Crinum gowenii Reginas Disco Lounge Olea A sharp knife drawn through

A sharp knife drawn through the base of the stem often works better than pruning shears

where many years of temperatures to -15F have proven no problem

The result is an insanely vigorous 30" tall x 6' wide specimen that emerges with dark purple stems clothed in narrow glaucous green leaves and topped

Once the plant has gone dormant in fall

Salvia koyamae is a delightful Japanese sage that forms a 2' tall x 3' wide clump in the woodland garden

Crinum gowenii Reginas Disco Lounge Olea A sharp knife drawn throughThe resurgence of popularity of crinums has spawned a new breed of "crinum rustlers" who search for old abandoned clumps. Thanks to SC plantsman, Jenks Farmer, for rescuing a start of this crinum from where else Regina's Disco Lounge in South Carolina. The massive bulbs and broad strap like foliage serve as a foil to the midsummer flower stalks. Each of the dozen or so slightly downward facing, lightly fragrant, trumpet shaped flowers per stalk are