Lilium Fusion

Lilium Fusion is an astonishing hybrid lily that displays a fusion between Japan and California. This brand-new creation is the unlikely result of cross-breeding between the American Leopard Lily and the Japanese Lilium longiflorum, a species widely used in hybridization. The result exceeds expectations, it is a vigorous plant with long leaves and gracefully curved, bicoloured flowers in summer, yellow speckled with brown and dark coral pink. They are well-spaced on the flower stalk and carried almost horizontally to be admired more easily. It is a beautiful collector's plant to discover without delay.

Lilium Fusion, introduced to the market in 2015, is a very recent American horticultural hybrid, still surrounded by mystery. It combines the qualities of its two parents: Lilium pardalinum has bequeathed it its flowers with curved petals, but those of Fusion are larger, up to 14 cm (6in) in diameter, and more colourful: the wide centre of the flower is yellow, densely speckled and spotted with reddish-brown, while a beautiful brick pink to deep coral pink hue dominates the edge, with a satin finish. The influence of Lilium longiflorum is revealed by the foliage, composed of long, elegant leaves of a shiny dark green, arranged in whorls and sometimes almost spiralled. Although there is still a lack of evidence about this brand new plant, it is expected to reach 90cm (35in) to 1m (3ft) high in the first year, and probably much more once established. The flower stalks are sturdy and generally do not require staking. The flowering period is between June and July, with each stem bearing 7 to 10 flowers in a crown. The flowers are slightly trailing, and well distributed towards the top of the flower stalks. According to the plant's genealogy, it should also be fragrant.

The leopard lily and its varieties, as well as martagon-type lilies, are a classic choice for old-fashioned gardens. They are perfect for woodland borders, well-drained slopes, and slightly wild meadow areas. You can grow these lilies with perennial plants, grasses, or low-growing bushes as they like having shade at their base. They also thrive in moist rockeries and pots, and bring a very refined touch to bouquets. Please note, there is another "leopard lily," the Belamcanda chinensis, which belongs to the Iridaceae family, they should not be confused but they can both be grown and appreciated in the same garden. This beautiful variety will blend well with the blue umbels of agapanthus, ferns, delphiniums, and the foliage of green, purple, or bronze fennel.