In July of this year, the International Lily Conference, sponsored by the Royal Horticultural Society of England, met in London.
Well-known botanists, plant breeders, and lily enthusiasts from around the world gathered to discuss the progress and development of this wonderful group of garden plants.
They indeed had much to talk about since the first International Conference had met in 1933.
World of Lilies
The world of lilies changes each season as new and stronger growing varieties march onto the garden stage.
It is now possible for most flower lovers to have a four-monthly succession of lily blooms with a reasonable choice of varieties.
The old species, which formerly comprised the largest portion of a gardener’s choice, have now been complemented by several groups of exquisitely beautiful hybrids.
Furthermore, these new lilies will thrive in average garden soils with full sun or light shade if given the good drainage that bulbous plants require.
Aurelian Hybrids
The Aurelian hybrids, developed by crossing the reflexed species L. henryi with various trumpet lilies, have probably produced the most striking and vigorous group of new hybrids.
Many of these are now reaching the market in large quantities and at reasonable prices. Royal Gold is a striking seedling strain of the regal lily that appears to come true in its color when grown from seed.
Form and Season of Bloom
The trumpet blooms’ butter and golden yellow tones are a welcome variation in the garden.
Golden Clarion, another strain, somewhat later and taller than Royal Gold, was developed by Jan de Graaff of Oregon.
From the tremendous variety of form and color in the Aurelian hybrids, breeders have selected types that more nearly resemble the species henryi in form and season of bloom.
Thus, to continue your Aurelian season through late July and August, try the Sunburst strain and its yellow selection, Golden Sunburst.
These tall, graceful lilies with reflexed and flaring blooms are fine garden materials.
This season, new developments in the Aurelian hybrids include the striking de Graaff trumpet strains African Queen and Copper King. Deep bronze and gold shadings lend a new and distinctive note.
Olympic Hybrids
Dr. E. Frank Palmer, formerly director of the Vineland Station, Ontario experimental station, has introduced some excellent Aurelians. His latest beauty, Regina, has won top awards at North American shows where it was exhibited.
Cool, white trumpet lilies have long been standard plant material. However, the Olympic hybrids, constantly selected for vigor and form, are the gardener’s best bet in this field.
Further diversification is in the excellent lime and chartreuse shades. Emerald Isle and the Emerald strain have come from de Graaff, and their cool tones and flaring trumpet blooms are most welcome.
Pink-toned trumpets are constantly improving, and the new Pink Ice strain is an excellent development that owes part of its vigor and color to Aurelian blood.
Sturdy Hybrids
Dr. C. F. Patterson of the University of Saskatchewan developed an exciting new group of lilies in recent years.
These sturdy hybrids from the prairies can withstand extreme cold and drought conditions.
They add new horizons with their pink and rose tones and reflexed blooms. Fuchsia Queen and Orchid Queen are two of the newer varieties.
Rosalind and the tall, stately Rose Queen are other excellent types. Lemon Queen is an outward-facing yellow with blooms that open in June.
The Oregon Bulb Farms have also developed an excellent yellow strain, generally known as the Citronella group of the Fiesta hybrids.
These nodding beauties are easily grown in gold and lemon tones and serve as graceful cut flowers.
Red Band Lilies
There has been renewed interest in growing the Japanese wildlings, L. auratum, L. speciosum, and their hybrids in recent years.
The gorgeous Jillian Wallace, developed by Roy Wallace of Victoria, Australia, has sparked much of this interest.
The large richly-textured blooms generally appear somewhat between the seasons of the gold band lily and speciosum in late summer.
New strains of auratum have recently appeared on the market. The Red Band lilies are variations of this brilliant species, and the crimson coloration down each petal gives a gorgeous effect.
Planting Lily Varieties
Catalog selections of lilies offered to gardeners this season contain the widest variety the plant world has yet seen.
Try to plant the bulbs with about 2” to 4” inches of soil on top in a well-drained location.
Dig the soil thoroughly and, if possible, put some bonemeal or good commercial fertilizer separated a few inches from the bulbs.
Soluble Fertilizers
We find that the new completely soluble fertilizers have a good effect when sprayed on lilies in growth or when watered into the ground.
As with most plants, judicious food produces worthwhile results. The Aurelians, trumpets, and some species appreciate a fair mulch the first winter after planting.
With these few suggestions and the occasional use of an all-purpose garden spray, flower lovers will find a wealth of plant material in hybrid lilies.
49324 by Sandy Best