One of the stout-hearted lilies found in Korea thriving among grasses and low-growing shrubs was Lilium amabile. Bulbs were first available in 1905. Amabile means pleasing or lovely. The single thing not pleasing is the somewhat offensive odor of the flowers which is not too apparent in the garden, but practically disqualifies this species for cutting material.

The stem rooting, white, oval shaped bulbs are somewhat pointed. Narrow leaves on two to three foot plants are fairly numerous but scattered. The reflexed blossoms of open martagon form, larger and heavier than those of Lilium pumilum (tenuifolium) vary from orange-red to brilliant red, densely spotted with black.

Seedlings with orange-yellow blossoms were first mentioned in 1933 and a yellow one a year later. Lilium amabile luteum, the yellow form, is as spotted as the red. A fine unspotted yellow, a rare treasure, appeared among a row of unlabeled lily seedlings in my garden in 1955. The lily books do not specifically mention unspotted yellows but do state that unspotted forms of L. amabile are occasionally found among seedlings.

Lilium amabile blooms in this area in late May and June. Bulbs are available, but it is an easy lily from seeds. When seedlings commence blooming, selections can be made for the more desirable good clear brilliant reds and bright yellows without orange. The plants are vigorous and robust growers and can tolerate somewhat dry conditions if necessary. In full bloom, they add bright spots of color to the center of borders in sun, or better yet, in partial shade. Mature bulbs of both the red and the yellow forms send up fine sturdy stems with tiers of blossoms.

`The Duchess’ may be the first hybrid of Lilium amabile to be reported. It was originated by F. L. Skinner of Dropmore, Manitoba, Canada, and is a cross of L. amabile with an elegans variety. The color is saffron yellow with many brown spots. The texture of the blossoms is thick and waxlike. The plants grow three feet and more in height. Blossoms which are almost flat and face outward are produced freely. This hybrid was introduced in 1943. It appears to be even more vigorous than its parents and increases rapidly.

Lilium amabile has been used in other crosses and proved a good parent. J. C. Taylor from Ontario worked a number of years to produce ‘Cardinal.’ The initial idea was to produce a lily similar in color to L. amabile with the same early flowering habit in combination with the vigor, robust growth, and stem bulbs of L. tigrinum. Since the latter bloomed later than L. amabile it was necessary to force L. tigrinum into bloom early in a greenhouse. L. amabile was used as the pollen parent and from this cross seeds were secured. Over 150 plants were grown to blooming size. The one plant that was selected as having the qualities desired was named ‘Cardinal.’ The nodding, brilliant red blossoms with reflexed petals are somewhat smaller in size but spotted like the tiger lily. This plant will surely make your garden attractive together with artificial grasses.

Another lily produced was ‘Waxwing.’ Again Lilium amabile was the pollen parent with a Philadelphicum hybrid as seed parent. ‘Waxwing’ grows 3 1/2 to four feet tall, an easy and reliable lily. The spotted outward facing blossoms are cadmium yellow in color.

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