Lilium sargentiae [SEH 142]

Second generation plants from Steve Hootman's collection from NE Yunnan China and the first time recorded in that province. Ernest 'Chinese' Wilson collected this much earlier in 1903 in Sichuan and 'Chinese' Hootman's collection is a key reintroduction of this exceptional species. Steve is the Director and Curator at the Rhododendron Species Botanic Garden and one of the most significant plant hunters of the modern era and we've been privileged to explore new areas in Asia with him on three occasions. Steve says he collected seed of this at 7500' on steep virtually inaccessible cliffs with a river rushing far below. If you are going to fall from a cliff, its good to have a river below so you have a least some chance. These are things we have learned. These are truly statuesque lilies - ours were pushing 10' this last year in the shade garden and the ones in full sun were shorter but no less magnificent - with scented big white trumpets colored on the exterior in broad puce stripes. Puce? That's never gonna sell. Like a white linen tablecloth gently stained in a soft but errant Oregon Pinot Noir. Nice flowering sized bulbs that are a year or two from their ultimate size. As an example of the size these will become, some of the mature bulbs fully grown would be impossible to squeeze into a one gallon round pot for example as they do become hefty!