Mystery bulb

Jellyfire

I bought 2 bulbs about 5 years ago from a plant fair and can’t for the life of me remember what they are. They are very large (about 6 inches tall), and I initially planted them with the top half out of the soil (like a nerine), which I assume is what I was told at the time.They produce plenty of big strappy leaves, and have produced offshoots so I now have a few of them.

The problem is they have never flowered, so I obviously am doing something wrong. I’ve tried moving them to various locations, even in the bog garden, and they all seem quite happy producing leaves in spring and summer, but then nothing. 

I think they were autumn flowering and the growth reaches about half a metre or more by august. 

Any ideas what they might be so I can work out what I’m doing wrong?

punkdoc

Look a bit like Crinum to me.

AnniD

I tried a bit of Googling being at a bit of a loose end, and came up with Albuca. Never heard of it before and l fully expect to be proved wrong. I'm sure someone will know what it is though.
https://wildflowernursery.co.za/indigenous-plant-database/albuca-nelsonii/

Apparently there are many different varieties. 

Jellyfire

thanks, that doesn't ring any bells although it looks a possibility.

From what I can see though they seem to have leaves coming out all round the bulb, whereas this has them coming out in more of a flat fan shape so I think its more of a maybe than a yes at the moment

Hostafan1

agree with @punkdoc. 
Crinum powellii

Jellyfire

Ah thank you, I missed that comment @punkdoc, and @Hostafan1. That is the one, I remember it now!

Jellyfire

So they need 'moist but well drained, not waterlogged'. Sounds easy... 

Anyone had any success with them and offer any advice?

bertrand-mabel

Our Crinum stayed leafy for years with no flowers. It bulked up and then about 7 years delighted us with some fabulous white flowers. It has continued to produce more flower spikes each year.

It is in a sheltered spot and needs lots of space.
Beautiful flowers.

Jellyfire

7 years! Wow, I'll try leaving it where it is then, one of them has been in the same spot for about 3 or 4 years so hopefully will get there eventually! Didn't realise they were such a long term commitment!

Lizzie27

Try feeding it @Jellyfire and see if it prods it in to producing flowers. Tomato food would probably do.

Papi Jo

Crinum Powelli. I have 2 specimens in the garden, took them a good half a dozen years before they decided to flower. Well worth the wait!