Cardiocrinum
( kar - dee - oh - KRYE - num )
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At-A-Glance InformationCommonly known as Giant Lilies due to their flowering height (which can reach upwards of 9 feet tall), these statement-piece flowers are grown from bulb, and produce fragrant, lily-type flowers. The most commonly grown species is Cardiocrinum giganteum, cultivated worldwide as a specimen plant and a striking addition to gardens. All species are native to East Asia, where they naturally grow in woodland areas with their bulbs just as soil surface. Cardiocrinum plants are monocarpic, meaning that they will set flowers once in their lives, and then expire. Take care when planting these flowers in the landscape, as all plant parts are toxic to humans and pets if ingested.
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Cardiocrinum species and varietals
The genus Cardiocrinum is a member of the plant family Lilliaceae and includes three species. The best growing zones for Giant Lilies vary depending on the species; for more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Cardiocrinum cathayanum This species is native to China, and produces large, showy flowers. These plants have a similar look to those in Cardiocrinum giganteum, though racemes only have 3-5 flowers each, where C. giganteum has 10-16. |
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Cardiocrinum cordatum (Turep) These plants are native to northeastern Asia, including areas in Japan, Russia, and islands in the Sea of Okhotsk. They are sometimes cultivated as ornamentals in their native range, though they are not as commonly grown as Cardiocrinum giganteum globally. These plants have become naturalized in the state of Maryland in the United States. |
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Cardiocrinum giganteum (Giant Himalayan Lily) These perennials grow from bulb, and are native to the Himalayas. Leaves are glossy and dark green, and about 1.5 feet long. Summertime blooms appear on a 6-12 foot tall leafy stem after the plant is about 3 to 4 years old. Each stem can hold up to 20 fragrant blooms that are white with red throats. Flowers will set seed, and then the entire plant will expire, leaving bulbs that will flower within three to four years. These plants grow best in zones 4-6 and 14-17. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map. |
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Caring for cardiocrinum
Bulbs should be set out in early spring (or in fall in mild-winter areas). Space bulbs 2 feet apart just beneath the soil surface. New plants can be started from seed, though these plants may take up to 7 years to reach adequate size to produce blooms. They should be planted in a space in the garden that is relatively sheltered and that receives partial shade. These plants are naturally found in the understory of woodland areas in their native range, and do not receive much direct sun. They prefer soil that is rich in nutrients and well-draining. If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. After planting Giant Lily, mulch around the base of the plant with organic mulching material to help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth. Keep mulch away from the plant stems, as this can encourage an environment for root rot issues to take hold.
Water newly planted Giant Lilies regularly as they develop a strong root system. They also prefer to have moist soil at maturity, but cannot be left in standing water. As a general rule of thumb, irrigate whenever the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch. Fertilize these lilies with an application of about 2 inches of compost around the base of plants each year in springtime. This is sufficient to carry these flowers through their growth seasons. Prune off any damaged, dead, diseased, or yellowing foliage as it appears. If plants are grown in a cramped space, make sure to dig them up and divide every three to four years for best plant health. For instructions on how to divide these plants, see the Propagation section below.
Water newly planted Giant Lilies regularly as they develop a strong root system. They also prefer to have moist soil at maturity, but cannot be left in standing water. As a general rule of thumb, irrigate whenever the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch. Fertilize these lilies with an application of about 2 inches of compost around the base of plants each year in springtime. This is sufficient to carry these flowers through their growth seasons. Prune off any damaged, dead, diseased, or yellowing foliage as it appears. If plants are grown in a cramped space, make sure to dig them up and divide every three to four years for best plant health. For instructions on how to divide these plants, see the Propagation section below.
Propagation
Cardiocrinum plants are best propagated through division. They do produce seeds which can be harvested and sown, but they only flower once in their lives, about 3-4 years after they mature. To propagate your Giant Lily by dividing plants, follow the instructions below:
Propagating Cardiocrinum by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil (any kind will do, though it does need to be well-draining), compost and pots (12 inch pots will do, and these are only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in very early spring (after the plant has entered dormancy, but before it has begun its new spring growth), and needs to be done every few years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance. To propagate by division, follow these steps:
Propagating Cardiocrinum by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil (any kind will do, though it does need to be well-draining), compost and pots (12 inch pots will do, and these are only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in very early spring (after the plant has entered dormancy, but before it has begun its new spring growth), and needs to be done every few years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance. To propagate by division, follow these steps:
- Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the bulb(s). Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
- Start to tease apart the roots with your gloved fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick bulb section attached.
- Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divided bulbs about an inch under the soil surface with their pointed end up and water them in thoroughly.
- Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout in the next growing season.
Problems and Pests
Cardiocrinum, or Giant Lily, plants are susceptible to the following pests and diseases in the landscape:
- Lily Mosaic Virus
- Aphids
- Bulb Rot
- Snails and Slugs
- Lily Beetles
Gallery
Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
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These plants are generally seen in their foliage-heavy state, as they only flower once in their lifetime.
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Giant Lilies prefer woodland habitats.
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Videos
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Plant Profile: Cardiocrinum giganteum.
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How to divide Giant Himalayan Lily.
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 220, Cardiocrinum giganteum
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