Lilium primulinum var. ochraceum native to Northern Vietnam where it was found growing on a limestone ridge above Ta Phin village at c.1000m.

Thick rigid foliage set alternating on a brown stem to 500mm terminating in several blooms with distinctly reflexed petals. These are mirrored by the shepherd’s crook shape of the stamen.

The flowers are scented, the six petals with a red wine splash mark. Mottled dark vermillion on the interior; greenish white on the outer face. Growing successfully in a sheltered border in the back yard.

Yesterday was the first time this season I caught the smell of candyfloss drifting from Cercidiphyllum japonicum. As the deciduous leaves start the autumn senescence, especially after a frost, this aroma will become more evident.

Lillium primulinum var ochraceum

Lillium primulinum var ochraceum