Lilium Apricot Fudge

 Oriental Lily 'Apricot Fudge' is a new variety which is exceptional for the shape of its flowers, which resemble roses, and for their beautiful apricot-salmon colour washed with green on the reverse. Its double flowers have short petals and are very nicely formed, topped with beautiful brown stamens that remind us it is a lily. Not content with being fascinating, it also has a very pleasant fragrance.  It is perfect in flower beds or in a pot on the terrace or balcony, where it will thrive in the sun, in soil rich in leaf compost. The beautiful extravagance of its flowers is particularly appreciated in bouquets.  

The genus Lillium belongs to the lily family, its representatives are bulbous plants that are deciduous in winter with a narrow and very upright habit from spring.  'Apricot Fudge' is a hybrid obtained by cross-breeding various species native to the Far East, including Lilium asiaticum and L. longiflorum. This plant will reach approximately 70-75 cm high when in bloom, and the clump will spread indefinitely over time, with the bulbs producing bulblets through vegetative multiplication. In June-July, earlier or later depending on the climate, large flowers appear on the upper part of the stems, with a diameter of 7.5 cm (3in). Their double row of petals opens slowly, revealing a throat adorned with long reddish-brown stamens and subtly scented. The flowering is abundant, in a range of soft orange, salmon-orange, and peach, with some green markings on the outside of the petals. The strong stems are covered with dark green, glossy, lanceolate leaves. The foliage of the lily disappears in winter when the bulb is resting.

This lily will thrive in humus-rich soil and does not like chalky, dry or poorly drained and heavy soils. You can grow it with perennial plants as it likes having slightly shaded roots. These perennials will help prevent the stems from leaning in the wind. 'Apricot Fudge' will be at its best alongside very blue perennial geraniums or old-fashioned roses ranging in colour from white to salmon, through all shades of orange. This modest-sized lily is ideal for borders, flower pots, and of course vases. Cut the lily stems when the three buds at the base of the stem are still closed but with a hint of colour.