It's pretty clear even from the sampling of postings on this thread that environment and culture have the most to do with lily longevity. It is true that different species lilies may have genetics that more or less dictate length of life, but the climate and culture still play a huge role, even in those. In general, the nature of hybridized lilies is vigor, and the longevity is commonly lengthened. However, there is the danger of inbreeded genetics, causing said hybrids to be weak growers. usually, hybridizers cull these, but sometimes they are deemed "too good to toss" for other reasons, and make it to market anyway.
