It's a gifted lily, and it's one I'd like to keep around. Any ideas as to a specific type?






Bulbs were planted last fall, and it's approximately 40 to 46" tall, if that helps.

Division I, Asiatic lily

Might be Hiawatha.

What about Red Velvet? The plant I bought and grow as Hiawatha doesn't have orange undertones.

Thank you.

Can you advise me as to where I can read about Division 1 Asiatic lilies? Plant descriptors and care would be quite helpful.

It doesn't look like they are separated into divisions in our DB, or searchable by a specific division classification; is this the case, or am I missing something?


I've lost several lilies over the past few years due to insufficient research on my part, and I don't want to lose this one.

Thanks Della,

It does look like Red Velvet.

The very narrow foliage looks very similar to my own 'Red Velvet' plants as well. This can be hard to judge from a photo, but the foliage of Red Velvet isn't as glossy as most other lilies. In real life you should see this quite clearly. If you gently let a leaf slide between your fingers it should even feel a little rough, particularly on the underside and not smooth as most other hybrid lilies.

You can simply see Division I as a synonym to Asiatic Hybrid lilies http://www.northstarlilysociet...
Don't think you will have any problem with this lily, with perhaps the exception that it tends to multiply like crazy.

Thanks William. I thought that those long, very slender leaves would probably be one of the most helpful identification features of this lily, but ran into trouble while searching. Most sites only show the bloom, which really isn't all that helpful.

Multiplying like crazy would be a good thing for me.

I'll check the leaves' texture and shine next time I'm out. I'm done with the humid stickiness and mosquito spray for today!

Thanks for the tip, chelle.

I agree about the foliage. It's one of the things that Red Velvet such a beautiful, well-balanced lily. One of the best!

Something I've found from time reading on this forum is that cultivation practices can be very different in different regions. What applies for me in my mild coastal environment here in Tasmania could be very different for you. There are plenty of experienced growers here who deal with feet of snow and other strange things. The universal requirement though is great drainage.

dellac said:Thanks for the tip, chelle.

You're very welcome. I appreciate the help.

dellac said:
The universal requirement though is great drainage.

Well, that's probably it then. Drainage and runoff from the neighbor's field has changed -keeping one of my beds fairly soggy year-round. Citronella is the only one still doing well there...the rest are gone.
I'll dig those this fall and raise that bed.

Good plan Slow drainage or soggy feet will have certainly done them in. Sounds like there's a good reason that Citronella has been around for so long - it must be indestructable! (A very good trait if you ever get tempted to hybridise )

dellac said:... if you ever get tempted to hybridise )

Sounds like something fun to do once my chick has grown up and flown the nest. I'm reading about it now, but most of my time (and available brain cells ) are still concentrated in the Mommy zone.

This morning's heavy rain has finally taken a break, so I'm headed outdoors. I'll post again with the leaf results when I come in.

Update on the foliage...

I had to corroborate my sense of touch with pictures; leaves were wet (as usual) so it was difficult to test for roughness.

First image is reverse of what we think is Red Velvet; second is reverse of what I'm growing as Citronella.



Visually, the first one appears as if it would be rougher, and it also seemed like it to the touch.

This is what happens if you step on the ground in the area of Citronella; it immediately fills with water.


Most of these decided to shoot up in the daylily lineup instead of behind them, but at least the bed is raised up out of the standing water.

Well, the dark stem also matches 'Red Velvet', so that's something, even if many lilies have that.
That does look like some VERY challenging growing conditions you have there

It's okay William, since then I think I've learned how to handle it. Now all the new beds go up first. The last one I did is more or less permanently raised about two feet, center (half that for the lilies), with log pathways for access. It's working fabulously!



In this bed, the lilies are leaning away from the shrubs, but toward the main viewing areas. It's different, but I really like it!

What a lovely garden you have, chelle!

Thanks Ursula!

I'm learning. If one thing doesn't work, try another.

The folks here at ATP have helped so much!

chelle, a long time ago I realized you never stop learning about gardening - maybe that's what makes it become a passion? We are really fortunate at ATP, with so many gardeners experienced in so many areas and willing to share their knowledge.

I agree; on both points!