Giant Lily Cardiocrinum

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.