Overview
Cardiocrinum giganteum is a bulbous perennial in the genus Cardiocrinum, part of the Liliaceae family. It typically grows around 1.8 m tall. Cardiocrinum giganteum grows best in partial shade and full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include ornamental and cut flower. It is native to Himalayas to China & Myanmar.
About
Cardiocrinum giganteum is a bulbous perennial that sends up tall flowering stems to about 1.8 m and produces fragrant summer blooms in July and August. Native from the Himalayas through China to Myanmar, it suits a sheltered position. It prefers moist but well-drained soils — sandy, loamy or clay — across acidic to alkaline pH, and will grow in partial shade or full sun. It is grown principally as an ornamental and for use as a cut flower.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cardiocrinum giganteum
About the genus
Cardiocrinum is a genus of bulbous plants of the lily family first described in 1846. They are native to the Himalaya, China, the Russian Far East, and Japan. The bulbs are usually formed at the soil surface.
Wikipedia contributors, "Cardiocrinum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cardiocrinum
In the garden
Cardiocrinum giganteum comes from the Himalayas to China and Myanmar and is valued for its tall, summer-flowering habit. Expect its flowering season in the UK to be July and August; the plant reaches about 1.8 m and is appreciated where height and scent are wanted. In British terms it is H6, very hardy, and corresponds to USDA zones 6–9. Give it moist but well-drained soil: it tolerates sandy, loamy or clay textures and a wide pH range from acidic to alkaline. Plants will succeed in partial shade or full sun provided the site is sheltered from strong winds; the listed aspects (north, east, south, west) are all acceptable when exposure is sheltered. Keep soil moisture even rather than allowing the root area to dry out completely. Use Cardiocrinum giganteum as a vertical focal in mixed borders or where you need tall stems for cutting; its summer blooms supply fragrant material for vases. Locate it where the tall flower stems can be supported by surrounding planting or discreet stakes to protect the flowers while they are at their peak.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cardiocrinum
- Sunlight
- partial shade, full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- north, east, south, west
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Cardiocrinum giganteum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- bulbous perennial
- Height
- 1.8 m
- Suggested uses
- ornamental, cut flower
- Native to
- Himalayas to China & Myanmar
- Fragrance
- fragrant
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cardiocrinum giganteum
- Cultivation
- Plant bulbs in autumn in well-drained, humus-rich soil. Prefers sheltered position with partial shade. Requires moist but well-drained soil.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower stems after flowering. Cut back foliage after it dies down naturally.
- Propagation
- By seed or bulb offsets
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Cardiocrinum giganteum?
Plant bulbs in autumn in well-drained, humus-rich soil. Prefers sheltered position with partial shade. Requires moist but well-drained soil.
Where is the best place to plant Cardiocrinum giganteum?
Cardiocrinum giganteum prefers partial shade and full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cardiocrinum giganteum need?
Cardiocrinum giganteum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Cardiocrinum giganteum?
Remove spent flower stems after flowering. Cut back foliage after it dies down naturally.
How big does Cardiocrinum giganteum grow?
Cardiocrinum giganteum reaches a height of 1.8 m.
Is Cardiocrinum giganteum hardy in the UK?
Cardiocrinum giganteum has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Cardiocrinum giganteum?
By seed or bulb offsets.
More in the Cardiocrinum genus
- Cardiocrinum cordatumheart-shaped lily
- Cardiocrinum giganteum var. yunnanense
- Cardiocrinum aff. giganteum from Nagaland, India
- Cardiocrinum cathayanum