Giant Fritillary Lily
Cardiocrinum giganteumfam. Liliaceae
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Pl. AF06 — Cardiocrinum giganteum
Cardiocrinum giganteumCardiocrinum giganteumCardiocrinum giganteumCardiocrinum giganteumCardiocrinum giganteumCardiocrinum giganteumCardiocrinum giganteumCardiocrinum giganteumCardiocrinum giganteumCardiocrinum giganteumCardiocrinum giganteumCardiocrinum giganteumCardiocrinum giganteumCardiocrinum giganteum
IOverview
Overview
Cardiocrinum giganteum, a member of the lily family, is native to regions including Assam, China, Myanmar, Nepal, and Tibet. Known for its ornamental value due to its large, showy flowers, this plant also has edible parts, specifically its bulb. It thrives in partial sun or shade, requiring moist conditions and well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Hardy from zones 6-9, it grows up to 1.8 meters tall, making it a striking addition to gardens while also providing culinary benefits.
Quick answers
What is Giant Fritillary Lily?
Cardiocrinum giganteum, a member of the lily family, is native to regions including Assam, China, Myanmar, Nepal, and Tibet. Known for its ornamental value due to its large, showy flowers, this plant also has edible parts, specifically its bulb.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Cardiocrinum giganteum thrives in partial sun to shade and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 6-9 and grows up to 1.8 meters tall. For propagation, the bulb can be divided after flowering. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but well-drained to prevent root rot. This plant is native to regions like Assam, China, Myanmar, Nepal, Tibet, and the East and West Himalayas.
Light
Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Mature size
1.8 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Giant Fritillary Lily for the first time
8steps
Start with Giant Fritillary Lily to experience growing a tall, striking lily in your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Giant Fritillary Lily bulbs, gardening gloves, trowel, watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with partial sun to shade. Ensure soil is well-draining but moisture-retentive, rich in organic matter.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant bulbs 10-15 cm deep and 20-30 cm apart. Plant the pointed end up.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight during this period.
- 6
Ongoing care
Continue regular watering, especially in dry spells. Fertilize once a year with compost or well-rotted manure.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and spent flowers to maintain plant health but avoid cutting back foliage until it yellows naturally.
- 8
Common mistakes
Planting too deep, overwatering, neglecting to mulch, not providing enough shade, using chemical fertilizers.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Bulb
Edible uses: The bulb of Cardiocrinum giganteum is edible and can be prepared in various ways. It is often cooked or used raw in dishes, though it may also be dried for later use. Skip the specific preparation methods to maintain a concise note.
Other uses:CraftingFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
9 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
9 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 9 native
Asia4 regions
native (4)ChinaIndiaMyanmarNepal
Broader regions
native:East Himalaya, West Himalaya
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Liliaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Liliaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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