Cardiocrinum
giganteum, commonly called the giant Himalayan lily, is a bulbous perennial
that is native to part shade woodland areas of the Himalayas, China and
Myanmar. Nodding, fragrant, trumpet-shaped, lily-like, white flowers (to
8″ long) with a greenish tinge on the outer petals, each with purple
adaxial streaking, bloom in terminal racemes in summer atop thick, straight,
rigid, stems growing up to 9′ tall. Stems rise up from a basal rosette of
glossy, broad-ovate, cordate-based, hosta-like, medium to dark green leaves (each
to 12-15″ long). Stem leaves are smaller. Each raceme has up to 20
flowers. Bulb dies after flowers bloom, but bulb offsets remain. Flowers are
followed by decorative seed capsules (to 2 1/2″ long). Woodland gardens.
Part shade areas of border. Sundappled areas shaded by large trees. Winter
hardy to USDA Zones 7-9. Best grown in deep, fertile, humusy, organically rich,
moist but well-drained soils in part shade. Best sited in locations sheltered
from strong winds. Sow seed in bulb trays.
Growing Instructions
for the Giant Himalayan Lily
The seeds often
wait until the second year to germinate so patience is required to grow this
plant. Sow the seeds in good potting
mix, water and place in a plastic bag at 55-65 °F (13-18 °C) for 2-3
weeks. Then place in the fridge to stratify for 4-6 weeks and return to
germination temperature. Remove from the plastic bag and keep the mix moist.
Germination can be very slow. Transplant seedlings when they’re large enough to
handle. Both seedlings and adults should be grown in part sun with plenty of
moist and organic rich soils (much like conditions for growing hostas). A
little fertilizer is recommended during the growing season.
David (verified owner) –
Great germination.
Daniel (verified owner) –
Easy to grow beautiful
Camden (verified owner) –
Great seeds, I now have squash everywhere from this one pack of seeds
Julian (verified owner) –
They arrived very fresh and not bruised. They were delicious.
Avery (verified owner) –
Very well worth the money.