Overview
Cardiocrinum giganteum var. yunnanense is a perennial bulbous plant in the genus Cardiocrinum, part of the Liliaceae family. It typically grows around 1.8 m tall. Cardiocrinum giganteum var. yunnanense grows best in partial shade, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is native to W. and C. China.
About
Cardiocrinum giganteum var. yunnanense is a perennial bulbous plant that produces tall stems to about 1.8 metres and bears fragrant flowers. Flowering occurs in July to August. It favours partial shade and needs moist but well-drained soil. The variety is winter-hardy to H6 and also corresponds to USDA zones 6–9.
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 var. yunnanense belongs to the Liliaceae and originates from western and central China. As a bulbous perennial it sends up a single-season flowering stem from the bulb, reaching roughly 1.8 m before dying back to the underground storage organ. Plant it where it receives partial shade rather than full sun and give it a soil that retains moisture yet drains freely; it will accept sandy, loamy or clay soils provided they are not waterlogged. The hardiness rating H6 means it tolerates typical UK winters down to very cold conditions; it also fits USDA zones 6–9. Keep soil consistently moist through the growing season to support the stem and blooms. In a UK garden it performs best toward the rear of a semi-shaded border or in a sheltered clearing where its height can be accommodated without dominating lower neighbours. Expect fragrant flowers in July to August on the tall stems, after which the aerial growth dies back and the bulb rests until the following season.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cardiocrinum
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Cardiocrinum giganteum var. yunnanense size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial bulbous plant
- Height
- 1.8 m
- Native to
- W. and C. China
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cardiocrinum giganteum var. yunnanense
- Cultivation
- Plant bulbs in autumn in humus-rich, well-drained soil; protect from strong winds
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower stems after flowering
- Propagation
- By seed or bulb offsets
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Cardiocrinum giganteum var. yunnanense?
Plant bulbs in autumn in humus-rich, well-drained soil; protect from strong winds.
Where is the best place to plant Cardiocrinum giganteum var. yunnanense?
Cardiocrinum giganteum var. yunnanense prefers partial shade.
What soil does Cardiocrinum giganteum var. yunnanense need?
Cardiocrinum giganteum var. yunnanense is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Cardiocrinum giganteum var. yunnanense?
Remove spent flower stems after flowering.
How big does Cardiocrinum giganteum var. yunnanense grow?
Cardiocrinum giganteum var. yunnanense reaches a height of 1.8 m.
Is Cardiocrinum giganteum var. yunnanense hardy in the UK?
Cardiocrinum giganteum var. yunnanense 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 var. yunnanense?
By seed or bulb offsets.
More in the Cardiocrinum genus
- Cardiocrinum cordatumheart-shaped lily
- Cardiocrinum giganteumgiant Himalayan lily
- Cardiocrinum aff. giganteum from Nagaland, India
- Cardiocrinum cathayanum