THIS BEAUTY HAS A PERFUME THAT IS UNSURPASSED AND HAS THE MOST GORGEOUS FOLIAGE TOO! JAPANESE IMPORT SHADE LOVER.

Cardiocrinum cordatum var. glehnii

Also known as: Glehnii Giant Himalayan Lily or Japanese Giant Lily
Family: Liliaceae
Native range: Northern Japan, Sakhalin, and parts of eastern Russia

Origins and Habitat

Cardiocrinum glehnii is a botanical cousin of the more widely known Cardiocrinum giganteum. This variety hails from the cooler, damp woodlands of Japan and the Russian Far East. It thrives in shaded, rich forest soil where summers are mild and winters are cold but not bone-dry. It’s a woodland plant through and through, naturally found near streams or in ravines where humidity is high and the canopy above offers dappled light.

Appearance and Outstanding Features

This plant is a showstopper.

• It forms a lush, low-growing rosette of large, heart-shaped leaves in its early years—very striking and glossy green.

• After several years of building up energy, it sends up a tall flower stalk (up to 1.5–2.5 metres), topped with large, trumpet-shaped flowers in white or cream, often flushed with maroon in the throat and sweetly fragrant.

• The blooming event is so dramatic that it’s often described as “monumental” by those lucky enough to witness it.

• Like all Cardiocrinum species, it is monocarpic, meaning the flowering rosette dies after blooming—but pups or offsets are often produced around the base, continuing the cycle.

Edibility and Medicinal Use

In Japan and surrounding areas, the bulb has been historically foraged, though with caution. It contains starch and was sometimes used as a survival or famine food. However, like many lily relatives, the raw bulb can be slightly toxic and bitter unless thoroughly processed (e.g., leached and cooked well).

There are no widely accepted modern medicinal uses, but in traditional or folk medicine, lilies in general have been used for soothing the lungs and skin. Cardiocrinum, however, is not commonly used for this and is generally grown for ornamental purposes only. Edibility is possible but not recommended for casual or modern consumption.

How to Grow Cardiocrinum cordatum var. glehnii from Seed

Growing Cardiocrinum from seed is a test of patience but deeply rewarding. Here’s how:

1. Seed Prep:
Seeds are best sown fresh. They have a two-stage germination process (epigeal):

• Warm stratification for 2–3 months (~15–20°C)

• Followed by cold stratification for 3 months (~4°C, e.g., fridge or winter outdoors)

This mimics natural seasonal change. If you’re sowing in autumn, nature may do this for you.

2. Sowing Medium:
Use a moist, humus-rich seed-raising mix—something with good drainage but also moisture retention. Sow seeds on the surface and press lightly down, don’t bury them deeply.

3. Location:
Keep in light shade—not full sun. Ideal spot is somewhere sheltered from hot summer sun and wind. In warmer Australian climates, protection from dry heat is essential.

4. Germination and Growth:
Germination can be slow—6 to 18 months is normal. Once seedlings emerge, let them develop slowly in pots for the first year. Transplant to the garden in their second or third year.

5. Maturity and Blooming:
It usually takes 4–7 years for plants to reach flowering maturity, depending on conditions. After flowering, the main plant dies, but it often leaves behind bulblets (offsets) which can be grown on.

Grow Notes
Cardiocrinum cordatum var. glehnii is more frost hardy and easier to grow version of the more commonly known and grown Himalayan Cardiocrinums.

Grow in part or filtered shade in moist, humus rich, well drained soils. Provide Protection from Slugs, Snails, and Aphids.

Sow
Plant in pots and keep indoors at any time of year. Sow the seeds on the surface of good quality potting mix and cover with 6mm of sieved mix or coarse sand.

Keep moist, but never wet for 2-3 weeks at temperatures between 13-18°C.

After 2-3 weeks of being warm, next wrap the moist, sown punnet in cling-wrap and place it into the fridge for a 4-6 weeks chilling period to persuade the seeds that winter has occurred.

Remove from fridge and remove cling-wrap. Ensure the punnet is moist and place back into its previous position at 13-18°C.

Germination
Seedlings will emerge at different times and over a period as part of the natural staggered germination tactic which occurs with this plant. So have patience and don’t throw out your seeds.

Maturity
It forms a bulb which makes new offsets each year.