'L. japonicum' (Species or Wild Lily)

In its native Japan, it is known as "Sasa-Yuri" or the Bamboo Lily. Difficult to cultivate, it is highly susceptible to virus infection as well as Fusarium and is therefore short lived outside its native habitat. The bell-shaped flowers perch atop 2 to 3 foot stems and are light pink to white in color. Most notable cross by Jan DeGraaff with Lilium japonicum at Oregon Bulb Farm produced 'Pink Glory', a strain of pinks that bears a strong resemblance to Lilium japonicum . We regret that we have never unlocked the secrets of success with this rare and beautiful lily. L. japonicum photo courtesy of Ed McRae.

Photo insert #1 is of Lilium japonicum hybrid, 'Pink Glory' photographed in the mid 1990's in the B&D Lilies production field. 'Pink Glory' is no longer in production.

Photo insert #2 is of a bed of L. japonicum as grown by Edgar Kline in the late 1940's. This historic photo of early lily cultivation was provided by Bill and Mary Hoffman.

Photo insert #3 shows L. japonicum var. platyphyllum photographed in the late 1940's of selections by Edgar Kline as provided by Bill and Mary Hoffman. L. japonicum var. platyphyllum had the distinction of having wider leaves than the type.