Royal Sunset lily is an apt name. The flower color changes with the angle of light, and darkens as it ages. The hues range from light orange to light purple and compliment nearly everything else in the garden. Like many hybrids lilies, it is not fragrant, but it makes up for that with dozens of blooms on mature plants. In 2007 one plant had 32 flowers. (That lily split into five flowering plants for 2008.)
Besides being floriferous, Royal Sunset lily is prolific. In five years one bulb through division has become several plantings of multiple flowering bulbs. LA hybrids are adaptable, drought tolerant, and easy to grow. They don't seem to be susceptible to lily mosaic virus. They even withstand herbivory from rabbits and voles without a significant reduction in numbers.
Plus they are container tough. Add them to the list of Asiatics and tiger lilies that can withstand Chicago winters planted in an above ground container.
While dividing a grouping last spring, I cut through a bulb and stem. I placed the de-bulbed stem in a container with some other intact Royal Sunsets. It sat still for two months as the others grew taller. In July I was surprised to see it bloom right along with its intact brethren. Apparently, it rested and re-grew its bulb from only a leafy stem. Now that's tough.
The potential with the interdivisional hybrids is just being realized. The days of temperamental lilies are coming to a close. Only collectors need to accommodate and coddle the delicate species. Everyone else can grow gorgeous, outstanding lilies with little effort.
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