Lilium (x) longiflorum Surfside - Easter Lily

The 'Surfside' Lily is a superb hybrid of Lilium longiflorum and Asian lily (LA) characterised by large, bright flowers in an intense orange colour. The plant has medium to tall stems adorned with four large upward-facing flowers, slightly fragrant. Initially developed for cut flowers, this variety also makes a strong impact in summer borders.

The 'Surfside' Lily is a Dutch horticultural creation selected by Vletter & Den Haan Beheer BV in 2018. It is a bulbous plant from the lily family with deciduous vegetation. 'Surfside' belongs to a group of modern hybrids derived from Asian species such as Lilium longiflorum, sometimes called the Easter Lily. These varieties are highly sought after in floristry, although they are known to be somewhat sensitive to severe frosts. At full bloom, 'Surfside' typically reaches between 1m and 1.20m in height. (Larger bulbs can produce stems up to 1.70m!). The plant will spread and thicken over time, with bulbs producing numerous bulblets through vegetative multiplication. Each light green floral stem bears in July 4 orange flowers in cups measuring between 16 and 20cm in diameter, facing towards the sky. They have a shiny texture and a medium orange hue washed with reddish orange and a yellowish-brown throat. At the heart of each flower are orange stamens with mahogany anthers. The glossy leaves (24cm long, 2.2cm wide), dark green in colour, are narrow and lanceolate, with parallel veins running through them. The vegetation dries in autumn as the bulb enters dormancy. Bulbs are reserve organs with fleshy, overlapping scales. The larger the bulb size, the more vigorous and floriferous the plant.

LA hybrid lilies, like ‘Surfside’, flower after 12 to 13 weeks of cultivation. Their flowering date can be advanced by planting them in pots early in the season, in a conservatory or a temperate room. The soil should remain moist throughout their growth and flowering period.

The 'Surfside' Lily pairs well with tall perennials such as Agapanthus, Verbascums, and Delphiniums. Plant its bulbs in small groups among white-flowering shrubs like the potentilla 'Abbotswood' and the Weigela 'Picobella Bianco'. Winter protection in the form of a thick mulch is not unnecessary in very cold regions. Lilies appreciate being shaded at the base; companion plants will help prevent stems from bending in the wind. The 'Surfside' Lily looks stunning in a large bouquet, with double white lilies ('Roselily Samuela') and lime-green foliage.