Crinums, Crocosmias and a few Odd Bulbs

These plants don't fit into a neat category, but we think you might find them interesting. We've lumped together our exotic Crinum lilies and Crocosmia with Hurricane lilies, Rain lilies, Pineapple lilies and a rare Agapanthus.

Crinum lilies come in a variety of sizes and colors. They are fabulous, tough and easy perennials with a long summer bloom period. They are often found around old homesteads in the South, right next to some of the tough as nails daffodils that are such an unexpected delight.

We've got a group of great Crocosimia, an odd South African genus that has grass-like foliage and a spectacular flower spike. Some Crocosimia are badly behaved and run away with the flower bed, but fear not, these are well-mannered and form neat clumps.

Hurricane lilies (Lycoris radiata) and rain lilies (Zephranthes sp.) are hard to find and fabulous in the garden. Although Agapanthus are a classic for the shaded south, we've got a new and spectacular variety, "Storm Cloud", which is a deep purple flower on a 6 foot tall spike. We're hoping for even more new colors and sizes in this easy beauty, so stay tuned.

Crinum lilies will delight you

Crinum asiaticum- Giant White Crinum Lily This beauty stands up to 4 feet tall, strap-like foliage topped with flowering white trumpets in summer. Flowers are sweetly scented. Not at all picky to grow, enjoying hot dry conditions (including the beach!). If protected from frost, the plant stays taller, but will return in Zones 8-10. $34.99 in 3 gal.

Crinum angustum- Queen Emma Crinum A purple-leaved Crinum, reaching 6 feet tall! Flower stalks are erect, topped by sweetly scented clumps of white trumpets with a purple stripe. This Crinum makes a dramatic centerpiece for a flower bed or a fabulous planter to put next to the swimming pool. For best purple color, grow in full sun. Like the Giant White Crinum, Queen Emma is easy to grow and will stay the biggest size if protected from frost. Zones 8-10. $34.99 in 3 gal.

Crocosmia for your perennial bed!

Grass-green foliage is bright and beautiful late winter to fall. Flower spikes appear in June-August, held high above the foliage. Flowers are long-lasting in containers and dry well for winter display. Divide in fall to propagate. They are not at all picky to grow, blooming well in light shade and thriving with limited water and fertilizer.

Jenny Bloom: Bright yellow blooms in July on 30 inch stems. Zones 5-9. $6.99 per quart.

George Davison: A yellow to orange beauty standing 24-36 inches. Zones 6-9. $6.99 per quart.

Lucifer: Big scarlet flowers open bottom to top. Devilish! Zones 6-9. $6.99 per quart.

Emily McKenzie: Huge scarlet-orange flowers with a maroon center. Adds drama to any perennial bed. $6.99 per quart.

Solfaterre: Unique bronze-toned foliage with apricot to pink flowers. A prizewinner and true breakthrough in this group! $8.99 per quart.

And the wonderful odds and ends.....

Red Hurricane Lily: Lycoris radiata -- The foliage emerges in the fall and dies down in summer. The exotic red flower comes up from bare ground in late August to September. Naturalizes readily and gets better every year after they're planted. Zones 7-10. $12.99 for 6 bulbs, plus $6.00 boxing fee for the first 6 bulbs and $10.00 for up to 30 bulbs.

Giant Pink Rain Lily Zephranthes sp. -- Summer foliage and blooms after every rain. Dies back in winter. A rare find that spreads well, suprising you with the silver lining in those storm clouds. Zones 8-10. $12.99 for 6 bulbs, plus $6.00 boxing fee for the first 6 bulbs and $10.00 for up to 30 bulbs.

Agapanthus "Storm Cloud"-- Tall flower spikes are topped with deep purple umbels of flowers in summer. Strappy foliage is dark green, mixing well with ferns in the shade garden. Tough and easy to grow. Divide clumps in fall. Zones 8-11. $29.99 3 gal.

Got a gardener who's tough to shop for? Give them one of our beautiful Gift Certificates. They are nicely packaged with a catalog and make the perfect gift for holidays or just everyday thank you gifts. Call us for details!

Are we out of what you are looking for? Email us at Justfruits@hotmail.com and we'll put you on the "Call When Available" list. We will call you!

Please come to see us if you can (Wednesday to Sunday, 9:05-5:08). We are located 19 miles south of Tallahassee, just off US Highway 98, 1 mile east of the intersection with US Highway 319 (South of Crawfordville center and actually in the village of Medart). If you need further directions, feel free to call us at 1-850-926-5644 or enter 30 St. Frances St. Crawfordville FL 32327 (or Just Fruits Nursery) into Google Maps ( CLICK HERE).