Lilium (x) longiflorum Brianza - Easter Lily

The 'Brianza' Hybrid Lily is a variety with single, unscented flowers that belongs to Group LA or Longiflorum/Asiatic. Very elegant, it offers flowers that are wide open, of a superb dark red colour, slightly tending towards mahogany. The plant blooms at the end of the month of June, developing a sturdy stem adorned with several large flowers facing upwards. Ideal for cutting, it offers better longevity than classic Asiatic lilies. And its colour resists the assaults of the sun.

The 'Brianza' Lily is a horticultural creation. It is a bulbous plant with deciduous vegetation from the lily family. It is part of a group of hybrids derived from Asian species such as Lilium longiflorum and L. formosanum, both a bit frost-sensitive. These prized varieties in floristry are known to be somewhat sensitive to viruses and strong frosts. At full bloom, 'Brianza' reaches between 1.10 and 1.20 m in height, and its vegetation spreads over time, with bulbs producing numerous bulbils through vegetative multiplication. Each floral stem bears 5 to 7 flowers measuring approximately 15 cm in diameter, facing towards the sky. At the heart of each flower, yellow stamens with mahogany anthers reign. The long, glossy leaves, of a dark green colour, are narrow and lanceolate, with parallel veins running through them. The vegetation dries up in autumn, while the bulb enters a resting phase. Bulbs are reserve organs with fleshy, overlapping scales.

Longiflorum hybrid lilies, such as 'Brianza', bloom after 11 to 13 weeks of cultivation. They can be "forced" by planting them early in the season, in a veranda or heated room. Their soil must remain moist throughout the growth and flowering period. In the garden, 'Brianza' pairs well with the grey, cut foliage of Powis Castle Wormwood and non-invasive perennial plants like Lupins and delphiniums, or with undemanding small bushes such as Caryopteris, bushy Potentillas, and small ground cover roses. In very cold regions, a thick winter mulch is recommended. Lilies appreciate having their roots in the shade, which also helps to stabilize the stems against the wind. This lily will be magnificent in borders, containers, and bouquets.