Plant of the week: Cardiocrinum giganteum
The Giant Himalayan Lily may reach a height of two-three metres with almost 20cm long fragrant trumpet-shaped flowers and large heart-shaped leaves.
The white flowers (maroon interior markings) are beautiful and fragrant. After pollination, the petals fall off. The flower stalks age beautifully and, on a dry day, the seed pods split open. After flowering, they die, leaving behind offsets which flower in three to five years.
Planting in successive years or in different sizes will establish a cycle of flowering. They prefer light shade, humidity and rich, leafy soils.