The Sweet Scented Crinum Lilies

  Years and years ago, one of my favorite aunts gave me a whole bunch of lily bulbs.  The lilies were all of the crinum lily family but were different colors.  One she called a "Ruby Lily" multiplies so prolifically that I have been able to share with anyone who has ever wanted a start.  It is the prettiest of deep ruby-pinks and has a delightful scent that lets you know well in advance that you are about to come upon a clump in bloom.  Most of these, I have planted on the south side of the house and see daily as I walk to the pier.  I have to smile with each encounter simply because of memories.

  Another of the crinum lillies is the palest of pale pinks.  If memory serves me right, she called these "Peppermint Lilies".   Since the lily has lost its red streaks, it no longer resembles a peppermint candy but the name sticks.  Perhaps mine are a throwback to some previous type lily.  This clump is near the little Frog Pond and I often miss the blooms unless the wind is just right. These, too, have an intoxicating aroma!  If I happen to step on the back porch and there is a slight west wing, the scent lets me know that I need to venture to that part of the yard.  These have a slightly different scent than the Rubies but it is just as sweet.

  Both of these lilies never fail to fill the yard with their blooms during the summer months.  When not in bloom the large clumps of bright green, strappy leaves are quite imposing, in their own right.  Crinum lilies can often be found at abandoned homesites from as far back as the 1800s.  The lilies were a must-have item in gardens of the well-to-do back in the day.  The clumps of lilies could be as large as thirty feet across or they could line the winding lanes to the main house.  Landscaping was often centered around the lilies as they were easy to grow and maintain.  Then, the lilies became more mainstream and most gardens had (much smaller) clumps.   After having their time of glory, the interest faded until, now, the lilies are almost hard to find and the bulbs are often expensive.  I am fortunate enough to have many.  The hardy bulbs have stood through icy winters, scorching summers, hurricanes and droughts.  I do hope the bulbs just keep multiplying!