Cardiocrinum giganteum var. yunnanense
A bulbous perennial with basal rosettes of large, glossy, purple-green leaves to 45cm long. Smaller leaves are produced on the 3m tall, purple flower stems. In summer up to 20 trumpet-shaped, strongly-scented flowers are produced; the petals are white with a green flush and maroon stripes within
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple | Green Purple | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | White | Green Purple | |
| Autumn | ||||
| 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
- W. and C. China
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant bulbs just below the soil surface in autumn, in a cool, partially shaded, sheltered site in deep, fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Water freely in dry conditions and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser 2-3 times when in growth. Topdress annually with leaf mould. Provide a deep winter mulch
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in deep trays in a cool, shaded bulb frame as soon as ripe. Remove offsets after flowering. Offsets may take 4-5 years to flower; seed raised plants take 7 years or more
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs
Diseases
May be susceptible to lily viruses
Get involved
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