Even with those rare plants which definitely show their hybrid origin, a great diversity of colouring may be observed. But the colour of the parents is very variable, and after a few years the hybrid lily looses the characteristics of the L. Speciosum and becomes merely a reddish variety of L. Auratum.
But there are two hybrid lilies which are quite constant, and as they are two of the finest of the whole group, they are well worth growing.
Lilium Alexandræ, the Japanese “Uki Ure” or “Hill Lily,” is in all probability a hybrid between Lilium Auratum and Lilium Longiflorum. We say “in all probability,” for we are not quite certain that it is not a true species.
There are some persons who think that one white lily is much like another. But put side by side L. Alexandræ, L. Longiflorum, and L. Candidum. Are they alike? Could anyone mistake one for another? Surely not! They differ in every detail—even in colour. The long trumpet of L. Longiflorum is delicate greenish-white. The Madonna lily is like porcelain; and the hill lily possesses a rich milky hue, somewhat resembling the colour of L. Brownii, which we so much admired.
And in shape how different they are. One is a long and regular trumpet, another is a shallow cup, and the lily we are specially considering is widely opened with its segments slightly curved, the whole blossom resembling a gigantic white star.
Lilium Alexandræ is not a big lily. It grows about two feet high and bears from one to four blossoms. These blossoms are very large, of a rich milky white, resembling in shape those of L. Auratum. The pollen is chocolate colour. The fragrance of this lily is very great. On the evening of a hot day in the middle of August last year we could detect the scent of a bed of these lilies, then in full bloom, at the distance of over one hundred yards. Its scent is rich and full, something between that of jasmine and vanilla.
The culture of this hybrid is not difficult. It is best grown in pots, for it is very sensitive to rain at its flowering period. In rigorous districts this lily should be grown in a cool greenhouse, but in the south of England it will grow to perfection out of doors. The soil should consist of equal parts of peat, very finely broken, leaf-mould, and sharp sand. It wants a very large quantity of water.
Few lilies have given us greater pleasure than L. Alexandræ. It is one of those plants which are so striking that it is impossible to forget them when you have once seen them. It is so very delicate, so pure and so fragrant.
Doubtless most of our readers are acquainted with the old Nankeen lily. This is a very old favourite, and is usually thought to be a true species, but for all that it is almost for certain a hybrid between L. Candidum and L. Chalcedoniam. This plant rejoices in a goodly number of names, of which L. Testaceum, L. Isabellinum, and L. Excelsum are the commonest.
This lily is unknown in the wild state, and its origin is very obscure. It is an English garden hybrid, but who first raised it or possessed it is unknown.