'L. henryi' (Lilium)

From the mountains of China, the rich, recurved, orange colored flowers are held in a pendant form. Thriving in cultivation, it seems to prefer the garden to its former homeland, growing equally well in light shade or full sun. When left undisturbed, bulbs will often exceed 12 to 14 inches in circumference and nearly two pounds in weight producing stems upwards of 6 feet with 35 or more flowers.

Photo inset is from a photo provided by Ed McRae years ago that has always been one of our favorites. On one of Ed's visits back in the mid 80's, he was so impressed with the genetic differences he found in our seed grown stock, that he collected pollen for use at Oregon Bulb Farm, where he was head breeder. Lilium henryi pollen, placed on Chinese Trumpet species produced 'Aurelian' hybrid selections, such as 'White Henryi'. Though very resistant to botrytis (fungus), you will notice upon on close inspection of leaves in the inset photo, they are blue from copper spray. In the lily breeding greenhouses, because of reduced air circulation, fungicides are often applied as a precautionary routine.