A rare and impressive sight is approaching at Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden (六甲高山植物園) in Kobe — the giant Himalayan lily is on the verge of flowering.
The Giant Himalayan Lily
The Himalayan lily (Cardiocrinum giganteum, family Liliaceae) is a large bulbous plant native to the Himalayas and mountainous regions of China, growing naturally at elevations of 2,500 to 3,500 meters. Plants can reach heights of over 3 meters, bearing 8 to 15 fragrant white flowers that face slightly downward.
One remarkable characteristic of this species is that once a bulb flowers, it does not bloom again. Further plants must be grown from the side bulbs or by sowing seeds harvested from the fruit. According to the garden's advisor Kazuo Mori, "It takes 8 years from seed to first flowering, and growth is very slow. Very few places in Japan cultivate this plant, making it quite rare."
Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden achieved its first successful bloom of this species in 2020. This year marks the 6th blooming (with the exception of 2022), and 4 plants are currently growing and expected to be enjoyed through late June.
Event: Rokko Alpine Botanical Garden × Koyomi Life · Hanamidori
Running alongside the lily blooming season is a special exhibition inspired by the Japanese 72 seasonal micro-seasons (七十二候). The exhibition features displays themed around the colors of the seasons and a flower-collecting stamp rally, all set among alpine flora from the Alps, the Himalayas, and Japan's mountain regions.
- Period: Now through Sunday, July 12
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (tickets sold until 4:30 PM)
- Participation fee: Free (separate garden admission required)
Visiting Information
- Open period: Now through Sunday, November 29 (some closures apply; check the official website for details)
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (tickets sold until 4:30 PM)
- Admission: Adults (middle school age and above) ¥900 / Children (ages 4 through elementary school) ¥450
- Parking: ¥1,000
Operations and events may be changed or cancelled due to bad weather.
