Cardiocrinum giganteum, ‘Giant Yunnan Lily’ is one of the largest and most spectacular lilies in the world.
It originates from the Himalayas and southwestern China and will thrive in moist, semi-shaded positions.
The plant can grow to around 2 metres in height and produces numerous white waxy, very fragrant flower-spikes 15 to 20cm long long.
The large leaves of Cardiocrinum give rise to its name; it derives from the Greek words kardio for heart and krinum for lily.
Description & Information
Name: Cardiocrinum giganteum
Common name: Giant Yunnan Lily
Native: Himalayas and southwestern China
Size and spread : 2m tall
Hardy plant but slow growing
Ideal sowing period: Spring but can be sown indoors all year round
Planting Instructions
- Sow indoors at any time of year.
- Keep the seeds in the fridge until you are ready to sow
- Sow seeds in a pot of peaty compost at a depth of around 2-5mm and cover them with compost/grit (helps to retain moisture)
- Keep moist in a cool, covered light location
- No heat is needed, and the seeds often germinate in spring, however germination can be very slow
- The seeds may need two periods of cold moist conditions with a warm growing period in between
Cultivation Tips
- Allow the seedlings to grow in a shaded cold frame and protect them over the following winter.
- Plant out the following spring into good garden soil.
- The plants are monocarpic, which means that they die after flowering – but that’s only partly true because large numbers of offset bulbs are formed around the base of the old stem, and seedlings appear nearby too, to grow and flower again. This could take three to five years but will actually produce many more plants.
15 Giant Yunnan Lily Seeds: : £2.75 inc P&P
