Cardiocrinum giganteum

Family: Liliaceae

What it is like

Cardiocrinum giganteum is a BULB growing to 1.8 m (6ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in August, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1.8

Where it is found

Woodland clearings at an altitude of 1,500 - 2,400 metres and as high as 3,600 metres around Simla.

E. Asia - Himalayas from Nepal to Assam and Sikkim.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

The leaves are used as an external cooling application to alleviate the pains of wounds and bruises. A paste of the root is applied as a poultice to treat dislocated bones.

Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.

Other

Rating: 1

A kind of flute is made from the hollow stems.

Musical: Specific mention of plants used as musical instruments. Does not include the various woods that can be used for making musical instruments.

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Prefers a moist well-drained position in shade and a soil that is rich in leafmould. Requires a deep, very fertile humus-laden soil. Prefers growing in woodland conditions. A monocarpic plant, the bulb takes about 7 years to reach flowering size but then dies after flowering. However, it produces a number of new bulblets at the base and can be propagated by these. These bulblets take 3 - 5 years to flower. The flowers scent the surrounding area with their rich sweet perfume. When planting, only just cover the bulb with leafmould. The bulb is very attractive to slugs, mice and voles and may require protection. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame in the autumn. The plant has delayed epigeal germination and will often germinate in the spring but can take up to 2 years especially if the seed is stored prior to being sown. An alternative is to mix the seed with some moist leafmould and seal it in a plastic bag. Keep this at a temperature of 20°c for 3 weeks then pot up any seed that germinates and place the rest in a fridge for 4 - 5 weeks at 3 - 5°c before sowing in a warm place. Seedlings should be grown on in pots in a shaded position in a cold frame or greenhouse for 3 - 4 years before planting them out in their permanent positions. Bulblets are obtained from the base of the old plant after flowering. Pot up and plant out when well established.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Bulb

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Lilium giganteum.