These photos need to be in the database.

Interesting...nice presentation.

I would hesitate to put them in the data base if the bulb is the only photo there. People might think they are grown as an edible crop.

(Some are, but that's beside the point.)

Lilium 'Terrace City' a martagon/hansonii hybrid




These are sister bulbs of a single Lilium 'Terrace City'. The original bulb split into two noses at least two seasons ago. As you can see, the two bulbs are mirror images of themselves. Their common sided faces the camera.

Lilium concolor var. strictum
Although most species lily bulbs are naturally smaller than hybrids, this species is ultimately a smaller plant too. These little 3/4-1 inch diameter bulbs are fully mature.

Lilium lijiangense

Lilium davidii var. willmottiae
This photo depicts a curious characteristic in some species lilies. Rather than the stem arising from the bulb, and continuing straight upward to the soil surface, it decides to meander diagonally before it reaches the sun. Sometimes stems even travel horizontally. Bulblets are produced along the stem in some species like this one. These are different from the rhizomatous types of lily bulbs, whose underground stems are perennial. These, like Lilium davidii shown here, are annual stems, that last only during the growing season.

Lilium speciosum var. rubrum

Lilium tsingtauense

Showing the typical narrow scales of the martagon section lily species. This pic was taken at the end of the season. Where the lily stem is was the center of the bulb through the previous winter and spring. Subsequently, new scales have grown since then, and the center of the bulb (where new growth will emerge next spring) has moved to the left. The photo is a little deceiving as it almost looks as if the leaflet is growing from that apex. In reality, it has its own little bulblet behind and a bit below.

Lilium distichum

Again the typical narrow scales of a martagon section lily species, but with a twist: these scales are segmented. The characteristic isn't always easily seen, and although it might look like an anomaly caused by mechanical damage, it is normal. In the second photo, blue arrows point to the segment divisions.





This bulb form, although true, has turned out to be a bit of an abnormality for the species, I suspect because it was grown in very heavy clay in full sun - conditions it survives in, but does not relish. Below is the exact same plant, after growing for several years in part shade in a sand and compost mix.

Bulblets produced from scales of Lilium martagon var. cattaniae.

The scales themselves are quite depleted, and bulblets ready to go. As these are very special (the real cattaniae is difficult to find), these will spend their first winter in the refrigerator.

Seedlings resulting from crossing Lilium pardalinum with Lilium maritimum.

Not my doing: these are a cherished gift. While Lilium pardalinum is cold hardy here, Lilium maritimum is not. These are also spending the winter in the fridge, and hopefully some of the seedlings will be winter hardy for me.

Lilium chalcedonicum seedling bulbs.

Again, not my doing, but a well grown gift from a European friend. Contractile roots are exemplified here. They are the ones with the accordion-like horizontal folds.

Lilium pomponium 2 year seedling bulbs.

The larger bulb has 2 contractile roots, 2 regular roots and 2 withered contractile roots (normal) that have previously served their purpose.

Lilium nanum

Typical asiatic bulb form and looking remarkably healthy, considering their hard life. Since I received them in 2009 as half inch high bulblets, they have grown to a whole 5/8 inches , but have put on a good amount of bulk. The above ground stem has lasted only 1 to 1.5 months per season before dying back. So out they come, to be relocated in a shadier spot.

This is an unknown Lilium species bulblet I found while searching the soil for an Allium ovalifolium bulb. It goes into the category of "Beautiful Bulbs". It was at least an inch underground, so there was no light to aid in the coloring.

Let's hope it eventually blooms then you can perhaps figure out its identity. The yellow and purple go great together! I hope nanum does better for you in a new location.

Lilium 'Terrace City'



Note the difference from my previous post of the same cultivar last season, reposted below:



I suspect it is because this second bulb photo was of bulbs grown in much heavier soil.

A similar change shows with Lilium 'Super Tsing', for the same reason.



Last year:

Now I think lilies are my favorite.
Very nice pics.
I feel sad though, knowing there's so much variety in this Lilium family. And knowing what I've got in my garden