Giant Lillies Cardiocrinum

Originally described in the 1830s as part of the Lillium family, it was later considered to be part of a separate genus. Differing from other varieties of the Lillium family, it has heart shaped leaves.  The genus goes back to these leaves, the Greek word kardia translating to heart, and krinon meaning lily.

There are currently three species of Cardiocrinum in cultivation.  They include Cardiocrinum giganteum, which is the most familiar of the species, and in recent years, Cardiocrinum cordatum and Cardiocrinum cathayanum have become more available for the landscape.

Given the common name, giant lily Cardiocrinum giganteum can reach a height of up to 9'.  It should be planted in rich humus soil.  It is intolerant of hot, sunny locations, where the leaves are susceptible to burn.  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 have bronze to purple new foliage, that will age to a lime green.  

Some classify the Easter Lily is as being monocarpic, which is a plant that dies after flowering. However, like scores of similar plants, the stem will die back after flowering, but the basal plate and offset bulbs live on to flower again the next bloom season. 

Best grown in part sun, with moist, organically rich soil.  To promote the plants' growth, fertilizer can be added during the growing season.  Propagation by seed is typical.  Fresh seed have underdeveloped embryos which require going through a temperature cycle such as the seasons in order for the seed to develop, thereby being able to germinate.  Propagation by bulb offsets is also common.  Offsets can take several years to flower.   

Prefers well-drained but moisture-retentive soil.  Plant to a depth of 1", as the bulbs usually form at the soil surface.  Plant in the fall months.

Hardiness: Semi-hardy, injured below 28 degrees F (-2 degrees C)

Storage: Store bulbs in moist peat at 35 degrees F (2 degrees C)

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.  

Moving bulbs can stunt their growth.  

It has a resistance to Verticillium Wilt.

Flowering may not happen until the bulb has been in its location for up to 8 years.