River Lily, Swamp Lily, (Crinum pendunculatum)
This article is part of our Gardening With Natives series.
As the name implies, River Lilies grow along riverbanks and in swampy areas so not surprisingly, they prefer moist soil conditions. This is the perfect plant for the edge of a large pond or an area that retains run off. It is suitable for coastal areas, and can create a tropical look.
A river lily showing off its impressive white flowers.
The down side to River Lilies is that they are not drought tolerant and are prone to the crinum grub. Some gardeners have abandoned them for these reasons, but mine have never succumbed to the grub. They survive without additional watering too in a shady position. River Lilies will grow in full sun however it is a good idea to spread a generous layer of mulch on the soil away from the stem to help retain moisture.
A group of river lillies before flowering.
A large river lily in flower.

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