An extraordinary variant from Linda Cochran's (of course) old garden which she allowed us to salvage when moving.  Distinctly mocha foliage in early spring, with various plant parts retaining dark tones.  Notably, the flower stem is very dark as are the bracts enclosing the flower bud.  The flowers are lovely, white and richly colored in dark maroon.  These are bulbs from isolated, hand-pollinated seed.

An extraordinary variant from Linda Cochran's (of course) old garden which she allowed us to salvage when moving.  Distinctly mocha foliage in early spring, with various plant parts retaining dark tones.  Notably, the flower stem is very dark as are the bracts enclosing the flower bud.  The flowers are lovely, white and richly colored in dark maroon.  These are bulbs from isolated, hand-pollinated seed.

Three-year old bulbs of this exquisitely choice red-flowered variant of this shorter species.  Saturated red interior with a white and red exterior - dang! This normally flowers 5-6 years from seed and these are a good age to get established for maximum oomph when flowering.  You will be forgiven for any horticultural braggadocio!

The correctly named true species as what is generally seen in gardens are forms of Cardiocrinum giganteum.  The only deviation from the key of 3-5 flowers are some with up to 9 flowers which we attribute to easy living in our garden and variation within the species. This is most closely allied to C. cordatum

Giant Himalayan Lily.  Outrageous Lily family member which can reach 14' high in flower with huge 10" long Easter Lily white flowers flushed purple in the throat.  This combined with an intoxicating fragrance is an event that demands a party with plenty of sparkling wine.  Plant shallow, rich & moist soil.

Grown from seed collected in the Yoro Mts in Japan, this compensates for being shorter than its cousins by being hardier to Zone 6.  Personally, I subscribe to the fishing theory that it is not the size of the worm you use but how you wiggle it.  Rich moist soil and creamy trumpets in 2-3 years.

Seedlings from our Cardiocrinum giganteum var. yunnanense 'Big & Pink' which is one of two pink Cardiocrinums known to exist.  We have the other one as well.  These are hand-pollinated seedlings of this amazing and extremely rare plant  and we expect them to be pink as well.  "It's so big and pink!"

Cardiocrinum is exciting enough but variety yunnanense with its burnished copper new growth causes pulses to elevate along with dilated pupils and flaring nostrils.  When this is blooming it is almost as good as sex.  It takes a few years but purple flushed white flowers on 12' stalks - oh yes!

Excellent form of the species from our 2010 Asian collection. Nicely packed flowers more horizontal than pendulous with more purple in the throat than typical.  The new growth is pleasingly bronze which then greens up as the leaves mature.  Don't be afraid to feed and water this - it will just get bigger and taller!

Our collection of this triumphant Asian species which occurs in the Sino-Himalaya and is such a delight in the garden.  This collection is from an adjacent area to the CGG14112 collection also listed and we expect these to be of similar high caliber when they reach flowering size.  Rich, moist soil and plant shallow.

Three year old bulbs of this grand show-stealer.  From near the eastern edge of this species described range, this was growing above a stream in the bright dappled light that filtered through the leaves of a panoply of deciduous and broadleaf evergreen trees and large shrubs.  This collection has very rounded leaves.

Three year old bulbs of this incomparably garden-worthy species.  This is from a slightly more eastern extension to its range than currently recognized and was found just as drier Pinus forest changed to wetter, mixed deciduous forest.  Fragrant white flowers with some purple coloration in the interior on stems 8'-12' tall is 3-4 years.  A Far Reaches Botanical Conservancy Offering

Cardiocrinum is exciting enough but variety yunnanense with its burnished copper new growth causes pulses to elevate along with dilated pupils and flaring nostrils.  When this is blooming it is almost as good as sex.  It takes a few years but purple flushed white flowers on 12' stalks - oh yes!

Giant Himalayan Lily.  Outrageous Lily family member which can reach 14' high in flower with huge 10" long Easter Lily white flowers flushed purple in the throat.  This combined with an intoxicating fragrance is an event that demands a party with plenty of sparkling wine.  Plant shallow, rich & moist soil.