Cardiocrinum cordatum var. glehnii

Synonyms

Cardiocrinum glehnii
Lilium cordatum var. glehni

Bulbs

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.

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Liliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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