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Giant Himalayan Lily Cardiocrinum

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
kar-dee-oh-KRY-num
Description

Originally confused with the genus Lilium, it was later considered to be a distinct genus. Unlike other members of the lily family (Liliaceae), it has heart-shaped leaves. The genus name references these distinctive leaves. It is compounded from the Greek word kardia meaning heart, and krinon meaning lily.

There are three species of Cardiocrinum, all native to the eastern Asia and Japan. They are Cardiocrinum giganteum, which is the most familiar of the species, Cardiocrinum cordatum, and Cardiocrinum cathayanum. The latter two are less commonly seen in cultivation.

The giant Himalayan lily Cardiocrinum giganteum can reach a height of up to 9 feet. Its showy, creamy white flowers with a reddish-purple center give off a sweet scent.

Cardiocrinum cordatum is found in mountainous locations that are cool and moist.

Cardiocrinum cathayanum has bronze to purple new foliage, that will age to a lime green.

Cardiocrinum is challenging to grow, as the moist montane conditions of its native habitat are difficult to mimic in cultivation. It should be planted in humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil in partial shade. It is intolerant of hot, sunny locations, where the leaves are susceptible to burning. Propagation by seeds is typical. Fresh seeds have underdeveloped embryos that require repeated cycles of alternating cold and warmth (stratification) before being able to germinate. Flowering may not occur until the bulb has been in its location for up to eight years, and moving plants or bulbs can set plants back, requiring even more time to establish. Propagation by bulb offsets is also common. Offsets can take several years to flower.

Plant to a depth of 1 inch, as the bulbs usually form at the soil surface. Plant in the fall months.

Hardiness: Semi-hardy, injured below 28 degrees F.

Storage: Store bulbs in moist peat at 35 degrees F.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Snails and slugs are common visitors to this plant. Locations with poor drainage can lead to bulb rot. Mice sometimes chew on immature bulbs.

It has a resistance to verticillium wilt.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#bulb#showy flowers#deciduous#frost tender#shade garden#cottage garden#butterfly friendly#winter garden#bee friendly#wind damage prone#heavy shade tolerant#wet soils intolerant#broadleaf#showy#wildlife friendly#woodland
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#bulb#showy flowers#deciduous#frost tender#shade garden#cottage garden#butterfly friendly#winter garden#bee friendly#wind damage prone#heavy shade tolerant#wet soils intolerant#broadleaf#showy#wildlife friendly#woodland
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Cardiocrinum
    Family:
    Liliaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Ornamental garden use.
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Russian Far East, China, Himalaya, and Japan
    Wildlife Value:
    Butterflies and bees are attracted to the flowers. Birds seek out the fruits.
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Fragrance
    Shade
    Textural
    Wildlife Food Source
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Bulb
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    High
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    1-3 inches
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    The dry capsule opens to release dozens of winged seeds.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Cream/Tan
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Trumpet
    Tubular
    Flower Petals:
    6 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    > 6 inches
    Flower Description:
    The showy flowers will bloom in the summer, with 20 to 40 blooms per stalk.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Blue
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Rosulate
    Leaf Shape:
    Cordate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    The leaves differ from other members of the lily family. They are heart shaped and, in some cultivars, have attractive, red veins.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Cross Section:
    Round
    Stem Form:
    Straight
    Stem Description:
    It has thick, straight, sturdy stems. These hollow stems can be used to make flutes.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Shade Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Small groups