Thanks to cross breeding techniques the Orientals are enjoying a major come back. The bi-coloured Lilium Oriental Grp ‘Shocking’ is a perfect example of the latest developments.

The recent activities of cross breeding Orientals and Aurelium lilies have resulted in a completely new category: the OT lilies. Although similar in shape to the Orientals, often more commonly known as ‘Asian Beauties’, the new OT varieties have some major advantages over this traditional group.  These advantages include larger blooms, improved vase life, shorter cultivation time and improved resistance to disease. Another advantage is their unusual colors, the new ‘Shocking’ variety being a great example. With a flower diameter of 8 inches, this lily has a reddish yellow flower, even the attractive buds are bi-colored buds with a slightly sweet fragrance.

Thanks to its long 47 inch stems and buds that grow laterally and upright, Lilium Oriental Grp ‘Shocking’ (vbn code 22433) is extremely versatile and easy to work with. With a vase life of around 18 days, it comes as no great surprise that this new lily is in high demand. First seen at the Dutch flower and plant auctions in April 2004, this newcomer is currently being auctioned in the Oriental group due to its limited number of varieties. However, buyers have rewarded the breeder’s achievements with an average stem price that is several cents higher than that of other Orientals. Supply volume of the new OT varieties is expected to increase this year, resulting in a year round supply. Supplies of field grown   lilies are also expected later this summer. 

Family
Lilium is a member of the Liliaceae family.

Varieties
The lily assortment is comprised of four groups:

• Lilium longiflorum     
  This Japanese    lily or funeral lily has a trumpet-like flower, leaves that are very close together and a strong, sweet fragrance. Flowers are often white with two or three blooms per stem (blooms per stem is a significant purchasing criteria). Stem length can be up to 60 inches. 
• Lilium Asian Hybrids 
  These lilies often bare more blooms (around five in total) than the longiflorum variety and have a scent that is not as strong. Frequently available in yellow and orange, these flowers have dark spots and stems of approximately 40 inches in length. Flowers are more upright and winter performance is good.   
• Oriental Hybrids 
  Lilium Oriental Hybrids have pink/purple or white flowers, or are bi-colored. Flowers are larger and have a stronger scent compared to those of the Asian Hybrids. Orientals have four or more blooms per stem. 
• Lilium longiflorum x Asian Hybrids 
  As its name would suggest, Lilium longiflorum x Asian Hybrids are a cross between these two types. The lightly fragranced flowers are commonly apricot or salmon in color, with two blooms per stem. LA-hybrids have large flowers that open easily, sturdy stems, unusual colors and a good vase life (9 days). 

A range of new hybrids are slowly being launched in the market. These include the LO-lily variety. Here cross breeding has resulted in more colors than the traditional white longiflorum varieties. 
   
As mentioned the first cultivars of the new OT lilies are increasingly starting to appear. Excellent resistance to pests and diseases is just one of the many features of these lilies. They also grow quickly and are less susceptible to botrytis. The leaves are solid green, which gives the spores of botrytis less opportunity to germinate. OT varieties also have thick tubers, which help provide resistant to damage caused by the fungus pythium. 
   
Breeders also benefit from a shorter cultivation time. A normal Oriental has a cultivation time of approximately 110 days while the OT lily needs between 75 to 80 days on average and this is without any loss in stem length. Other significant features include their good processing and handling properties, refrigeration    storage   tolerance and vase life once placed in water.

Top 10 cultivars - Lilium Oriental: