Lilium Leslie Woodriff - Oriental Lily

The Leslie Woodriff lily is an old and spectacular American variety which is still as popular as ever. It is one of the first hybrids obtained from crossing the oriental lily and the trumpet lily. The result of this cross-breeding is a very tall, floriferous plant, with immense, remarkably colourful and fragrant flowers. The flowers of 'Leslie Woodriff' are freshly multicoloured in deep cherry pink, white and yellow with a touch of green. In the summer of planting, the bulb will establish a good root system and produce around 5 flowers. But once mature, each bulb will produce a stem carrying up to 20 flowers.

Lilies belong to the Liliaceae family. There is a classification of horticultural lilies that includes 9 divisions, 'Leslie Woodriff' is classified in the Oriental x Trumpet hybrids group, called Orienpet. Hybridisers use the vigour and fragrance of lilies from the Trumpet group combined with the long stems and large flowers of the Orientals. Lilies in this category bloom in summer, between late June and September depending on the climate and the variety. The Leslie Woodriff lily forms a floral stem that is on average 1.70 m (6ft) tall, with mature plants reaching up to 2 m (7ft) in optimal conditions. At the top of the stem, flowers 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12in) in diameter fully open, slightly leaning towards the ground with slightly recurved petals. Each petal has a green basal spot bordered by yellow, a large cherry red area speckled with very dark red, and a border transitioning from pale yellow to white. In the centre, the long stamens are green and carry rust-coloured pollen. The deciduous vegetation disappears in winter and emerges from the ground in spring.

This is a very hardy plant that prefers humus-rich soil, the Leslie Woodriff lily is fairly tolerant, but it does not like excessively chalky, too dry or too heavy soils. You can plant your lilies in perennial and low shrub beds, as they appreciate shade at the base and the other plants will help prevent the stems from bending in the wind. The giant lily is ideal against a wall, for example with hollyhocks or tall delphiniums. It is also a beautiful companion for hydrangeas, roses, and hardy fuchsias. And its flowers are stunning in bouquets.