Lilybulb.com - by B&D Lilies®
First in Garden Lilies... Since 1978'Madam Butterfly' - L. henryi species hybrid
Lily Bulb Description
Classification: Intercrossed species lily (USDA Zones 5-9, the colder climates of this range must provide winter mulching.)
Stock # 8020 - 'Madame Butterfly' - L. henryi species hybrid.
How about a Lilium henryi Hybrid that has the same delicate shape of L. henryi, with massive raised papillae, but with white-colored petal tips? Looking like dancing butterflies on the stem, this sturdy lily has great potential in hybridizing, plus adds animation to the garden on windy days. Released by its breeder, Johan Mak, exclusively to B&D Lilies for our 25th Anniversary Catalog way back in 2003, 'Madame Butterfly' just seems to get better every year. 2 to 3 Feet, July Flowering.
Bulb Size - Our standard for bulbs of this lily cultivar ranges from Premium-size» (14/16 cm) to Exhibition-size» (over 18 cm). Click here for details.
How is a lily named? For us, most lilies come by their names from something personal in our life. So where did ‘Madame Butterfly’ come from? Bred by our friend Johan Mak, and grown by his son, we watched this lily for years being slowly built up. We all agreed that with the butterfly like flowers that danced in the wind, this yet to be named lily should carry the name of a butterfly. The problem encountered was that the “common” names of regional butterflies did not match the grace and beauty of this lily, and the Latin names were beyond pronunciation.
We were coming down to the wire. This yet to be named lily was ready for introduction, but still no name that would do this lovely little L. henryi flower justice. While driving to the Mak field in Oregon, I was listening to ‘Un bel di vedermo’ the famous aria from the Puccini Opera ‘Madame Butterfly’. Our daughter, a very gifted classical vocalist was looking at it and I wanted to become more familiar with the piece. All of a sudden there was one of those “duh” moments. Why not ‘Madame Butterfly' I thought. Excited, I was bursting with a name, while driving the last couple hours, eager to talk with Johan. Upon pulling up in his driveway, he met me with a big smile on his face proclaiming “I have it!” “Madame Butterfly”. I stood there in disbelief and we quickly concluded that all great minds think alike.
I suggested since we were going with ‘Madame Butterfly’ for this lily, why not ‘Suzuki’, who was the servant of Butterfly for another of his L. henryi hybrids we were looking to introduced. It was fitting as the role of ‘Suzuki’ is that of a mezzo-soprano and this was a “deeper voiced” lily. That day, we had a twofer, ‘Madame Butterfly’ and ‘Suzuki’. For those familiar with the opera, there are no plans at this time for a Lt. Pinkerton.
Save $4.00 on purchase of 6 Bulbs.
Stock # 8020 - 'Madame Butterfly' - L. henryi species hybrid.
How about a Lilium henryi Hybrid that has the same delicate shape of L. henryi, with massive raised papillae, but with white-colored petal tips? Looking like dancing butterflies on the stem, this sturdy lily has great potential in hybridizing, plus adds animation to the garden on windy days. Released by its breeder, Johan Mak, exclusively to B&D Lilies for our 25th Anniversary Catalog way back in 2003, 'Madame Butterfly' just seems to get better every year. 2 to 3 Feet, July Flowering.
Bulb Size - Our standard for bulbs of this lily cultivar ranges from Premium-size» (14/16 cm) to Exhibition-size» (over 18 cm). Click here for details.
How is a lily named? For us, most lilies come by their names from something personal in our life. So where did ‘Madame Butterfly’ come from? Bred by our friend Johan Mak, and grown by his son, we watched this lily for years being slowly built up. We all agreed that with the butterfly like flowers that danced in the wind, this yet to be named lily should carry the name of a butterfly. The problem encountered was that the “common” names of regional butterflies did not match the grace and beauty of this lily, and the Latin names were beyond pronunciation.
We were coming down to the wire. This yet to be named lily was ready for introduction, but still no name that would do this lovely little L. henryi flower justice. While driving to the Mak field in Oregon, I was listening to ‘Un bel di vedermo’ the famous aria from the Puccini Opera ‘Madame Butterfly’. Our daughter, a very gifted classical vocalist was looking at it and I wanted to become more familiar with the piece. All of a sudden there was one of those “duh” moments. Why not ‘Madame Butterfly' I thought. Excited, I was bursting with a name, while driving the last couple hours, eager to talk with Johan. Upon pulling up in his driveway, he met me with a big smile on his face proclaiming “I have it!” “Madame Butterfly”. I stood there in disbelief and we quickly concluded that all great minds think alike.
I suggested since we were going with ‘Madame Butterfly’ for this lily, why not ‘Suzuki’, who was the servant of Butterfly for another of his L. henryi hybrids we were looking to introduced. It was fitting as the role of ‘Suzuki’ is that of a mezzo-soprano and this was a “deeper voiced” lily. That day, we had a twofer, ‘Madame Butterfly’ and ‘Suzuki’. For those familiar with the opera, there are no plans at this time for a Lt. Pinkerton.
Save $4.00 on purchase of 6 Bulbs.
Welcome to B&D Lilies®
First in Garden Lilies™ since 1978.
This site was updated on Wednesday, May 8, 2023.
Read our B&D Lilies® Garden BLOG! Learn about creating deer "booby-traps", dealing with family pets in the garden, emergency transplanting and other timely tips.
©2002-2024 B&D Lilies®, all rights reserved.