Henry's Lily (Lilium henryi)

Henry's Lily: A Graceful Species Lily

Henry's Lily (Lilium henryi) is a classic species lily from central China, discovered by Augustine Henry in the 1880s. It produces numerous pendant, Turk's cap-type flowers in a warm orange-apricot hue, heavily spotted with dark maroon. The petals are strongly reflexed. Stems can reach 4-6 feet tall, bearing whorls of narrow, lanceolate leaves. It blooms in mid to late summer.

Garden Value

This lily is exceptionally vigorous, long-lived, and adaptable, tolerating a range of soils and partial shade. It is also lime-tolerant, unlike many lilies. It naturalizes well and is a parent of many modern hybrids (e.g., the Aurelian strains). Provide support for tall stems. Plant bulbs in spring or autumn.

Taxonomy

• Family: Liliaceae
• Genus: Lilium
• Species: henryi