The first lilies to bloom and the first to land in one of my vases are different in this case. The first flower of the first bloom stalk of 'Lilium 'Orange Planet' opened a week ago and yesterday five of those flowers were open but, with seven more still tightly in bud on that same stalk, I couldn't bring myself to cut it yet even though there are two other 'Orange Planet' bloom stalks with buds. However, another lily variety set behind 'Orange Planet' made a surprise appearance with a stalk containing five flowers, three of which were already open. As that lily wasn't readily visible anyway, I didn't hesitate to cut it.
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| I think this lily featured was among the first bulbs I planted here but I've no record of its name. My best guess based on online comparisons is that it could be 'Royal Sunset'. I used stems of other orange and yellow flowers in my back garden to accent the lilies. |
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| I filled out the back view with Achillea 'Moonshine' and the foliage of Agonis flexuosa 'Nana' |
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| Overhead view: In addition to 2 varieties of Leucospermums, I found a single yellow and orange gladiola blooming below the bloom stalks of Lilium 'Orange Planet'. According to my record and my recollection, I planted bulbs of Gladiolus nanus 'Dwarf Mix' in that area in early March but this surprise gladiola flower doesn't match up with photos of those at all. I won't be sad it they all look like the surprise stem but I'm also not counting on that being the case. |
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| Clockwise from the upper left: Achillea 'Moonshine', Agonis flexuosa 'Nana', Lobelia laxiflora, noID yellow and orange Gladiolus, Leucospermum 'Brandi Dela Cruz', L. 'Sunset', and mystery Lilium (that might be 'Royal Sunset') |
This is the only arrangement I'm including in this week's IAVOM post. Last week's peony arrangement is still in place, although I've removed two of the spent peonies and shifted that vase in our front entry. I continue to cut sweet peas every few day for our kitchen island and I've been giving bunches of those flowers away every time there's an opportunity. The lily arrangement received pride of place on the dining room table.
To find other IAVOM creations, visit Cathy at Rambling in the Garden.
All material © 2012-2025 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party
Wow, Kris, that is absolutely stunning, it is like a firework exploding. A very expensive firework. I envy you your beautiful unblemished lilies and I hope the dreaded lily beetle never reaches you. And that Leucospermum is amazing, I've never seen anything quite like it.
ReplyDeleteI've never seen a lily beetle and I certainly hope that luck continues. That said, lilies don't last indefinitely here - I suspect the gophers may stealthily eradicate the bulbs from underground as they seem to just periodically disappear.
DeleteOutstanding! The (possibly) 'Royal Sunset' richness of color is setting the tone. Maybe 'Orange Planet' will make an appearance next Monday.
ReplyDeleteThe orange-red theme reminds me of fall... too soon? Maybe its because I'd gladly skip the oppressive heat of summer...
Chavli
I'd also gladly skip summer, or at least the worst of it, if I could, Chavli. Right now our seasonal "June Gloom" is holding the heat felt by the inland valleys at bay. That's unlikely to carry into July, though.
DeleteGorgeous Kris. A bright spot of colour. So unusual for me to see lilies mixed with such unusual other flowers. I love it. Very tropical looking.
ReplyDeleteI remembered that the 'Orange Planet' lilies were planted there but completely forgot about the might-be 'Royal Sunset' lilies when I planted 3 new bulbs of 'Zelmira' there. In retrospect, planting Gladilolus bulbs (of whatever kind) was probably a bit much too. We shall see how they get along!
DeleteIt's really fabulous. Leucospermum is divine as are the lilies. And that gladiola fits so nicely into the whole shebang!
ReplyDeleteI really hope that particular gladiola isn't the one and only one like that to appear, even if it wasn't what I thought I was planting, Tracy. The Leucospermums are slowly finishing up but I'm glad the lilies arrived in time to collaborate with them.
DeleteI love the warm colours you have used today, Kris - such nice soft orange shades. It is lovely that you have enough lilies to cut some for a vase - mine are in pots and I don't think there would ever be enough to spare, although I could for a damaged stem I suppose!
ReplyDeleteThe Orienpet hybrid lilies seem to be the only ones that do well here and even then the bulbs don't hold up forever, Cathy. 'Orange Planet' seems to be the most profuse in bud and bloom thus far.
DeleteIt's beautiful, Kris. Enjoy your sunny colors. I hope it fends off the June Gloom. Amelia
ReplyDeleteThe "June Gloom" is especially dense of late, Amelia. We actually picked up 0.02/inch of precipitation with today's wet blanket!
DeleteMy first thought was: "Great balls of fire!". Fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI may be uncertain of the name for that lily but I do love it! I was also glad I could use the Leucospermums before they're gone for the season.
DeleteA beautiful lily whatever its name, I like the lighter-colored throat and spots. At first I thought the gladiolus was a tuberous begonia blossom, but couldn't imagine it in a vase. I was surprised to see such a pretty bicolor, and it works well with the rest. You can't beat those leucospermums for longevity! Eliza
ReplyDeleteI still have my fingers crossed that more of the gladiolas will look like that first one but it may be an anomaly. The squirrels haven't gone after the Leucospermums yet - those flowers disappear rapidly once the squirrels remember they have a taste for them.
DeleteLovely orange bouquet! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Nicole!
DeleteBam! That's a lot of orange, I love it!
ReplyDeleteI was pretty pleased with it myself, Loree ;)
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