Lilium ‘Triumphator’ is an unusual lily because it is one of the few Oriental/longiflorum hybrids. Oriental lilies are well known for their heavily fragrant, saucer-shaped flowers  and Lilium longiflorum has trumpet-shaped, scented flowers in white. ‘Triumphator’ has flowers that are midway between the two and are deep cherry pink with a broad white edge to the petals.

I planted ten in a 40cm wide pot last year and they did reasonably well but this year they have excelled themselves. I did not get the chance to repot them and so they have had no attention other than getting a weekly dose of liquid fertiliser (last year and this) when in growth. My reward this year has been that my ten bulbs have produced ten stems (no annoying masses of offsets as you get with some lilies) and a total of 51 flowers (I just got up and counted – honest).

I like lilies anyway but the advantage of this one is that most Oriental lilies must have acid soil but this one is less fussy. I planted it originally in my standard mix of John Innes No 3 and multipurpose and they have loved it. The stems are rather arching and I have had to put the pot behind some others to keep it upright (it is a plastic pot). The stems now arch over and have spread to more than 1.2m across and not only do they look amazing but they smell even better!

I am pleased to say that the bright red menace – lily beetle- has not yet reached this particular part of the world so lilies are still easy to grow. Long may that remain so. If you are not keen on pink flowers you will want to give this one a miss. Otherwise it is well worth planting for its vigour and beauty.

Geoff’s rating 9/10

Garden rating 9/10

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