Lilium longiflorum Snow Queen

Lilium longiflorum 'Snow Queen' is a tall, pure white-flowered form of the long-flowered lily. This superb Asiatic lily produces a sturdy stem in summer that will bear 2 to 8 very long, tapered trumpet-shaped flowers with a yellow-green throat, without any trace of pink. They are easy to admire, arranged horizontally, and diffuse a sumptuous fragrance reminiscent of freesia. This prolific and undemanding variety prefers moist and fertile soil. This essential florist's flower is a true delight for the eyes and nose, in the garden and bouquets.

The Long-flowered Lily, sometimes called St. Joseph's Lily or Easter Lily, is a bulbous plant with deciduous vegetation, from the lily family. It is a species native to the islands located south of Japan and Taiwan. 'Snow Queen' is larger than the natural species and will reach 90 cm (35in) to 1m (3ft) high when in bloom. The clump will spread without a theoretical limit over time, with the bulbs producing numerous bulblets through vegetative multiplication. In July-August, long trumpet flowers measuring 12-17 cm (5-7in) long appear, facing outwards. They are pure white with a yellow-green throat and stamens and very fragrant. The glossy, dark green leaves, 20 cm (8in) long and 2.5 cm (1in) wide, are narrow and lanceolate. The bulbs are storage organs with fleshy, overlapping scales. This Lily forms roots on the underground part of the stems.

Longiflorum lilies are great for warm climates as they do not require a long period of cold to bloom abundantly. However, the soil they are planted in should remain consistently moist. You can grow these lilies with non-invasive perennial plants (lupins, gauras, delphiniums) or low-maintenance small bushes such as caryopteris, catmints, shrubby potentillas, and even small bush roses (Rosa Peace and Love, Alissar Princess of Phoenicia), as they like having their feet in the shade, and the other plants will help prevent the stems from bending in the wind. 'Snow Queen' is stunning in flower beds and, of course, in bouquets.