About

Cardiocrinum cordatum var. glehnii is a perennial bulb that can reach heights of up to 2 meters. It features large, heart-shaped leaves that can grow to 30 centimeters in width and are a deep green color. During the summer months, this variety produces as many as 20 large, fragrant flowers that are trumpet-shaped and creamy white with purple markings. It is distinguished from C. cordatum by its increased height and greater floral display.

About the genus

Cardiocrinum consists of sizable bulbous perennials featuring heart-like foliage and trumpet-shaped blooms that are similar to lilies. After flowering, they produce upright, elongated seed capsules. These plants are monocarpic, meaning the bulbs perish following the blooming cycle.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Plant type

Bulbs

Habit

Columnar upright

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Time to full height

5-10 years

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden

Native to

Japan

Fragrance

Flower

Care notes

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained, deep, humus-rich, fertile soil. Intolerant of waterlogging and may need some protection from frosts in colder areas. Mulch and feed regularly. Intolerant of hot or dry sites. Dried seed heads can be used in flower arrangements. This plant is monocarpic, so the rosette of leaves that produces the flower stem dies after flowering. Many offsets form, from which flowers will come in subsequent years

Pruning

Cut out flowered stem to the base

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sowing in deep pans with bottom heat, or from offsets after flowering. May take up to 7 years to flower from seed; offsets may take 4-5 years to flower

Pest resistance

May be susceptible to damage by slugs

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to a virus