Cardiocrinum

Probably one of the grandest perennials of all. Large heart-shaped, glossy leaves, stems up to 2.5m tall with large, scented, lily-like flowers during late spring, early summer. Their scent grows stronger in the evening and these lilies are believed to be pollinated mainly by long-tongued moths. Followed by attractive seed pods, containing thousands of thin, papery seeds. Needing a rich, moisture retentive soil and protection from harsh summer sun. Plants can take around 5-7 years to flower from seed, while around 3-5 years from bulbils produced after the main bulb has flowered. Cardiocrinum breaks down as Greek kardia, meaning 'heart', referring to the leaves and crinum, 'lily'.