For me, they're a bit like Nerines or hippeastrum - that is, only part bury them and leave about half above the ground. Thereafter they get treated like Hostas - a good serving of compost in autumn but the tips are still clear. Start with a fairly small pot - maybe four inches across, then pot on as the roots develop. They obviously won't reach full glory in such a small container but they will establish good roots. They seem to me to be a lot like lilies in that they never really go dormant, and take a while to resettle themselves. Make sure the drainage is really good and the growing medium holds water without staying sodden. (Think good leaf mould for the sort of qualities and texture needed.) They do brilliantly in high rainfall/mist areas (8'+) but get to at least five feet in less favoured areas, so plan for a pot with enough weight to support this size of growth without toppling. About the only other thought, though it's not likely, is that you've somehow gotten hold of a bulb that's flowered already. It's a matter of once flowered, then die and leave lots of little bulbs to come along.

The 3 species of cardiocrinum I mention are relatives of the lily, but thrive in part to mid-level shade. The giganteum is outfacing, whereas the cathayanum faces more down. They are all noted as quite fragrant, but I'm well aware that until I actually smell it (hopefully from afar), it may just be more "boost the plant sales" type hype. I learned of cardiocrinum giganteum 3 years ago (it is offered by several reputable nurseries), but shied away from buying it as it takes 7 years to bloom from seed and once it flowers, it dies. However, bulblets form around the base and will bloom in 3 years. The stalks look like the stiffest of the OT hybrid lilies and the leaves are larger than lilies. I have nearly all of the fragrant gems that can live in Zone 8, so I've branched-out to new horizons, like tolerant tropicals and zone 9'ers in sheltered spots, as well as more people-powered propagators like these plants.

Hi puddles of portland, I found this website 2 months ago. This nursery is in Stanwood, Washington. I don't know if they are near you but found cardiocrinum cordatum. I have never ordered from them. But I think I will be placing my first order with them, they seem to have a lot of rare and unusual plants. I also purchased cardiocrinum giganteum from Asiatica last fall and it was a good size. Anyway let me know what you find. Here is a link that might be useful: Keeping it green nursery

Camp, do give them a shot it should be easy peasy for you, the var. 'yunnanese' the one with the bronzy new foliage blooms from pups in just a couple of years in fact I had one bloom this year it was separated from the mother bulb only last year. They really aren't that difficult, I think your climate is pretty similar to mine so you shouldn't have a problem. Mine are planted at the base of a mature Robinia tree, no special attention and they are thriving. Annette