Minoan wall paintings from 1600 BC show Lilium chalcedonicum, the Romans carried herbal L. candidum throughout their empire, and Parkinson opened his great florilegium of 1629 with L. martagon and 23 others. Complex hybrids came to the fore in the 20th century, with many of the best being the creations of North American hybridizers.
Lilies bring height, fragrance, and great drama to the summer garden.
Scott Ogden recommends L. lancifolium, L. henryi, L. regale, and Aurelians such as our 'Black Dragon', 'Copper King', and 'Golden Splendor'. Though deer and rodents relish them, many gardeners find the struggle more than worth it. See our tips on Critter Control . We send complete planting and care instructions with all of our bulbs. Its big, fragrant, open-faced flowers are white with a gold stripe and cinnamon sprinkles.