Cardiocrinum cordatum var. glehnii
A perennial that grows from a bulb to 2m in height, with dark green heart-shaped leaves to 30cm across. In summer up to 20 huge fragrant, trumpet-shaped creamy-white flowers marked with purple are borne. It varies from C. cordatum by being taller, with more flowers.
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Cream | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Brown | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Liliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Cardiocrinum are large bulbous perennials with heart-shaped leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers resembling lilies, folowed by erect oblong seed capsules. Monocarpic, the bulbs dying after flowering
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, deep, humus-rich, fertile soil. Intolerant of waterlogging and may need some protection from frosts in colder areas. Mulch and feed regularly. Intolerant of hot or dry sites. Dried seed heads can be used in flower arrangements. This plant is monocarpic, so the rosette of leaves that produces the flower stem dies after flowering. Many offsets form, from which flowers will come in subsequent years
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sowing in deep pans with bottom heat, or from offsets after flowering. May take up to 7 years to flower from seed; offsets may take 4-5 years to flower
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Cut out flowered stem to the base
Pests
May be susceptible to damage by slugs
Diseases
May be susceptible to a virus
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