Giant Himalayan lily Cardiocrinum giganteum
ABOUT
C. giganteum is a perennial to 2m in height, with leaves to 30cm across, and terminal racemes of fragrant, trumpet-shaped white flowers marked with purple within the mouth
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Giant Lily, Himalayan Lily, Giant Himalayan Lily
Common names
Lilium giganteum, Cardiocrinum giganteum var. yunnanense, Lilium cordifolium, Cardiocrinum giganteum var. giganteum
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
8-10 feet (2.4-3 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Cardiocrinum giganteum, commonly known as the Giant Himalayan Lily, is highly prized for its striking appearance, with tall flower spikes and large, fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers.
- Wildlife attraction: This plant can attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which find its nectar-rich flowers particularly enticing.
- Garden design: The Giant Himalayan Lily acts as a dramatic focal point in garden designs, particularly in woodland or shade gardens due to its impressive height and floral display.
- Seasonal interest: It provides a unique and spectacular flowering period in the summer, which adds seasonal interest to the garden when many other plants have yet to bloom or have finished flowering.
- Cultural significance: The plant holds cultural importance in certain regions, being native to the Himalayas, and can symbolize different things in various cultures, such as longevity or beauty.
- Educational value: As a less commonly cultivated species, it provides an educational opportunity for gardeners and visitors to learn about diverse and unique flora.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Giant Himalayan lily bulbs can be processed to extract starch, which is sometimes used as a substitute for arrowroot or potatoes in culinary applications.
- The fibers from the stalks of the Giant Himalayan lily are occasionally used in papermaking for producing high-quality, textured paper.
- In some cultures, the leaves of the Giant Himalayan lily are used for wrapping food items, imparting a unique aroma to the dish during cooking.
- The seeds of the Giant Himalayan lily are sometimes used as beads in jewelry-making due to their unique size and shape.
- The large leaves of the Giant Himalayan lily are occasionally used as natural compost or mulch for gardens, enriching the soil as they decompose.
- The extensive root system of the Giant Himalayan lily can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on steep slopes or in gardening settings.
- Giant Himalayan lily flowers produce a significant amount of nectar and can serve as a food source for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- The dramatic appearance of Giant Himalayan lily flowers is sometimes incorporated into landscaping and garden designs for visual interest and structure.
- Dried stems of the Giant Himalayan lily are occasionally used in floral arrangements and crafts for their unique texture and form after the plant has finished blooming.
- The plant is sometimes referred to in folklore and used as a motif in art and literature, symbolizing purity and the ephemeral nature of beauty.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Giant Himalayan Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Giant Himalayan Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Stunning Beauty: With its impressive height and large, fragrant flowers, the Giant Himalayan Lily symbolizes stunning beauty and can remind us of nature's majestic aesthetic appeal.
- Rarity and Uniqueness: As a rare bloom that flowers infrequently, the Giant Himalayan Lily represents uniqueness and the value of rare events or individuals.
- Transformation: Considering the plant's life cycle, where it dies after blooming, the Giant Himalayan Lily symbolizes transformation and the idea of rebirth.
- Majesty and Grandeur: Due to its towering presence in the garden, the Giant Himalayan Lily is often associated with majesty and grandeur, representing something awe-inspiring and regal.
WaterGiant Himalayan Lily requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Water once a week by providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons for each plant to ensure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Reduce the amount of water as the plant enters dormancy after flowering. During winter, water sparingly, only enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
LightGiant Himalayan Lily thrives in partial shade to full shade. It is best positioned in a spot that receives filtered sunlight or dappled shade. Avoid direct, intense sunlight as it can scorch the leaves and compromise the plant's growth.
TemperatureGiant Himalayan Lily prefers a cool to moderate climate with temperatures ranging between 50°F and 70°F. It can survive brief periods of colder weather down to about 20°F but sustained freezing temperatures can be damaging. The ideal conditions are those of a cool, temperate woodland environment.
PruningPruning is not typically required for the Giant Himalayan Lily. However, after flowering, deadheading the spent blooms can encourage the plant's energy to be used for bulb growth. Prune away any yellow or dead leaves in the fall to maintain plant health and appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Giant Himalayan Lily thrives in a moist, well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7. A mixture of loamy soil, peat moss, compost, and a bit of sand is ideal to ensure good drainage and fertility.
RepottingThe Giant Himalayan Lily, being a bulbous plant, doesn't require frequent repotting. Repotting is usually done every 3 to 4 years or when the bulb outgrows its pot, typically after it flowers and goes dormant.
Humidity & MistingThe Giant Himalayan Lily prefers high humidity levels, ideally around 60-70%. It is important to maintain such humidity levels for optimal growth, especially during the growing season.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light, and ensure high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, enrich soil, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Giant Himalayan Lily (Cardiocrinum giganteum) typically begins as a seed, which after sowing, will germinate in a cool, moist environment. Seedlings initially produce a rosette of basal leaves, which over several years will develop into a small bulb as the plant undergoes vegetative growth. The bulb continues to grow and store energy over three to seven years, during which time foliage dies back annually. Once mature, the plant sends up a tall flowering spike, sometimes reaching up to 10-15 feet, with fragrant white flowers that bloom in succession over several weeks. After flowering, the plant will set seed and then the main bulb dies, but offsets and bulbils (small bulbs) may form at the base of the plant or in the leaf axils, allowing for vegetative propagation. Finally, the seeds disperse to potentially start a new generation, and the cycle continues as the offsets grow into mature, flowering plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Giant Himalayan Lily (Cardiocrinum giganteum) is by seeds. The best time to sow the seeds is in the fall, just after they are collected, as they require a cold period to break dormancy. Sow the seeds thinly in pots or trays filled with a mix of compost and sharp sand, covering lightly with soil. Place the pots in an outdoor cold frame or a sheltered spot in the garden to expose them to winter temperatures. Germination is slow and erratic, often taking 18 months or more, and seedlings may take several years to flower. During this period, maintain a consistent level of moisture and protect the seedlings from extreme conditions. Transplant the young plants to their final position once they are large enough to handle, usually after two to three years of growth.
