Description
With flowering stalks reaching 3m, it is the tallest member of the lily family. It might take 4-7 years for the mother plant to flower, but before that happens, the plant produces heart shaped deep green leaves the size of dinner plates. Around the mother plant, basal daughters and granddaughters are produced. Even though being monocarpic, the daughters and granddaughters will produce flowering stalks in the subsequent years giving a yearly display worthy of garden tours. Its sweet strong perfume carries in the air and will do so for a month as the flowers open in succession. Prefers the same shady moist humus rich soil conditions as hosta. With thick sturdy stalks there is little worry about the stem not supporting the bounty of huge elongated funnel shaped flowers.
- Seed Count: 15-20
- Collection Date: November 2025
- Hardiness Zone: 7-10
- Height and Width: 2m x 60cm
- Germination test type: visual
How to germinate Cardiocrinum giganteum seed:
Best to directly sow in large deep pots. Use a moisture retentive humus rich acidic medium such as a milled peat moss and compost blend. Press firm to remove voids. Space seed 6cm apart if using communal germination containers. Thinly cover with chicken grit or similar to anchor the triangular paper thin seed down. Gently water to establish good seed medium contact. Vigorous watering will dislodge seed and decrease success. Needs cool temps for 2 months to break dormancy. Never over water. Medium should be moist but not wet.
