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The “LA” in LA Hybrid Lily stands for “Longiflorum-Asiatic.” LA Hybrid Lilies are a cross between two different lily species: the Longiflorum Lily, which has long, trumpet-shaped white flowers, and the Asiatic Lily, which has shorter, more upright flowers in a wide range of colors. The resulting LA Hybrid Lily combines the best traits of both parent species, with large, showy flowers in a variety of colors and patterns, and a long vase life.
Origins of Longiflorum Lilies
The Longiflorum Lily (Lilium longiflorum) is native to Japan’s Ryukyu Islands, located south of the country’s main islands. It was first discovered in 1860 by a British botanist, Thomas Raffles Davids, who lived and worked in Japan then.
After its discovery, the Longiflorum Lily was introduced to the West and became famous as a cut flower due to its pure white trumpet-shaped blooms and delicate fragrance. It quickly gained a reputation as a symbol of purity and innocence and was often used in bridal bouquets and other wedding decorations.
Today, the Longiflorum Lily is still widely grown and used as a cut flower worldwide and is also popular in gardens and landscapes. It is also commonly used in producing hybrid lilies, including the famous Easter Lily (Lilium longiflorum var. eximium), a cultivar of the Longiflorum Lily.
Origins and Spread of Asiatic Lilies
The Asiatic lily (Lilium asiaticum) is native to several countries in Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. The flower was first cultivated in China more than 3,000 years ago and was used primarily for medicinal purposes. However, as its beauty and fragrance became more widely known, the flower began to be cultivated for its ornamental value as well.
Asiatic lilies are a type of flowering plant that has a rich history. The origins of these lilies can be traced back to ancient China and Japan, where they were cultivated for their beauty and medicinal properties. They were later introduced to Europe in the 16th century and quickly became popular due to their striking colors and ease of cultivation. Over time, plant breeders have worked to develop new cultivars with an even wider range of colors and patterns. Today, Asiatic lilies are one of the most popular types of lilies, grown and admired by gardeners all over the world for their stunning blooms and versatility in the garden.
Over time, the Asiatic lily became more popular and began to spread to other countries. So it eventually made its way to Europe. In the 16th century and became a favorite of gardeners and florists alike. By the 19th century, Asiatic lilies had become an important part of the global flower trade and were being cultivated on a large scale in countries such as the Netherlands and the United States. That is the The History of Asiatic Lillies.
Interesting Facts About LA Hybrid Lilies
- They were first developed in the 1970s by a Dutch lily breeder named Jan de Graaff, who was trying to create a lily with the color range and flower shape of the Asiatic Lily, but the fragrance and sturdy stems of the Longiflorum Lily.
- Unlike some other lily hybrids, LA Hybrids are not sterile and can produce viable seed. This makes them useful for further breeding experiments and for creating new cultivars.
- LA Hybrid Lilies are known for their large, showy flowers, which can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) across and have a distinctive trumpet shape. They come in a wide range of colors, including pink, red, orange, yellow, and white, as well as bicolored and speckled varieties.
- LA Hybrid Lilies are popular as cut flowers, thanks to their long vase life and sturdy stems. They are often used in floral arrangements for weddings and other special occasions.
- Some popular cultivars of LA Hybrid Lilies include ‘Blackout’ (dark red), ‘Connecticut King’ (pink and white), ‘Montego Bay’ (yellow), and ‘Sorbonne’ (pink with white edges).
- LA Hybrid Lilies are cold-hardy plants and can survive in temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C). They are also relatively resistant to pests and diseases.
In conclusion, LA Hybrid Lilies are a stunning and versatile flower that combines the best traits of two parent species, the Longiflorum Lily and the Asiatic Lily. Developed in the 1970s by a Dutch breeder, these lilies have become a popular choice for florists and gardeners alike due to their large, showy flowers and long vase life. With a wide range of colors and patterns, including bicolored and speckled varieties, LA Hybrid Lilies offer endless possibilities for floral arrangements and garden design. Whether used in bridal bouquets or planted in garden beds, these lilies are sure to make a statement with their beauty and hardiness.
