Crinum. A most widely distributed genus, some species being native to 
every continent, probably because the bulbs or large fleshy seed have been 
distributed by floods and ocean currents. Altho tropical and semi-tropical 
some species are hardy to Ohio. Crinums are most attractive plants for their 
foliage alone but adding to that the freely produced, fragrant and lovely flowers 
they become indispensable objects for southern gardens among the trees and 
shrubs for tropical landscape effects. 
Culture. Most of them like a little shade. Some demand nearly full 
shade. They like well enriched soil and applications of barnyard fertilizer 
and plenty of water. Plant with base of bulb only about 4” under surface in 
the south but deeper in north. 
Crinum americanum. The species is native to southeastern U. S. where 
it is found in several varieties. Some are found in swamps and do not do well 
in dry climates. This variety came here long ago and does well. The lovely 
white flowers are tinted pink and have long narrow petals. If freely watered 
it blooms abundantly. Bulb is small and increases in a peculiar. way by 
underground stolons and quite rapidly makes a large clump. 75c each. $7.50 
per doz. 
C. campanulatum. Belongs to ‘“‘Milk and Wine Lily” type. Markings 
are bright rose red in a center stripe thru the white petals. $2. 
C. Cecil Houdyshel. The standard of hybrid Crinums for all qualities 
considered. Altho the same cross as C. Powelli it grows much larger—taller, 
longer leaves, more robust and many more flowers. Huge bulbs up to 8” 
diam. It is almost ever-blooming, often producing up to 7 stalks in one year. 
No other Crinum can equal its profusion of flowers which are attractive deep 
rose. Blooming size, $1. Large, $1.50. Jumbo bulbs, $2.00. 
Dr. H. Baer, living in a hot inland valley of So. Calif. writes on July 8: 
As I look into my garden, I have to conclude that you are entirely too modest 
in your claims for Crinum Cecil Houdyshel, for at the present moment four 
large clumps show 150 flowering stalks. I must say that it is the most satis- 
factory Crinum that I have ever grown. 
On the same day we received a letter from Mr. Geo. H. Hamor of the 
Dominican Rep. (Haiti) giving an equally favorable report. This Crinum 
origination may have been an important consideration in awarding me the 
Herbert Medal (shown in front of catalog) by the American Amaryllis Society. 
C. Ellen Bousanquet. A gorgeous new hybrid. Very deep wine red 
of glowing intensity. Vigorous, increases rapidly. Small bulbs, 75c. Medium, 
blooming size, $1.00. Large, $1.50. 
C. erubescens. One of the best of the ‘‘Milk and Wine’”’ type. Flowers 
white with red-purple stripe, making a striking effect. 50c. $4.50 per doz. 
C. Gordon Wayne. Our 1938 introduction. A seedling of Virginia Lee 
and thus the first third generation hybrid Crinum ever raised. Flowers large 
pure white, in late summer. Like Virginia Lee and its seed parent C. moorei, 
it has been reported that Gordon Wayne does not do so well in Florida. The 
cause may be wrong culture or a soil condition. Here in California they are 
sturdy, thrifty growers, increase rapidly and bloom profusely. Virginia Lee 
and Gordon Wayne set seed profusely and are the only Crinum hybrids that 
do. They should have nearly full shade, deep rich well drained soil. Price $4.00. 
C. H. J. Elwes. A clear rich pink of unusual color tone for Crinums, and 
most lovely. $2.50. 
C. kirkii. One of the best species. White with red band thru center 
placing it in the ‘‘Milk and Wine’’ type. The large umbels have many flowers 
open at a time up to 10 or more. This with the great beauty of the flowers 
make a group of them in bloom a never-to-be-forgotten sight. 75c. Per doz., $7. 
C. longifolia alba. (Syn. Capense alba.) White lily shaped flowers. This 
is the hardiest species, surviving the winters with protection if planted deep, 
as far north as Ohio. Better than rosea. 50c. $4.00 per doz. 
©. longifolia rosea. Pink flowered form. 60c. 
C. Louis Bousanquet. Very free flowering thru an unusually oe season. 
Pink flowers on a very tall erect peduncle. $1.00. 
C. moorei. Large pink, bell-shaped flowers in the fall, freely produced. 
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