Quackin Grass Nursery

just emerging the foliage is metallic and gorgeous

Cardiocrinum cordatum v. glehni - Newest leaves are simple like rhubarb; they emerge with notable red-purple veining. These expand into broad, flat glossy paddles, more bold than not. The leaves will return annually with an increasing number added among their ranks in the ensuing years until the inflorescence arises... I mean the leaves are still there but in a flowering year all eyes are on the expanding buds! Large lily look-a-like flowers in a creamy shade infused with green alternate on a stem that may attain a height of six feet. The interior base of each flower is underscored in red-purple. Flowers are fragrant. After flowering a single large, mature bulb will break down into smaller pieces, each with the potential of sizing up into another amazing display displaying more individuals in a few year's time than the first go-round. The span of time between a "bulby" morsel and the amazing flowering event is about 4 years. Yes, patience required... but imagine the pay off if you can find the laudable quality within yourself! Just gulp! And imagine a stand of these beauties - yikes! Do it! You can claim that you embody the patience of a saint with your head held pretentiously high sneaking glimpses of your adoring adherents. But please be self-aware enough to know that your loved ones and even some of those who don't love you quite so much have you pegged. Just sayin'. Though we have this fine bulbous plant hardy in zone 6 if you live farther north with assured deep snow cover in winter you can likely grow this plant right into zone 3. Also, it should be mentioned, this fine plant might be susceptible to lily leaf beetle where it is prevalent... I don't know for certain but am suspicious. Fertile, draining soil in open, dappled or late morning / afternoon shade. Potted Cardiocrinum.