Lilium Bataleon - Lily

The Lily 'Bataleon' is a hybrid of Trumpet Lily and Asiatic Lily that offers magnificent flowers of a deep and velvety red. This cultivar produces several flowers per bulb, up to 5-6 flowers for a large bulb, in the heart of summer. Besides its intense colour, it is appreciated for its quite remarkable ornamental value and ease of cultivation. 'Bataleon' is suitable for sunny flowerbeds as well as floral compositions.

An offspring of the cross-breeding between a Trumpet Lily and an Asiatic Lily, the Lilium 'Bataleon' was developed by the breeder Mak Breeding BV, a Dutch company specialised in lily hybridization. This cultivar reaches a height of about 1.15 m and produces upward-facing flowers. Its flowering usually starts at the end of July and continues until August. Its flowers, deep red and velvety, may sometimes display darker shades towards the centre. The elongated floral buds open into large flowers of 12 to 15 cm in diameter, with no scent. The sturdy, erect stems bear dark green foliage, composed of elongated and narrow leaves arranged alternately. This variety produces several flowers per bulb depending on its size, up to 6 flowers for a large bulb. The vegetation is deciduous: it emerges from the ground in spring and disappears in autumn.

Lilies are classified into horticultural divisions based on their flowering characteristics, geographical origin, and growth habits. TA hybrids (Trumpet x Asiatic) are interdivisional hybrids that blend two groups of lilies from different divisions in horticultural classification. However, they are commonly classified in Division VIII of lilies, which includes hybrids referred to as "uncategorisable" or "interdivisional". Therefore, they are often officially named "Trumpet x Asiatic Interdivisional Hybrids" or simply "TA Hybrids". In horticultural databases, they may also appear under the general term Division VIII - Other Hybrids.

This designation remains informal and is primarily used in horticulture, as traditional botanical classification focuses more on natural species and less on complex interdivisional hybrids.

Plant this Lily 'Bataleon' in flowerbeds as well as in pots on a terrace, balcony, or even in a cold greenhouse. You can also cut the flowers to create luxuriant bouquets. It is perfect for adding height and colour to flowerbeds or at the base of a hedge. It pairs well with other lily varieties like 'Navona' for an elegant white-red contrast, or with the Lily 'African Queen' with its orange hues. It also pairs well with the perennial geranium 'Rozanne', which softens its presence with its blue flowers. Variegated hostas are interesting for playing with textures and highlighting its flowering stems in flowerbeds.