Golden Crinum (Crinum asiaticum ‘Xanthophyllum’)

Striking Yellow Foliage, Fragrant Flowers

Also known as Thai Yellow Crinum, Golden Crinum is a tropical bulbous perennial with genuinely striking foliage — long, strap-shaped leaves that emerge light green and gradually deepen into vibrant yellow with sun exposure. Large, fragrant white or golden-tinged flowers appear in clusters, six-petaled and spider-like, adding real drama to the display. It grows in dense clumps to around 90cm tall, and once established will thrive for many years.

A Resort and Landscaping Favourite

Golden Crinum is widely used in tropical landscaping — resorts, luxury gardens, poolside accents and public spaces all lean on it for bold foliage colour and long-lasting flowers. It’s equally at home as a border plant, mass planted, or as a standalone ornamental feature, and it’s genuinely low to moderate maintenance once settled in.

Growing Conditions

Prefers full sun or partial shade — bright, direct light brings out the best leaf colour. Wants moist, well-draining soil, and benefits from an occasional flush of the root zone to clear accumulated salts, particularly if you’re watering with tap water. It doesn’t tolerate brackish water and is sensitive to strong winds, so a sheltered position suits it best.

A Safety Note

Golden Crinum is extremely toxic if ingested, posing a real risk to children, cats and dogs. Plant it away from where pets or curious kids might be tempted to sample it, and seek immediate advice from Poison Control or a vet if ingestion ever occurs.