Lilium (Asian Group) - 'Red Sensation'

This flower really does justice to its name. This is not a newcomer as the lilies have been on the market since the year 2005, but the 'Red Sensation" is a new type of lily. Positive is the fact that the availability of this lily will increase significantly.

The petals of this lily show its exact nature: a Christmas lily that warms the hearts. This lily is already striking when the buds are still closed. While when they open, this Asiatic lily shows all his beauty with its deep red colour, almost fluorescent 'stars', with a diameter of 15cm. Furthermore the "Red Sensation" easily exceed the Christmas period, as the duration is of 10-14 days, provided that the stems are cut when they are mature enough and have been exposed to enough light.

Lilium (Asian Group) "Red Sensation" is supplied to the Dutch auctions from May until December. The average length of the stem is 85cm. The number of flowers per stem depends on the size of the bulb: from at least four (size of bulb 12/14) to six (size of bulb 16/18). Thanks to the upright position of the buds the flowers are not easily damaged when transported and they are also easy to work with.

Liliums grows from bulbs and they belong to the family of the Liliaceae.

Varieties

Traditionally it consists of four main groups:

Lilium longiflorum, Asiatic hybrids, Oriental hybrids and Lilium longiflorum with Asiatic hybrids (LA). Breeders are not only involved with the selection within these four groups, but now also make crosses between different groups. They have now added the Lilium longiflorum with Oriental hybrids (LO).

Lily Symbolism

The lily symbolises innocence, transience, royalty, spiritual love, chastity, fertility, purity, honesty and unity. In many countries, the lily has a special meaning. Infact the Greeks and Romans crowned their wives with lilies as a symbol of a faithful and fertile life. From 1179 the lily is represented on the emblem of the Kingdom of France. Lilium Longiflorum for the Americans symbolises hope. The white lily is often used as a last tribute to their loved once that has passed away and is therefore frequently associated with death. In cemeteries this flower is mainly found on the graves of children and girls, sometimes with the stem broken. But few know that the white lily is a symbol of purity, innocence and virginity.