The lily which we refer to is called Lilium Maximowiczii or Pseudo-Tigrinum. It resembles the tiger-lily very closely, but is not so sturdy in growth, and the flowers are smaller and poorer than those of the tiger-lily. There are several named varieties known.
Another lily of the same class is Lilium Leichtlini, the exact counterpart of the last species, only differing from it in the colour of its flowers, which are lemon yellow instead of orange. It is thickly spotted with small mahogany spots and streaks. It is a very desirable lily because of its uncommon colour, and it is not by any means difficult to grow.
Both L. Maximowiczii and L. Leichtlini require a moist peaty soil. Plenty of peat, plenty of sand, plenty of water and very little direct sunshine, are the keystones of the successful cultivation of these lilies.
At an auction last year we gave seven and sixpence for two very small bulbs of Lilium Henryi, a lily which has only lately been introduced, but one which is fast rising into prominence from its curious colour, its bold growth and its hardiness.
Lilium Henryi is usually called the “orange Speciosum,” but in it we can see far more resemblance to the tiger-lily than we can to L. Speciosum. It seems to connect the L. Tigrinum and L. Speciosum. Its growth, its leaves, its flower buds and its habits suggest a close resemblance to the tiger-lily. But the raised tubercles and spines of the blossom recall L. Speciosum. The shape of the blossom is nearer to that of L. Tigrinum than it is to L. Speciosum, and the colour is totally different from either.
Dr. Henry’s lily blossoms late in September, or in the beginning of October. Fine examples grow six to eight feet high and produce sixteen to forty blossoms. The flowers are bright orange without spots.
Our two specimens failed to reach the height of eighteen inches, but both produced blossoms—one a solitary one, the other a pair. This is all that can be expected from bulbs at three and ninepence a-piece. We expect to do much better this year.
The hardiness of this lily is unquestionable, and it needs no special cultivation.
This lily is a native of China and is at present extremely scarce. Unless you are prepared to give ten shillings for a single bulb it is not worth while to grow it. If the bulbs ever get to be as cheap as a shilling or eighteenpence each, it will be well worth growing, but at ten shillings a bulb! It is monstrous to pay such a sum for a lily which at its best is only of inferior beauty.