Two orange lilies just opened across the path from each other. They could not be more different or create more opposite moods.This is an Asiatic lily, 'Forever Susan.' I personally call her 'Suddenly Susan.' When she opens, the garden is suddenly transformed. The word 'forever' makes me think of something old and delicate which 'Susan' definitely is not.
Across the path is Lilium canadense, a very delicate beauty. This one is in its first season and is not very tall. I have a small group of this lily in red, yellow and orange. Once you discover these lilies you will be hooked.
Jolts of color like that can transform a garden. I like your name for 'Susan'. I looked up Lilium canadense and understand why you love it so. As my Sunset Western Garden Book doesn't even list the species, and given its native origins, I expect it wouldn't much like life in SoCal.
Posted by: Kris P | Friday, July 01, 2022 at 01:44 PM
Your pet name'Suddenly Susan' seems appropriate for this beauty.
Posted by: Susie at pbmGarden | Saturday, July 02, 2022 at 07:23 AM
KRIS P. — The people who tend to grow that Canada lily live in even cooler and more moist places than me. My new ones are half the size of the ones I planted a couple of years ago. But even they don't have as many buds as they typically should. They are so lovely that I'm really hoping they survive for me.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Monday, July 04, 2022 at 08:03 AM
I love the way the different foliage surrounds your forever/suddenly Susan. It takes away a bit of her brashness.
Posted by: danger garden | Monday, July 04, 2022 at 12:38 PM