Lilium regale - Lily

Lilium regale, better known as the royal lily, is one of the most robust species of trumpet lilies. This botanic variety produces numerous large, highly fragrant flowers, white with a deep pink reverse. It faithfully blooms every year. Hardy, it adapts to any climate and soil, as long as water does not stagnate.

The royal lily is native to western Sichuan, China, and was introduced to England in 1903. It is a tall bulbous plant that can grow up to 2 metres (7 feet) high! It more commonly reaches 1.20m (4ft) to 1.50m (5ft), with a spread of 40cm (16in). Lilium regale bears up to 25 fragrant flowers in dense umbels, grouped in 3 to 5. The flowers have a funnel shape, measuring 14cm (6in) long. They are white with a yellow throat, and a deep pink exterior. The stamens are prominent. The flowers are highly fragrant, especially at night. The foliage is linear and dark green, with leaves irregularly scattered on the stalk, speckled with brownish-purple. This lily forms roots on the underground part of the stems and produces aerial bulbils. The bulb has an oval shape, it is red and composed of thick, ovate, tightly imbricate scales.

You can associate these lilies with perennial plants in flower beds as they appreciate having their base in the shade, and these plants will help prevent the stems from bending in case of gusts or heavy rain. The lily is ideal for borders, and of course, for bouquets.