Comments on: Lilies!

By: Matt Mattus

Matt Mattus — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:58:30 +0000

The 'toothpaste' scented lily, I feel, which I know is a strange description, but trumpet lilies, to me and my nose, have a scent which is mysterious, a blend of both minty, menthol-ness, and a deep rich sweetness. Few tastes accomplish this, minty gum and toothpaste come to mind. I often describe the strange scent of Trumpet Lilies as an aroma more akin to a minty sweet olefactory experience rather than the sickeningly sweet, spicy scent from Oriental lilies ( think – Casa Blanca). Simply said, Trumpet lily scent hits more notes, and is more complex, in my opinion. A wider spectrum, if you will, and more undefinable. But like many sensory experiences, ones taste and smell is personal, and you or others, may experience something completely different. There are plants which I cannot smell at all, that others tell me scent the entire greenhouse, so maybe it's all in my mind!

By: Matt Mattus

Matt Mattus — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:51:12 +0000

The lilies in your post are Daylilies, not true lilies but Hemerocallis. The variety is a wild species known as H. fulva, which comes in a double and an single form, and is a common roadside naturalized plant in the eastern US. Easy to grow, it is a summer standby. Interested in other varieties? Check out the American Hemerocallis Society web site for new hybrids and inexpensive older ones on their links page. Sometimes people refer to these 'wild' 'lilies' as tiger lilies, but generally, the name tiger lily is associated with Lilium tigrinum, a spotted, true lily that grows from a bulb, often with litle black bulbil's above each leaf, each of which could grow into a new lily plant. Both are easy to grow, and great for people who are looking for carefree gardens that can supply summer color in July.

By: Georgia

Georgia — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 05:55:49 +0000

Beautiful lilies, among my favorite plants. How about the ones pictured in this post localecologist.blogspot.com/2010/07/bloom-day-in-beverly-ma.html?

By: Susan in the Pink Hat

Susan in the Pink Hat — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:40:39 +0000

I'm curious about which lilies smell like toothpaste.