Lilium Speciosum Rubrum

Lilium speciosum var. rubrum is a classic Japanese Oriental lily with strongly recurved, fragrant flowers in white to rose pink, heavily spotted and suffused with crimson. The pendent blooms appear late in summer, their long stamens and wavy petals creating a rich, exotic outline above glossy lance-shaped leaves. Introduced to Europe from Japan in the nineteenth century, the species became one of the principal ancestors of modern Oriental hybrids. It remains a beautiful garden lily in its own right, preferring acidic humus, cool roots and shelter from scorching sun.