Among the most spectacular of garden bulbs, lilies are deservedly popular with the gardener. The many cultivars are all derived by selection or hybridisation from about 100 wild species. Most will grow in partial shade or full sun, in any well-drained, fertile soil, although some require lime-free conditions.
Lilies have been a particular interest of the Society ever since it took over Wisley, with its extensive woodland areas, in 1904. In subsequent years, there have been some fine stands of lilies, especially in the Wild Garden and in the woodland on Battleston Hill.
The RHS Lily Group
The oldest of the RHS special interest groups, founded in 1931, the RHS Lily Group is open by subscription to all RHS members.
Registration
The RHS maintains a register of names for lily cultivars and cultivar-groups. Anyone raising new cultivars is encouraged to register them, a free service that aims to avoid duplication of names or other confusion within the genus. The full Register, which contains details of raisers, parentage and classification, was published in 1982, since when regular supplements have brought it up to date.
Registration of lilies
Plant awards
Lilies with the AGM
Links
The RHS Lily Group