Lilium (x) longiflorum 'Caddy' Butterfly Tropic® - Easter Lily

The Lilium 'Caddy' 'Butterfly Tropic', a remarkable hybrid Lily Longiflorum-Asiatic (LA), makes an extraordinary cut flower. Doubles or semi-doubles, slightly fragrant, they display a beautiful satin red-orange colour. A very beautiful plant, both in borders and in bouquets.

The Lilium 'Caddy' 'Butterfly Tropic' belongs to the Liliaceae family. This hybrid is the result of a cross-breeding between the Lilium longiflorum, native to Japan, and various Asian varieties. This cultivar, developed by the Dutch breeder Laan Flora Facilities B.V. in 2023, produces flowers described as double, cup-shaped, pollen-free, with 6 large petals surrounding a few wider and smaller petals. The outer petals have deep red tones, while the central ones are more orangish with honey-colored veins. Rare small dark purple-red spots can be observed. The slightly undulate and incurved petals add a refined touch to this flower. Its robust, straight stems, very dark in colour, reach between 70 and 120 cm in height, bearing 4 to 7 flowers 15-18 cm in diameter, facing upwards. The flowers emit a light fragrance that pleasantly complements their visual presence without being overpowering. The dense green foliage remains throughout the season, highlighting the plant's erect and elegant habit. The vegetation dries up in autumn, while the bulb goes into dormancy. The bulbs are reserve organs with fleshy overlapping scales.

The LA hybrid Lily ‘Caddy’ blooms after 11 to 12 weeks of cultivation. The flowering date can be brought forward by planting the bulbs in pots early in the season, in a conservatory or a temperate room.

The 'Butterfly Tropic' Lily is majestic in floral arrangements, paired with blue delphiniums 'Sky Blue-White bee' and ball dahlias 'Ice Baby', for example. In the garden, it can also be paired with lavender-blue flowering perennials such as Nepetas. Winter protection, in the form of a thick mulch, is not unnecessary in very cold regions. Lilies appreciate having their feet in the shade, small bushes will help prevent the stems from leaning in the wind.