Notholirion thomsonianum (Royle) Stapf

A bulbous perennial with stems bearing up to 30 scented, horizontal or ascending, funnel-shaped, rose coloured flowers in spring and summer.  It comes into growth again in the autumn and by late autumn its spreading basal leaves may be up to 45cm long and continue to grow throughout winter, withering when the flower stems appear.  To 90cm.  Cultivated for many years, this is the best known of the species of Notholirion cultivated.  [RHSD, Hortus, Grey].  

Horticultural & Botanical History

This is almost certainly the plant listed by Paxton’s and Johnson’s Dictionary as Lilium longifolium, a white flowered lily, with particularly long leaves, introduced from China in 1820.  [PD, JD].  According to Johnson’s Dictionary Lilium thomsonianum was introduced to Britain in 1843. 

‘Lilium roseum is a native of Gossain Than and Kamaon (Wallich), and of Mussooree (Royle), and Almora (elev. 8000 feet), where it was found by Messrs. Thomson and Strachey.  Seeds were sent by the latter gentleman to Kew Gardens, and the plants flowered in a cool frame in April, 1853.’  [BM t.4725/1853 as Lilium roseum.]  BR 31 t.1/1845 as Lilium thomsonianum.

History at Camden Park

Listed in the 1857 catalogue only [B.311/1857].  Lilium thompsonianum may have been obtained from James Backhouse.  It was included among desiderata in a letter dated 10th April 1846 [MP A2933-1, p.136] and again on 1st February, 1849 [MP A2933-1, p.183] but not recorded as arrived.  It was also requested from Loddiges’ Nursery on 16th April 1846 [MP A2933-1, p.147].  There is also is a handwritten entry in a copy of the 1850 catalogue held at the Mitchell Library, inscribed on the front Wm. Macarthur, 23rd Dec. 1854.  [ML 635.9m].

Notes

Published Dec 26, 2009 - 05:27 PM | Last updated Jul 25, 2010 - 04:29 PM

Figured are lance-shaped leaves pink funnel-shaped, nodding flowers. Curtis's Botanical Magazine t.4725, 1853.

Notholirion thomsonianum (Royle) Stapf | BM t.4725/1853 | BHL

More details about Notholirion thomsonianum (Royle) Stapf
Family Liliaceae
Category
Region of origin

India and Afghanistan
Synonyms
  • Lilium longifolium Griff.
  • Lilium thomsonianum Lindl.
  • Lilium roseum Wall.
  • Fritillaria thomsonianum Royle 
Common Name
Name in the Camden Park Record

Lilium longifolia 
Confidence level high