City Farm talks lilies
Our plant of the month is Crinum pedunculatum (Swamp lily). Spidery, lightly perfumed, white flowers occur through spring and summer. The swamp lily looks good as a contrast if placed among weeping plants. Planting beside a water feature is also a great choice and in this position it is a haven for frogs. Image J. Howes (www.anpsa.org.au)
Crinum lilies are not really lilies, but are bulbous perennial herbs with lily-like flowers. They grow in coastal areas from Queensland to Newcastle beside streams and in tidal areas.
It is easy to see why these are regarded as hardy and versatile plants as they can be grown in moist conditions, but will tolerate dry. They can cope with different soil types, even heavy clay. Full sun or shade are both acceptable and they may even be planted under established trees, such as eucalypts.
Crinums have long, bright green, upright leaves a metre or more in length and the plant may be a couple of metres in width. The white or pink, often mildly-scented flowers grow in clusters from a central stem.
Cooloola City Farm, opposite the Community Centre, on Tin Can Bay Road, is open to the public for plant sales on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8am-3pm, 07 54862304, ccfni09@gmail.com, www.cooloolacityfarm.org
Please note that Cooloola City Farm Nursery will be holding its Annual General Meeting on Friday November 16, at 9am.
