'L. chalcedonicum' (Species or Wild Lily)

Prized for its red color, this Grecian native is generally found in humus rich, stony limestone soils and lightly shaded areas, but prone to virus and botrytis attacks in the garden. Seed should be sown in an area where undisturbed growth can be maintained, as this species highly resents being moved, and is probably the main reason it is rarely seen in commerce. The addition of lime to the soil of western gardens is a must. We have never had the pleasure of flowering this species ourselves. Photo courtesy of Dr. Fritz Ewald.

The flowers of Lilium chalcedonicum are Turk's Cap in form and are a lovely shade of rich red. Crossed with Lilium candidum to produce the hybrid Lilium x 'Testaceum'. The inset photo of L. x 'Testaceum' was unmarked as to source, but we believe was provided by Ed McRae some 20 plus years ago. Lilium chalcedonicum was used by Jan de Graaff to produces a number of seedlings, but none seem to have been ever released, but if so, must have not persisted in the garden.