The Lily
By David A. Crichton from the “Australian Horticulture Magazine and Garden Guide”
Vol 2 No.11 Melbourne, November 1878 pp 241 -248
The lily has always ranked as a popular flower among civilized nations, both ancient and modern, its beauty and delicacy having been a favourite theme with poets in all ages. By universal accord it has from the earliest times been accepted as the symbol of innocence and purity, being also regarded as a fitting attribute to beauty. By the nations of antiquity, however various plants were termed lilies, as with other popular names, though not belonging to the genus Lilium. This practice has been followed in modern times, and at the present day many flowers are commonly called Lilies which belong to the Iris, Amaryllis, Crinum and other plant families.
With several species of the true Lily the ancients were undoubtedly well acquainted. Lillium candidum, or the common white lily, which is indigenous to Palestine, is the first species on record and seems to have at a very early period attracted the attention of both Greeks and Romans. By the Greeks it was held in the greatest repute, being consecrated to Juno, from whose milk according to the fables of that nation the plant originated. The story is that Jupiter wishing to render Hercules immortal so that he might rank among the divinities, prevailed upon Juno to drink a deep draught of nectar prepared by Somnus. The Queen of the Gods having then fell into a profound slumber, Jupiter placed the infant Hercules to her breast, in order that he should imbibe the divine milk which was to render him immortal. The infant Hercules, while enjoying himself at the celestial breast, drew the milk faster than he could swallow it, when some drops fell on the ground, from which this flower instantly sprang up. From this fable the flower was called Rosa Junonio. The high esteem in which this flower was held by the ancient Greeks is equaled by the modern representatives of that nation, and is in general use in wedding ceremonies. On these occasions it is customary to place chaplets of White Lilies and ears of wheat upon the bride and bridegroom, as symbols of purity and abundance.
By the ancient Romans the Lily was regarded with equal favour. And Pliny classes it as next to the rose in beauty. He also tells us that it was customary to steep the dry roots in purple wine before planting them, which would cause them to produce purple flowers. Columella tells us that the Lily was such a favourite flower that it was planted in baskets and grown in houses.
Botanically the genus is known as Lilium and it is the type of the natural order Liliaceae. The name is derived from the Celtic word “li” signifying whiteness, from the first known species having pure white flowers. There are a great many species all of which are showy bulbous perennials. The genus is widely distributed being represented in nearly every part of the globe. Many of the species are extremely beautiful, and all are worthy of cultivation. Several have been popular in Great Britain for centuries, but some of the finest species have only been discovered within the last few years. Formerly the great medicinal virtues were attributed to Lilum candidum in England. Godonus, sergeant-surgeon to Queen Elizabeth I, strongly recommended the juice of the roots, when mixed with barley flour, and baked into cakes, as a cure for dropsy. He also advised that the juice should be taken internally in wine to prevent contagion from the plague.
Externally , the cut bulbs were applied to ripen and dissolve hard tumours and swellings, and removing corns. The bulbs were also used as a remedy for quinsy, being roasted and applied as hot as the patient could bear. In modern medical practice no particular virtues are attributed to the genus. On the continent of Europe a cosmetic is made from the flowers of several species, prepared in a vapour bath, which is said to be very efficacious in the removal of freckles and improving the complexion.
The various species of the Lily are easily cultivated and may be grown successfully in any ordinary good garden soil. They are however all strong feeders and will attain the highest perfection in deep rich, well drained soil. When the ground is naturally poor, it should be enriched by the free use of well decayed manure.
Most of the American species thrive best in a peaty soil. Planting may be done at any time before growth becomes active, but early in the spring is the most favourable period.
A plentiful supply of moisture is necessary until the flowers are expanded, after which it should be curtailed. Liquid manure may also be applied with beneficial effect about twice a week until the plants come into bloom. As growth progresses the stems should be staked and neatly tied, to prevent them from being broken by heavy winds and rain. When the flowers become shabby the stems should be cut away, unless seed is required.
Lilies make excellent plants for the miscellaneous borders and many of the species are well adapted for massing in beds or clumps by themselves. When planted in borders they generally show to the best advantage in groups comprising from three to five plants, placing the bulbs from nine to fifteen inches apart according to the growth of the species. In planting let the tops of the bulbs be covered from three to five inches. As the flowers will not stand the full sun well in this part of the world, a partially shaded situation should be chosen if possible. The clumps should be taken up at least every second year, as when the bulbs are too much crowded the flowers deteriorate. All the species can be successfully grown under pot culture for conservatory or room decoration. The pots or boxes should be roomy, the soil rich and well firmed around the bulbs.
Propagation is effected by seed, offsets, and in the case of Lilum bulbiferum and tigrinum, also by small bulblets, which are formed at the junction of the leaves and stem.
Seed is freely produced by most species, and should be sown as soon as ripe, thinly in light rich soil, covering it an inch deep. The next season the young bulbs should be planted out in rows a foot apart leaving nine inches between the lines, where they may be allowed to remain until they bloom. Seedlings often vary considerably from the parents; but raising plants by this method is somewhat tedious as it is often five to six years before they come into bloom. All the kinds are readily increased by offsets from the bulbs which should be taken off after they leaves decay, carefully separating them. These will flower in two or three years according to their strength. Some kinds that do not produce offsets from the bulbs freely, will form young bulbs from the stem just above, if it is covered with soil a few inches deep. The bulbils of L. bulbiferum and tigrinum may be taken off and treated exactly the same as offsets or seedlings.
