Lilium Mapira - Asiatic Lily

The hybrid Asian lily 'Mapira' is a recent variety that dazzles with its glossy flowers, richly coloured in burgundy purple, almost black at the centre. A rare colour accompanied by a sweet scent of dark flowers. Easy to grow in any well-drained garden soil, this magnificent variety is also within the reach of beginner gardeners. Once well established, this lily faithfully blooms every year, and quickly naturalises in flowerbeds, pots, or even in large rockeries. Its combination with white or pale pink flowers is sensational in the garden as well as in bouquets. Create a bold duo by pairing it with yellow or bright orange blooms.

The genus Lilium belongs to the family Liliaceae, its representatives are bulbous plants generally very resistant to cold in soils that do not retain excessive water in winter. 'Mapira' is a recent hybrid, obtained by cross-breeding various Asian species, including the Lilium longiflorum, vigorous and very accommodating. This bulbous plant remains dormant underground during winter. Its vegetation starts in April, producing a leafy stem. It will reach 70 to 90cm in height when flowering, and the clump will spread indefinitely over time, as the bulbs produce bulblets through vegetative multiplication. The spectacle of its flowering takes place from mid-June to mid-July, depending on the climate. At the top of the leafy stems, several flowers measuring up to 10 cm in diameter appear on a mature plant. They shine like satin, with swirls of burgundy, purple, and even black reflections playing with the light. The filaments of the stamens are dark pink, covered with orange pollen, while the pistil is crowned with wine red, completing the harmony of colours. This flower does not fade in the sun. The stems are very sturdy, covered with alternate, dark green, narrow, and glossy leaves.

Thriving in light and fertile soil, this lily flourishes year after year in any well-balanced and well-prepared soil. You can associate it with perennial plants as it appreciates having its base in the shade. 'Mapira' will blend in a small romantic flower bed with red, pink, or white daylilies, Heuchera, white bellflowers, or pink foxgloves, for example. It will enhance the yellow flowers of ligularias or St. John's worts and attract attention when paired with orange bush cinquefoils or Mai Tai avens, for example. Creeping phlox or silver basket will cover its base with an elegant carpet. This medium-sized lily is ideal for borders, flowerbeds, and of course bouquets.