Cardiocrinum Flower

When it comes to botanical drama and breathtaking presence in the garden, few plants rival the Cardiocrinum—a giant lily that feels like it has stepped out of a mythical forest. Towering up to 3 meters tall, with massive trumpet-shaped flowers and bold, heart-shaped leaves, Cardiocrinum is often described as the “King of Lilies.” Native to the forests of the Himalayas, China, and Japan, it is not just a flower — it's a horticultural spectacle that captivates plant lovers around the world.

Cardiocrinum species are native to temperate forests of the eastern Himalayas, northern Myanmar, western China, Tibet, and Japan. These plants are typically found in moist woodland clearings, forest edges, and mountain slopes, where they thrive in the dappled light beneath tall trees.Their natural habitats are cool, shady, and rich in leaf litter and organic matter — conditions they require to flourish in cultivation.

What makes Cardiocrinum truly extraordinary is its flowering cycle. It takes 5 to 7 years (sometimes more) for the plant to mature from seed to bloom — but when it does, the display is unforgettable.The flower spike can reach 6 to 10 feet tall, emerging like a green spear from the basal rosette of large leaves.The spike produces dozens of enormous, trumpet-shaped flowers — creamy white with wine-red to maroon throats, and a sweet, intoxicating fragrance.The flowering usually happens in mid to late summer, depending on the climate.After flowering, the main bulb dies, but it typically produces offsets that can be propagated for future generations.