Lily Twyford Lilium 'Twyford' (PBR) (Viia/b)
ABOUT
The Lily 'Twyford' is characterized by its striking flowers that are known to be large, showy, and often quite elegant. The petals of the blooms are typically a bright and vivid color with a merlot-red to deep orange hue, often enriched with darker or lighter spots, splashes, or brush strokes at the base, adding intrigue and allure to the visual presentation. These flowers are arranged in a trumpet shape, widening gracefully from the base to the flared edges, exuding a sense of sumptuousness and exotic appeal. The mid to dark green leaves of the lily are narrow, long, and lance-shaped, growing in a whorled or spiral arrangement along the length of the stems. They form a lush green backdrop that makes the colors of the flowers stand out even more. The overall appearance of the plant is one of stately beauty, with its striking blooms often used in cut flower arrangements due to their size and the vibrancy of their colors. The Lily 'Twyford' brings a touch of luxury to any garden or bouquet with its ornate flowers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae.
Synonyms
No known common names.
Common names
Lilium 'Twyford' (PBR) (Viia/b)
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as lily can be toxic to humans if ingested. Though not severely toxic, lilies can cause mild symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if parts of the plant are eaten. The primary concern with lily toxicity in humans is more often related to their pollen causing allergies or contact with the skin causing possible irritation.
To pets
Lilies are highly toxic to pets, especially cats. Even small ingestions, such as a few petals or leaves, can cause severe kidney failure in cats. Symptoms of lily poisoning in pets may include vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite, and kidney failure, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. It is crucial for pet owners to keep lilies out of reach of their pets, especially cats, to prevent accidental ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blooms: The plant produces large, vibrant flowers that can add a splash of color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: The plant is generally easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once established.
- Drought Tolerance: It can withstand periods without water, making it suitable for regions with water restrictions or dry climates.
- Long Bloom Season: It has a lengthy flowering period, providing color and beauty over an extended time.
- Cut Flowers: The blooms are suitable for cutting and making floral arrangements, adding aesthetic value to indoor settings.
- Attracts Pollinators: The bright flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, benefiting the local ecosystem.
- Versatile Landscaping: It can be used in a variety of landscaping designs, including borders, containers, and as a focal point.
- Hardy Nature: The plant is resilient against many common garden pests and diseases.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Lilium 'Twyford' can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing varying shades of color depending on the part of the plant used.
- The crushed petals of the lily may be mixed with a binding agent to create a natural paint for artistic purposes.
- The sturdy stems of mature Lilium 'Twyford' can be woven into lightweight baskets or used in floral art as supporting structures.
- The pollen of the lily, often discarded due to its potential for staining, can be used in pigment for crafts such as homemade pastels.
- After they've bloomed, dried Lilium 'Twyford' flowers can be used to create fragrant potpourri for scenting rooms.
- When photographed, this plant provides an excellent subject for botanical illustration and can be featured in educational materials about horticulture.
- The plant's seed pods can be incorporated into decorative garden sculptures or used in dried floral arrangements for added texture and interest.
- Pressed Lilium 'Twyford' flowers can be used in the art of decoupage to adorn various items such as picture frames or furniture.
- By freezing the petals in ice cubes, Lilium 'Twyford' can add an elegant touch to decorative cold beverages for special events.
- The large, flamboyant blooms can be used as natural bowls to serve small delicacies or desserts at a garden-themed party.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant SymbolismThe most common common name for Lilium 'Twyford' (PBR) (Viia/b) is Asiatic Lily.
- Purity: Asiatic lilies are often associated with purity, especially in their white varieties, symbolizing cleanliness and innocence.
- Weddings: Because of their association with purity and beauty, Asiatic lilies are commonly used in wedding bouquets and decorations.
- Renewal: Lilies, in general, are symbols of renewal and rebirth, as they bloom every season with a fresh, vibrant appearance.
- Motherhood: In some cultures, Asiatic lilies are given to new mothers to celebrate the new life they have brought into the world, representing the nurturing aspect of motherhood.
- Transitions: Their perennial nature makes Asiatic lilies a metaphor for life's transitions and the continuous cycle of personal growth.
- Passion: The rich and vibrant colors of Asiatic lilies can represent strong emotions and passion, making them a popular choice in romantic contexts.
WaterOriental lilies, like the Twyford Lily, prefer to be watered thoroughly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out somewhat between waterings. Depending on temperature and humidity, this typically means watering once every week, with up to 1 to 2 gallons for outdoor plants, and less for indoor potted lilies – about 16 ounces as needed. Over-watering can lead to bulb rot, so ensure good drainage. In very hot weather, you may need to water more frequently to maintain adequate moisture, while in cooler, wetter conditions, reduce the frequency.
LightThe Twyford Lily thrives in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot is one where the plant can bask in at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, while being protected from the harsh afternoon sun. Too little light can result in weak stems and fewer blooms, so choose a sunny spot for these lilies to flourish.
TemperatureTwyford Lilies do best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and slightly cooler at night. They can survive in temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit without damage and can tolerate highs up to 85 degrees. To ensure vigorous growth and blooming, avoid placing them in locations where temperatures exceed these ranges or fluctuate dramatically.
PruningPrune Twyford Lilies by removing spent flowers to encourage more blooms and to prevent the plant from using energy to make seeds. After blooming, remove just the flower head and not the entire stem, as this can help nourish the bulb for the following year. Pruning should be done as soon as the flowers fade, and the best time for a major cut back is after the foliage dies back in late fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Oriental Lily is well-draining, rich in organic matter, with a pH level of around 6.0 to 6.5. A mix of loam, peat moss, and perlite is often recommended to achieve the desired structure and acidity.
RepottingOriental Lilies often do not require frequent repotting and can be done every 2 to 3 years or when the bulbs outgrow their current container or become crowded.
Humidity & MistingOriental Lilies prefer moderate humidity levels, around 40-60%, which is typically the average indoor humidity range.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and keep soil moist for growing Oriental Lily indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in a sunny spot with well-draining soil and protect from strong winds for outdoor care.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleLilium 'Twyford', commonly known as Twyford Lily, begins its life as a bulb, which undergoes a period of dormancy typically during colder months. Once temperatures rise in spring, the bulb sprouts and sends up shoots, developing into a stem with leaves. The plant then enters its vegetative growth stage, where it focuses energy on growing taller and producing a sturdy stem capable of supporting the blossoms. Following this, the Twyford Lily enters its flowering stage, where buds form and bloom into large, showy flowers, commonly in the summer. After pollination, possibly by insects attracted to the blooms, the plant may produce seeds in a capsule, which, when mature, can be dispersed to give rise to new plants. Finally, after flowering and seed setting, the above-ground portion of the plant dies back, and the bulb enters a period of dormancy until the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Lilium 'Twyford', commonly known as the Twyford Lily, is best propagated through bulb division, a process ideally undertaken in late fall after the plant has finished flowering but before winter sets in. To propagate, carefully dig up the bulbs, avoiding damage, and gently separate the bulblets from the mother bulb. These bulblets, which are essentially small bulbs that have formed at the base of the existing plant, can be planted immediately if the ground is not frozen or stored in a cool, dry place until spring. Replant the bulblets about 12 to 18 inches apart (roughly 30 to 45 centimeters apart) and at a depth of around twice the height of the bulb, ensuring that the pointy end is facing upward. Water the newly planted bulblets thoroughly to help establish roots.
