It’s not uncommon to lust after the luxury of Lilies. However, the LO hybrids are really quite special. They are hybridised between Longiflorum (a.k.a. trumpet lilies) and Oriental lilies, and the result is not only magical, but a jolly good garden plant too!
There are very few successful LO hybridisations that exist in the world. In fact there are only 10 varieties out there with some genetics, 2 of which are being offered in this amazing collection.
Bulbs will go on to increase in size year-on-year, sometimes creating more than one stem, and truly becoming a “Shrub Lily” that fills a space in the border. They are incredibly vigorous, reaching five feet in their first year!
The origins of this very unique hybridisation lie in Japan, where the initial crossings were done. The trumpet shape of the flower mostly looks like an Amaryllis, and doesn’t it just look incredible!
The LO hybrids are seen as the ‘holy grail’ in the Lily breeding world, and the amazing varieties that we’re offering are Cali and Triumphator – Cali is a lovely sugar pink, and Triumphator has a white bloom with striking maroon-blushed insides.
Originally intended for the cut flower market, you can be assured that these Lilies will last well in a vase if you are cutting them for indoors. In fact, they are a very popular cut flower in Marks & Spencer’s, no less. It is still quite an exclusive cut flower though, and only 200,000 stems are sold in the stores each year.A little bird also tells me that a bunch of Triumphator were spotted in the reception of a private members club in Sloane Square recently!
Flowers are glossy and waxy, and they will last so long you will have to dust them! And of course, that fragrance is more nose-friendly than a traditional richly fragrant Lily. Remember, this is only available at QVC – no other company is offering dry bulbs of these varieties.
These Lilies are quite tall but also self-supporting, thanks to the bamboo-like stems. You can grow them in the border, as screening or as a hedge. Of course, they can also be grown in containers.
Watch the video for an easy guide to planting into containers, and some tips on other plants you can combine them with.
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