Lilium Honeymoon - Lily

Lilium 'Honeymoon' is part of a fabulous lineage of hybrid lilies between oriental and trumpet lilies. It has retained the fragrance of the former with a colour that is only found in the latter. This spectacular variety has a very large bulb that will produce a floral stem that can bear up to 30 immense, very wide open flowers in the second half of summer. The brightness of the colour, a delicate combination of cream and yellow, is enhanced by the curve of the flower. It is a magnificent garden plant that will improve year after year, in very well-drained and limestone-free soil. Its giant floral stem is so strong that it does not need staking.

The genus Lilium belongs to the family Liliaceae. 'Honeymoon', introduced in 2004 in the Netherlands, is part of a horticultural category called O/T Group. It can easily reach 2m (7ft) high and 50 cm (20in) wide when grown under optimal conditions and after 3 or 4 years of cultivation. This hybrid sometimes takes a little time to establish itself, but it proves vigorous and hardy over the years in very well-drained soil, rather dry in winter. It begins flowering in mid-July and lasts until mid-August depending on the climate. Over several weeks, up to 30 buds will open on a mature plant. The flowers measure 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12in) in diameter and are very pleasantly scented in the evening. The flower consists of 6 long petals beautifully recurved at their ends and wavy along the edges. The petals are pale yellow on the outside and cream-coloured on the border and ends. The throat of the flower is a bright lemon yellow. There are no dots on the petals. The throat is filled with long green stamens with reddish-brown pollen and purple stigmas. The large, dark green leaves are 18 cm (7in) long and 3 cm (1in) wide. Their leathery texture tends to deter lily beetles. The vegetation of the lilies disappears in winter and emerges from the ground in late spring.

This plant prefers rich humus soil and does not like chalky and poorly drained soil, as its bulb is sensitive to winter moisture. You can cover the base with an impermeable film or a thick mulch in winter, this technique is effective but not very aesthetic. The flowers will last longer and their colour will be preserved if the plant is somewhat shaded in the afternoon. You can associate the Lilium 'Honeymoon' with white lilies (Lilium regale Album, Lilium speciosum Album), orange lilies (Double Apricot Fudge Lily), grasses and perennial plants, as it enjoys having its feet in the shade. These will also help prevent the stems from tipping over in the wind and rain. The lily is perfect on the edge of a grove, with low shrubs (small rhododendrons, azaleas, Rosa rugosa, Gardenia Kleim's Hardy), and of course in bouquets.