The flower buds grow out from the main stem, and when they are fully grown they are furnished with very long stalks. This enables us to cut the flowers singly—which is very desirable, for one can take flowers from a single plant for some weeks, removing each as it opens.
The flowers themselves are about five inches across, with the segments very much recurved and the edges beautifully curled. The colour varies from pure white to deep crimson with white edges. A green line, deeply sunk, runs down the centre of each segment, being broad at the attachments and narrowing to a point about half way down. These six green lines give the appearance of a green star, which is highly characteristic. It is most evident in the white varieties, and especially so in the variety called Kraetzeri. The petals which are broadest about their centre are roughened with numerous spines and tubercles. The pollen is brown.
The scent of this lily resembles that of chocolate creams. It is not very powerful in any of the varieties, while some forms are apparently scentless.
The varieties of L. Speciosum may be grouped under the headings of white, rose, red, and purple kinds.
All the white varieties are fine. Lilium Speciosum Album Kraetzeri, notwithstanding its big name, is the smallest of the white forms. But though small, it is extremely delicate in colour and shape. The green star is very conspicuous. It is, however, rather tender and requires a certain amount of care to cultivate properly.
Of the rose varieties, the “Opal” and the “Rose” are undoubtedly the finest. The former is the more beautiful in colour, but the blossoms are rather thin and straggling.
The old Rubrum is the best of the red varieties. It is the most prolific of all the varieties.
The deepest coloured of all is a Japanese variety, Melpomone. This is a very fine big flower. Its colour is blood-crimson, spotted and bordered with white. The exterior of the blossoms is pale pink. Rubro-Cruentum and Purpureum are other fine purple varieties. They differ very slightly from Melpomone.
Some forms of L. Speciosum in which the stem splits into two or three parts are called monstrous or corymbiform varieties. There are white, red, and purple monstrous forms. They are inferior to the ordinary varieties.
But little need be said of the cultivation of L. Speciosum. Where L. Auratum will grow, L. Speciosum will grow; and it will grow in most places where L. Auratum will not grow. It likes a peaty soil with plenty of sand. Water must be given freely during growth.