowers with a soft scent, from August to January and at their best in early summer.
• Happy in wet ground. It prefers moist conditions and tolerates poor drainage, so it fills boggy, low-lying spots that defeat many plants.
• Frost and coast. It tolerates frost and suits coastal gardens, a handy combination for a plant that looks tropical.
• A true native. Native to Australia, it fits naturalistic planting around water and coastal beds.

Where it works best

Pond margins and creek banks. Plant it in moist soil at the water's edge, where the fountain of leaves softens the margin of the pond or creek.

Borders and pathways. Plant 1m apart along a border or path for a mass display of flowering colour. The clumps meet over a few seasons into a continuous bold edge.

Large pots and tubs. A big container with a rich potting mix suits it on a patio or beside a pool of water.

Growing Swamp Lily in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. It suits coastal and wet areas around water features and the low-lying parts of the garden, and grows well in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate climates. It tolerates frost. In cooler southern gardens a sunny, sheltered spot gives the best foliage and flowering.

Soil. Moist soil is ideal. It tolerates poor drainage, so heavy and wet ground is not a problem. In pots, use a potting mix rich in peat moss or humus.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well, especially during dry periods. Moist soil gives the best foliage and the heaviest flowering. A slow release fertiliser in spring helps flowering.

Pruning. Cut off spent flower stems and any tatty old leaves at the base. Otherwise leave the clump to build up.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Swamp Lily as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, in 140mm pots in packs of 10, in 200mm pots in packs of 6 and in 300mm pots, sold singly. Availability of the tube depends on our grower. When the grower has none it shows as sold out, and you can press the notify button on the page to be emailed the day it is back. The larger pots give a more established clump from the day you plant.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• The best pond plants for Australian gardens
• More Australian native plants
• Plants for coastal areas
• Fixing a waterlogged garden

Common questions

Can it grow in standing water?

It is happiest with its roots in moist ground at the edge of a pond or creek, and it tolerates poor drainage. Treat it as a marginal plant rather than a fully submerged one.

When does it flower?

From August to January, with a peak in early summer.

Is it safe for pets?

No. Crinums are toxic if eaten, the bulb most of all, so keep it away from pets and small children.