ID this bulb....

Sow and Dipity
by Sow and Dipity
A lady came into my work today with these bulbs the size of base balls looking to see if anyone could ID it. They come up and leaf out but never flower. She's certain that she bought bulbs 3 years ago and planted them but she just can't remember the name. They are located in a part sun mostly shade area ( I instructed her to transplant the clump to a sunnier area to see if they'll flower next year ).
They don't look like lily's or amaryllis.....any guess's.
  8 answers
  • Tammy@Deja Vue Designs Tammy@Deja Vue Designs on Sep 28, 2012
    They look like Crinum lilies to me... Do they smell funny? Mine bloom white...and some bloom pink. Mine get about 2-2 1/2' feet tall.
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Sep 28, 2012
    They do look like a Crinum bulb. Let's hope she takes your advice and they bloom for her so we can find out for sure.
  • Tammy@Deja Vue Designs Tammy@Deja Vue Designs on Sep 28, 2012
    I agree....I just LOVE mine!!!! They are some of my favorite flowers!!! I would just love to have some of the dark pink ones!
  • Sow and Dipity Sow and Dipity on Sep 28, 2012
    Yep....that's it! Our hardiness zone here is 7 ( well, some years and only in a few micro climates) but mostly we are a safe 6....so I have not seen these bulbs being sold in our northern nurseries. That would explain why it probably hasn't flowered either, too cold. She gave me a nice big bulb so I get to plant it and see this unique specimen next year too....lucky me:) I knew I'd find the answer if I posted it here..( the collective knowledge on this site in all the area's is incredible!) Thank you guys.....I'll give her a call and let her know the mystery is solved!
  • Tammy@Deja Vue Designs Tammy@Deja Vue Designs on Sep 28, 2012
    I've only seen them sold in one nursery here....I lived in zone 6 when a friend gave me my first ones....they did awesome there also
  • Tammy@Deja Vue Designs Tammy@Deja Vue Designs on Sep 28, 2012
    and yes....her problem is....they like to have a LOT of sun!! They usually bloom in mid summer....my bloom especially well right after a rain....around July. They may not bloom for you the first year....but I'm willing to be that if you get them in a sunny location....they will the second....and maybe start setting off new bulbs.
  • Sow and Dipity Sow and Dipity on Sep 28, 2012
    Thanks Tammy....that's what I figured when she told me she had them on the north side of the house, so I advised her to get them into the sunniest area she could find. I can't wait to call her today and let her know.....how clever she'll think I am that I found out what they were ( wink ). Thanks again!
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Sep 28, 2012
    If you're that cold, Shelley, you should probably consider an extra layer of winter mulch.