The following list embraces most of the species in cultivation, all of which are very ornamental plants: -
L. andinum This is a North American species with bright red campanulate flowers, and grows from two to three feet high.
L. atroanguineum (Fulgens) This is a handsome and popular Japanese species embracing a number of varieties, with showy reflexed flowers of various shades of orange, red and crimson. Grows from two to three feet high.
L. auratum (The Golden Rayed Lily) This is one of the handsomest species, and is frequently termed the Queen of the Lilies. It
Similar to those of L. auratum, but without spots. A variety called purpureum has much darker flowers, but is similar in other respects.
L longifolium This is a dwarf growing species, indigenous to China and Japan, with stems from twelve to eighteen inches high. The flowers are pure white, very long one upon a stem.
L. martagon (Turks Cap Lily) An old and well known species, supposed to have originated in Syria or Turkey. Grows from two to three feet high and bears showy reflexed flowers. There are a great many varieties the flowers including different shades of red, purple, scarlet, yellow, orange and white, dotted more or less with other colours. The bulbs are sometimes cooked and eaten.
L. maximowiczi A handsome showy species of somewhat slender habit growing three or four feet high. Flowers bright orange scarlet dotted with deep purple.
L. monodelphum A free blooming species from the Caucasus, growing about two feet high. The flowers are pale yellow with a few dots, and petals reflexed.
L. neilgherrense A beautiful species from India, growing from two to three feet high, and closely allied to wallichianum. The flowers are funnel shaped, six or seven inches long, creamy white and the tubes tinted with yellow.
L. nepalense This is a pretty species from Nepal, growing from two to three feet tall, with white or very pale yellow flowers spotted more or less at the base of the petals with purple.
L. pardilinum A Californian species closely allied to Humboldti, attaining a height of five to six feet. The flowers are deep orange, densely dotted with crimson, and very showy. There are several varieties differing slightly in colour and markings.
L. parkmani This is a very beautiful lily, supposed to be a hybrid between auratum and speciosum. Grows four to five feet high and bears rich rosy crimson flowers, thickly dotted with darker spots.
L. penduliforum A dwarf, North American species, seldom growing more than a foot high, with pendulous peculiar copper coloured flowers.
L. peregrinum A Chinese species growing from three to four feet high, bearing white flowers.
L. philadelphicum A strong growing North American species which attains a height of five to six feet, and bears light orange campanulate flowers.
L pomponianum This is a Siberian species growing about two feet high, with reflexed deep scarlet flowers. There is also a variety called flore pleno, with double flowers. In its native country the bulbs of this species are eaten as food.
L. pumilum This is a dwarf, European species growing about a foot high, with pretty little reflexed scarlet flowers.
L. pyreniacum A species particular to the Pyrenees, growing about two feet high, and bearing dark orange flowers. There is also a variety with double flowers.
L. sanguinium This is a rather dwarf kind from Japan, seldom attaining a greater height than eighteen inches, and is supposed to be a variety from Thumbergianum. The flowers are a deep orange red, large and showy.
L. sibericum The Siberian lily is a species growing two or three feet high, bearing deep yellow flowers.
L. sinicum This is a very handsome Chinese species, growing from one to two feet high. The flowers are bright scarlet, dotted with a darker colour and from two to three on a stem.
L. spectabilis A showy European species growing from two to three feet high; flowers deep orange and erect.
L. speciosum (lancifolium) This is a very popular species from Japan, embracing a number of varieties with flowers from pure white to ruddy rose, beautifully spotted. Height from tow to four feet. The principal varieties are rubrum, dark rose, spotted; punctatum, pale pink and spotted; album, pure white with rose spots.
L. superbum (The swamp lily) This is a stately North American species growin to about six feet high. The flowers are light orange and reflexed. In its native country the bulbs are roasted and eaten.
L. tematoma A beautiful Japanese species growing about four feet high, with pure white, reflexed drooping flowers.
L tenuifolium (The slender leafed lily) A Siberian species growing about a foot high, with grasss like leaves and a handsome scarlet turbinate flowers with spots.
L. testaceum A Japanese species growing from three to four feet high, with handsome orange red campanulate flowers.
L. Thomsonianum This is a beautiful species from Northern India, which attains a high of three to four feet. The flowers are a delicate rose with dark markings at the base of the petals. There are several varieties including the one with double flowers.
L. Thumbergianum (auranticum) A magnificent species from, Japan, growing about two feet high. The flowers are cup-like erect, deep orange, large and effective.
L. tigrinum (The Tiger Lily) This is a well known and favorite Chinese species, growing about eighteen inches high. The flowers are a brilliant orange scarlet, beautifully spotted. There are several varieties, differing a little in colour and markings including one with double flowers. Like L. bulbiferum, this species propagates itself from small bulblets which grow at the axils of the leaves and have a dark bead like appearance.
L. wallichianum A handsome species from Northern India growing from four to ssix feet high. The flowers are a delicate creamy white with yellow and green markings.
L. washingtonianum This is a beautiful Californian species growing from four to five feet high. The flowers are reflexed white, tinged with lilac and thickly dotted with red or pink.
There is alos a handsome variety called purpureum, with darker flowers, which are beautifully spotted. The flowers of both are very highly and pleasantly scented.
L wilsoni A Japanese species growing about two feet high, closely allied to Thumbergianum. The flowers are all large, deep orange, shaded and striped with crimson.
L Zovitzianum This is a handsome kind, supposed to have originated from monodelphum. It attains a height of four or five feet and bears rich canary yellow flowers five or six inches long, with minute dots at the base of the petals.