This lily looks well in big masses, for the blossoms are very graceful, though perhaps rather disappointing for a lily.
_Lilium Pyrenaicum_, or the yellow Turk’s cap, is by some authorities considered to be only a variety of the last; by others to be a distinct species. As its name tells you, it comes from the Pyrenees, and it is not known as a wild plant in other parts of the continent. Yet, by the way, we see that it is sometimes included among the British wild flowers from some apparently wild examples having been found in the Isle of Wight. Probably these are simply garden escapes; still it is possible that they are indigenous to that island.
Except in the colour of its flowers, the Pyrenean Martagon exactly resembles the Pompon lily. The flowers are slightly larger than are those of _L. Pomponicum_, and are of a fine yellow colour, spotted with purple. The outside of the tube is red.
Lately this lily has become very popular, but it is not altogether a desirable plant as the blossoms exhale a rank and disagreeable odour.
In the Japanese Islands is found a _Martagon_ lily, differing very markedly from the European species, which we have just described. This lily, _Lilium Hansoni_ by name, is very rare and not often seen in cultivation. But we believe that in a short time it will become a well-known and popular plant.
A well-grown specimen of Hanson’s lily stands about five feet high and bears a pyramidal spike of yellowish-orange blossoms. The flowers are not nearly so much recurved as are those of the other _Martagons_. The segments are thick and fleshy, of a bright orange slightly spotted with purple. The flowers are about two inches across. From three to fifty are present in each spike.
This lily is one of the first to blossom in favourable seasons, coming into flower in the first week of June.
It is also perfectly hardy, and shows no tendency to degenerate if it is provided with suitable soil. A rich but light loam with abundance of leaf-mould and a little peat and sand is the proper compost in which to grow _Lilium Hansoni_.
Another lily from Japan, _Lilium Medeoloides_, somewhat resembles Hanson’s lily, but is much smaller, rarely exceeding twelve inches in height, and the blossoms are far fewer and smaller.