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Cardiocrinum giganteum
giant Himalayan lily
Himalayas — from Afghanistan and Pakistan east through Nepal, Bhutan, and China to Myanmar; moist temperate mountain forests at 6,000-12,000 feet (1,800-3,600 m) elevationLearn more
Overview
Cardiocrinum giganteum is giant Himalayan lily, a monocarpic bulbous perennial growing 6-12 feet (1.8-3.6 m) tall and 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m) wide. White trumpet-shaped pendant flowers 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) with purple-red throat streaking in racemes of 10-20 at the top of a single towering stem in July-August (4 weeks). Strongly fragrant. Glossy dark green broadly heart-shaped leaves 8-18 inches (20-45 cm) arranged spirally up the stem. In Liliaceae. Giganteum = giant. Native to the Himalayas at 6,000-12,000 feet (1,800-3,600 m). The most dramatic limitation: the parent bulb is monocarpic — it dies after flowering. The bulb produces offsets that take 3-7 additional years to flower. Plant a group of bulbs of different sizes to stagger blooms across successive years, otherwise years may pass with no flowers. Plant the bulb tip at soil level (not buried deeply). Not drought-tolerant — requires consistently moist humus-rich soil. Slugs attack the young growth. The very large size and the wait for rebloom are significant cultural commitments. Deer browse. Toxicity unknown. Zones 6-9. Part shade. Growth rate is slow.
Native Range
Native to the Himalayas — Afghanistan and Pakistan east through Nepal, Bhutan, and China to Myanmar. Found in moist temperate mountain forests at 6,000-12,000 feet (1,800-3,600 m) elevation.Suggested Uses
Grown as a dramatic woodland garden specimen in moist shaded sites spaced 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 m). Plant a group of bulbs in staggered sizes for successive bloom years. Strongly fragrant towering midsummer flowers. Monocarpic. Deer browse. Zones 6-9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 12'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 7 years
Bloom Information
Midsummer (July-August). White trumpet-shaped pendant flowers 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) with purple-red throat streaking in racemes of 10-20 at the top of the stem. Strongly fragrant. 4 weeks. Monocarpic — parent bulb dies after bloom. Offsets flower in 3-7 years.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White with purple-red throat streaking; large pendant trumpet-shaped, 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long, held horizontally to pendant in racemes of 10-20 flowers at the top of the stem; strongly fragrantFoliage Description
Glossy dark green, broadly heart-shaped (cordate), 8-18 inches (20-45 cm) wide, arranged spirally up the tall stemGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-5 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Part shade (2-5 hours). Consistently moist humus-rich soil pH 5.5-7.0. Not drought-tolerant. Plant tip at soil level (not buried). Monocarpic — parent bulb dies after bloom; offsets take 3-7 years to flower. Plant multiple bulbs of different sizes for successive years of bloom. Slugs on new growth. Mulch in zones 6-7. Deer browse. Toxicity unknown. Zones 6-9.Pruning
Remove spent flower stalks in fall (October-November) or leave the ornamental seed capsules through winter. Remove dead stem and foliage after the parent bulb has finished. Mark the offset positions and leave them undisturbed.Pruning Schedule
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fall