Lilium maculatum Thunb.

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘Several superb plants of this showy species are flowering in full perfection at Messrs. Rollinsons.  Superficially examined it presents certain characteristics which are almost sufficient to distinguish it from the L. aurantiacum; yet we are induced to regard them as the same.’  The following differences were noted: leaves, dense, more pubescent, flowers large and of a deeper orange, more numerous.  [MB p.167/1840].  ‘There are many varieties of this excellent lily, varying in colour from pale lemon-yellow to the colour of a rich orange-brown wallflower.’  [Jekyll].  Lilium thunbergianum was also introduced in 1835.  [PD].  ‘This noble Lily was drawn in the nursery of Messrs. Rollissons, in June 1838, and is one of those introduced to Europe from Japan, by Dr. Siebold.  It was originally found by Thunberg, who first referred it to L. philadelphicum, although its sepals and petals are sessile, and subsequently to L. bulbiferum, although it has no bulbs, and is also destitute of the papillae which render the inside of the flower of that species scabrous.  It is doubtless a distinct species.’  [BR f.38/1839].

History at Camden Park

Only listed in the 1845 and 1850 catalogues.

Notes

Lilium aurantiacum is also given as a synonym in later editions of Paxton’s Dictionary, and L. philadelphicum Thunb. and L. bulbiferum Thunb. in the Ornamental Flower Garden: ‘It was originally found by Thunberg, who first referred it to L. philadelphicum; and subsequently to L. bulbiferum, although it has no bulb.  It is doubtless a distinct species.’  [BR f.38/1839].  This is possibly the source of confusion with L. bulbiferum.

See also Notes under Lilium aurantiacum Pax.