Lilium speciosum var. album

Lilium speciosum var. album is a unique, elegant, intensely fragrant lily, with an immaculate white colour adorned with lime green stripes in the throat. The petals are smaller than usual, finely patterned and recurved. This variety blooms later to extend the lily season. Lilium speciosum album is completely hardy and ideal as a cut flower. This variety will thrive in a partially shaded garden, in light, rich, and humus-bearing soil.

Lilium speciosum var. album belongs to the Liliaceae family. It is native to East Asia. There are many forms in nature, ranging from white to red, sometimes adorned with contrasting spots. This species can reach up to 150 cm (59in) high with a spread of 50 cm (20in) after several years. Flowering occurs in late summer and early autumn, from July to September. The flowers measure about 12 cm (5in) in diameter and display protruding stamens covered in brown pollen. The inflorescences bear up to 12 trailing and fragrant flowers, supported by long, flexible, and robust stems. In this lily, the petals are highly recurved but slightly less curled than in the martagon lily. The leaves are dark green and measure 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8in) long and 5 cm (2in) wide, they are almost oval and quite broad. This lily forms roots on the underground stem.

Lilium speciosum var. album is a good companion for Hydrangeas, Azaleas, Camellias, and Rhododendrons in acid soil. You can also grow it with perennial plants as it likes having its base in the shade, and these plants will help prevent the stems from bending in the wind. Lilies are ideal in flowerbeds and, of course, in bouquets.