A technical question about the Lilium family.

[Lyn and Malcolm]

We have approx 60 different lilium in the garden and I have never bothered to name them as anything other than Lilium 'Triumphator' etc.

But these lilium will belong to different groups ie Asiatic, Oriental etc.

So I wondered what they would be listed on the RHS plantfinder, which of course I tried from IGpro.

This is what I got
Lilium Triumphator = 'Zanlophator' (PBR) (VIIIb/a-b)

Ok I understand that the VIII means it is in the Division "Other divisional hybrid"  But what does the b/a-b mean ?

Just tried another  Lilium Golden Splendor Group (VIb-c/a)  which is "Trumpet hybrid"  again what does the b-c/a mean.


Malcolm

[ideasguy]

I thought that would be easy, but I have to admit I cant find enlightenment on the RHS website or on the net.

[Lyn and Malcolm]

Perhaps Paul might know, or do members of the RHS have the ability to ask ?

Malcolm

[newplantguy]

The letters are to do with the flower descriptions.
a/ = upward facing flowers
b/ = outward facing flowers
c/ = downward facing flowers
/a = trumpet shaped flowers
/b = bowl shaped flowers
/c = flat flowers (or with only tepal tips recurved)
/d = recurved flowers
This information is in the RHS Plant Finder.
I have asked a colleague if there is anymore to add hopfully he will add if there is.
Paul.

[Lyn and Malcolm]

Thank you very much for that information Paul.

I am still a bit puzzled though

Lilium Golden Splendor Group (VIb-c/a)

What would that equate to using all those letters.

Malcolm

[ideasguy]

Thanks to Paul, I found this:
http://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/Plant-science/Plant-registration/Lily

Note this paragraph from that web page:

The existing lettering is retained with flower habit given first, separated from flower form by a forward slash mark (/). Thus the entry for 1(b/c) 'Aloft' represents an Asiatic Lily (Division 1) with out-facing, flat-faced flowers.

[Lyn and Malcolm]

Thank you George
It is now much clearer.

So Lilium Triumphator = 'Zanlophator' (PBR) (VIIIb/a-b)
The b/a-b) part would be flowers Outward facing Trumpet OR Bowl shaped flowers.

And Lilium Golden Splendor Group (VIb-c/a)
The  b-c/a) part would be flowers Outward OR Downward facing Trumpet shaped flowers.

Assuming the - means OR in both cases.

Thanks to you both for unraveling this for me, it was one of those things you see but don't understand and need to know.   


Triumphator


Golden Splendour

Malcolm

[ideasguy]

So Lilium Triumphator = 'Zanlophator' (PBR) (VIIIb/a-b)
The b/a-b) part would be flowers Outward facing Trumpet OR Bowl shaped flowers.

I'm wondering if that - can be interpreted as "TO" - thus:
The b/a-b) part would be flowers Outward facing with Trumpet TO Bowl shaped flowers
Perhaps Paul can shed more light

Lovely photos Malcolm Superb quality.

[Lyn and Malcolm]

Yes TO would make more sense George. It seems we have now cracked the code.
I have know copied the information down.

Malcolm

[ideasguy]

or may be with opening as Trumpet and maturing to Bowl shaped flowers 
Looking forward to comments from Paul.

[newplantguy]

Good photos Malcolm
As for the coding, yes I find it a little bit difficult to match up, Lilly breeders seem to match it up well.
I grow Lilly's at home in pots, we have them in the house as cut flowers - wife likes them.
I have grown then in trials at this time we have some new selections which could cause a stir if they make it to market.
Paul.

[Lyn and Malcolm]

Thank you Paul, glad to hear it is not just us mere mortals, to have problems with those codes.
Possible new introductions, will keep an eye out for those if they make it to market.
We have 60 ish different ones here in the garden and in pots, but could always make room for a couple more.

Malcolm

[ideasguy]

Looking forward to news about your new introductions Paul. If they get the nod from you, I'm certain they will be worth going out to buy.
I dont have anything like the number and varieties that Malcolm has, but the ones I do have are very good performers.
I will buy more for next year!

[newplantguy]

It will be interesting to see if they are ever introduced, Malcolm seems to have quite a collection
We have not had many Lilly beetles this year but I know some people have said that they have had real problems.
Paul.

[Lyn and Malcolm]

72 lily beetle despatched here this year. 

Malcolm