Type of Lilies an Overview
The flowers that we call Lilies are Lilium varieties, both species and cultivars. And over 100 species and many more hybrids and cutivars these flowering bulbs provide a wide range of possibilities for the garden.
All varieties prefer a well drained soil with lots of well rotted compost, some protection from hot afternoon sun, and you have a good spot for liliums.
Asiatic Liliums are very popular although not scented. Lilium Longifolium are used extensively in the cut flower industry.
Lilium Plant Profile and Growing Hints
Liliums come in a range of forms Asiatic Hybridss, Oriental Liliums, Perfumed Trumpet Liliums, Lilium Longifolium x Asiatic (LA cross), OrientalLilium x Trumpet, Asiatic species and Species Lilium.
Oriental types have large flowers and are fragrant. Martagon Lilies with their nodding flowers are most attractive. A huge range of flower colors from white through to deep red.
Many liliums are fragrant and flowers can be spotted, or have a brush stroke appearance. Liliums mostly grow from bulbs and are deciduous.
Lilium Varieties
Species Lilies.
Species lilies are as they were in the wild not hybridized. Species Lilies are native to a range of areas including Europe, Asia, India and America. Species lilies are the starting point for all of the hybrids. Some Species lilies are great hardy garden plants, some are difficult or ‘challenging’ to grow, but all are rewarding.
Asiatic Hybrids
Asiatic Hybrids have a huge color range from white through to deep red, are easy to grow and are the earliest to flower.
The flowers of Asiatic Hybrid Lilies can be pendant, upward facing or downward facing and are in general Asiatic Hybrids are not fragrant.
The most popular asiatic lilies seem to be the yellow and orange varieties, new varieties have spots, speckles and brushmarks.
Martagon Lilies and Martagon Hybrids
Martagon Lilies are sometimes referred to as ‘Turks Caps’. Downward facing flowers with lots of flowers growing on tall stems.
Martagon Liliies prefer a shaded position and like to be well mulched, leave undisturbed for best results.
Only two species in this group, however many Martagon Hybrids.
• Lilium martagon var. martagon – from Portugal to Mongolia
• Lilium martagon var. pilosiusculum Russia, Kazakhstan, Xinjiang, Mongolia
Candidum Hybrid Lilies
Candidum Hybrids flower in early summer, generally white fragrant flowers also referred to as ‘madonna lilies’. Plant these only10cm deep. Really a beautiful lily.
Longiflorum
Long trumpet shaped flowers, used a lot in floristry, Longiflorum are a little fussy to grow. White is the common form however yellow forms are now available.
Commonly known as the Easter lily, originates from the Ryukyu Islands, an arc of islands stretching from Taiwan to the southern tip of Japan, including Okinawa.
L.longifolium was introduced to Europe in the early 19th century highly valued for its striking white, trumpet-shaped flowers.
Trumpet Lily
Growing up to 2.5m Trumpet Lilies are giants, a wide range of colors from white through to purple.
New shorter growing types of Trumpet Lilies are available, but why not look for the tall ones.
Trumpet Lilies, such as species like Lilium regale, are giants.
Large, trumpet-shaped, and often fragrant flowers in a wide range of colors from white to purple.
Native to regions such as western Sichuan in China, Lilium regale is a key species in this group.
Oriental Hybrids
riental Hybrids (Lilium spp.) are prized for their intense fragrance and large, colorful flowers in shades from pure white to deep purple.
Popular species and varieties include Lilium auratum, Lilium speciosum, and the famous ‘Stargazer’ hybrid—a cross between L. auratum and L. speciosum.
These lilies prefer semi-shade with humus-rich, well-drained soil to keep roots cool.
Orienpets and other hybrids
Orienpets are a cross between Oriental Lilies and Trumpet Lilies. Other crosses between divisions are plentiful. Orienpets are fairly tough and will cope with colder conditions.
American Hybrids
American hybrids are hybrids of lilies native to North America. Interesting ballon like flowers these lilies like a shaded position with humus rich soil and a cool root run
Lilium Bulbs are available for sale from the following growers and nurseries
365 Lighthouse Rd Wynyard. TAS 7325
PH 03 6442 2012
email to: sales@vdqbulbs.com.au
www.vdqbulbs.com.au
'Sylvan Vale' 375 Olinda Creek Rd, Kalorama, VIC.3766
Including a large range of Rare and unusual bulbs, corms and perennials
www.tonkinsbulbs.com.au
412 James Lane, Fern Hill VIC. 3458 - Phone 0419002651
Large range of Rare plants, Climbers, Bulbs, Perennials Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. Available both Retail and by Mail Order
www.whitehousenursery.com.au
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au