Lily varieties

The lily (Lilium) family has more than 100 varieties. They belong to the genus Liliaceae.

Breeders and growers are constantly involved in the development of new varieties, with or without pollen, with a longer vase life, or more delicate scents …

Growers work at a great rate and the lily family has become really broad. Cultivation is very environmentally friendly in the Netherlands - the growers purify and recycle their water and use only responsible plant protection and fertilisation media.

Breeders no longer crossbreed exclusively within the groups but are increasingly crossbreeding between the groups.

Lilium longiflorum

This group of lilies has only a very narrow base in nature. The current assortment of Longiflorums was developed from the following wild lilies:

• L. longiflorum
• L. formosanum
• L. phillippinense

Appearance

The Longiflorum have trumpet shaped flowers and are mostly white. Nowadays we also see Longiflorum-type plants in various shades of pink. This colour is bred into the Longiflorums from the Orientals. The Madonna lily will always remain a classic and is traditionally used to accompany our departure from this mortal coil.

Every stem with a length of about 1.50 m, has 2 to 3 trumpets and the leaves are closely packed. Lilium Longiflorum cultivars are strongly scented (sweet and pungent), especially in the evening.

Asian hybrids

The Asians have emerged from a large group of varieties mainly found in China, Europe and America. The most important wild ancestors of today’s Asians are:

• L. tigrinum
• L. bulbiferum
• L. dauricum
• L. cernuum
• L. concolor

Appearance

Asians can be recognised by their wide range of colours (white, pink, orange, yellow, red and purple) and lots of distinctive (mixed) colours. The plant is often herbaceous and the stems generally bear a large number of buds (more than five).

The flowers are modest in size (± 14 cm) and are upright. They generally open up flat and are arranged one above the other, each one connected to the main stem.

Flowering and cultivation

Asians are very sensitive to light. This means that in the dark winter months the buds can dry out during the flowering period. They have a short cultivation time (± 75 days) until they flower. The stem length varies between 70 and 100 cm. The flowers have a vase life of between 8 and 12 days. This group of lilies is unscented or only lightly scented.

Varieties

The most popular varieties are Tresor, Navonna, Montenegro and Gironde.

Oriental hybrids

Unless the signs are misleading the OT-lily group is progressing in huge steps. Today’s Orientals are the result of crossbreeding a number of varieties, most of which come from Japan. The following varieties are involved:

• L. alexandrae
• L. auratum
• L. japonicum
• L. nobilissimum
• L. rubellum
• L. speciosum

In recent years we have increasingly sold hybrids into which various characteristics such as strength, colour and stress resistance are being bred from the so-called trumpet lilies.

Appearance

Orientals are the most significant group of lilies. They are sometimes referred to as Japanese lilies because of their origins. Their colour range is limited to white, yellow, pink (from pale pink to almost red), red and combinations of these colours.

The plant is woody, with leathery leaves and generally has 3 to 5 blooms although more are possible. As a rule, the growing period is long (± 110 days) until flowering.

The flowers are very large (± 20 cm) and often flower upright. They normally open up flat and are arranged one above the other, each connected to the main stem. Orientals are not very light sensitive but they do need higher temperatures during cultivation. All Orientals are scented moderately to strongly. Their length varies from 90 cm to120 cm. These lilies have a vase life of 10 to 14 days.

Varieties

The most popular varieties are Sorbonne, Siberia Caroline Tensen, Gracia, Lake Carey, Robina, Cherbourg and Canberra.

Lilium longiflorum X Asian hybrids (LA)

The LAs are a hybrid form of Asian hybrids and Longiflorums. These hybrid lilies are relatively new and have undergone huge expansion. The First LA hybrids were introduced around 1992 and already the supply of LAs has outdistanced the supply of Asians.

In 2000, 34,000,000 LA stems were supplied to FloraHolland (compared to 123,000,000 Asians). In 2010 the number of LA stems rose to 80,000,000 (compared to 37,000,000 Asians).

It is forecast that the share of LAs will continue to grow in the coming years and that this type of lily will eventually replace the Asian hybrids.

Appearance

In appearance the LAs are similar to the Asians although there are some distinct differences. The LAs have larger blooms, which makes them popular with florists and consumers. The hybridisation has resulted in increased strength, making this type attractive to bulb producers.

Varieties

The most popular varieties are Pavia, Original Love, Brindisi, Ercolano, Salmon Classic.

Colours

White, pink, orange, yellow, red, purple and all kinds of “mixed” colours.