Giant Himalayan Lily
cardiocrinum giganteum
Also known as: ["Giant Lily","Tall Himalayan Lily"]
Overview
A spectacular bulbous perennial native to the Himalayas, known for its towering height and large, fragrant trumpet-shaped flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Cardiocrinum |
| Botanical Name: | Cardiocrinum giganteum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: partial shade garden bed with shelter from strong winds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days during dry periods
- Drainage: Well-draining to fast-draining; avoid heavy clay soils that retain water.
- Soil Type: Rich, fertile, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter; prefers loamy or sandy loam.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; remove dead foliage in late fall or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; only remove dead or damaged parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; prefers bright indirect light or filtered sunlight for 4–6 hours daily; adjust for seasonal light intensity.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to outdoor light if moving from indoors; protect from intense midday sun to prevent leaf scorch; place in dappled shade under trees or structures for optimal light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade
Avoid direct afternoon sun; provide shade during peak hours; monitor for signs of sunburn or etiolation.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing in winter
Water thoroughly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; prioritize deep watering to encourage root growth; avoid waterlogging to prevent bulb rot.
Soil
moist, rich, humusy soil with good drainage
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent bulb rot; enrich soil with organic matter annually; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C); tolerates cooler spring and fall conditions; prefers cooler nights during dormancy.
Protect from frost; maintain consistent temperatures; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly to avoid bulb burn; focus on phosphorus for root and flower development; stop feeding in fall to encourage dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
By bulb division; separate small bulb offsets (bulblets) from the base of mature bulbs after flowering.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Dig up mature bulbs carefully.
- Separate small bulblets from the base.
- Replant at the same depth with adequate spacing.
- Water well.
Best Time: Late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back but before winter dormancy begins.
Environment
Cool, shaded environment with consistent moisture; protect from extreme temperatures and strong winds.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix with added compost or leaf mold; can also be grown in pots with a corm starter mix.
Hormone
Not typically required for bulb division; rooting hormone may help with bulblets if planting individually.
Timeline
Bulblets may take 3–5 years to mature and flower; division is best done every 3–4 years to maintain vigor.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, gloves, small pots (if growing separately).
Quick Tips
Handle bulbs gently to avoid damage; replant at the same depth; provide consistent moisture for establishment.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower stalks back to the base after blooming; trim yellowed or dead leaves as needed.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; focus on removing spent flower stalks and dead foliage to maintain plant health and aesthetics.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; cut back dead foliage; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring, just before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter if repotting.
Method
Gently remove the bulb from the pot; trim any dead roots; replant in fresh, well-draining soil at the same depth; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Not typically required for in-ground plants; container-grown plants may need repotting every 2–3 years to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Use fresh soil mix; maintain planting depth; ensure good drainage; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency based on weather.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues; ensure excess water drains away to prevent standing water.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, increasing to twice weekly in hot, dry periods; reduce watering in winter dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add compost, well-rotted manure, or leaf mold to enhance fertility and drainage; incorporate perlite or sand if soil is heavy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress; yellowing or browning leaves in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can damage tender foliage; bulbs may fail to emerge or develop properly if exposed to prolonged cold.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; move potted plants to a sheltered location; avoid planting in areas prone to frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf burn, and reduced flowering; bulbs may go dormant prematurely if stressed.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to keep roots cool and retain moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; dilute liquid fertilizers; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as growth begins; apply a liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength monthly during active growth; discontinue in late summer to allow for dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCardiocrinum giganteum is toxic to cats due to its cardiac glycoside content. Ingestion can lead to serious cardiac and gastrointestinal problems, which may be fatal without prompt veterinary intervention.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe cardiac glycosides in Cardiocrinum giganteum can be toxic to dogs, potentially causing severe cardiac issues, gastrointestinal distress, and other systemic effects. Toxicity can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicCardiocrinum giganteum contains cardiac glycosides, which can interfere with heart function when ingested in sufficient quantities. The effects are generally mild but can be more pronounced in sensitive individuals or with large ingestions.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Cardiocrinum giganteum grow?
A: It can reach heights of up to 2.5 meters (8 feet) when in flower.
Q: Is this plant suitable for shade?
A: Yes, it prefers partial shade, especially in regions with hot summers.
Q: Does the plant die after flowering?
A: Yes, the bulb is monocarpic, meaning it dies after flowering but may produce offsets that will bloom in subsequent years.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
