The stenographer series of lilies consists of six hybrid varieties descended from one seed pod: hence all are sisters. That they differ as much as they do is evidence of the variation in the genetic make-up of the two parents. The female parent, Lilium davidi var. willmottiae, may be supposed to be as pure as species lilies usually are. It is, of course, not sufficient to exclude some heterozygosity and hence some variation, especially in such minor matters as flower color (minor – from the standpoint of the wild plant). The male parent, a seedling of Lilium dauricum type, may actually admit considerable blood of hybrid source originally, as Lilium umbellalum does. It is from this side of the family tree that the variation in the six stenographer sisters, and in others from the same seed pod, long since discarded, may be supposed to have sprung.

Six new lilies in the same general class may be justified by the specialist, who becomes more and more willing to admit small variations as important. However, it is too great a number for the average gardener to remember; so I choose the two of the group which seem to be most likely to be valued by the home gardener.

The Hybrid Brenda Watts

Brenda Watts is undoubtedly the most outstanding of the six, a lily remarkable for its vigor, hardiness and ease of management. It makes large bulbs which are responsible for stout plants and for stems with many flowers of good size. The well-developed bulbs may persist for several years before attempting to divide; eventually they will divide, all at once, although even then not too finely. Here is what the Macneils say of this lily:

“Brenda Watts is one of the finest. The plant is tall and graceful, and bears a long spike of outward-facing, partly reflexed blooms of a brilliant grenadine-red with dark brown spots. It grows magnificently, can he established readily, and has a sturdy constitution. The height is four to five feet, and the flowering period is late June to early July.” It is Vermont of which they speak, naturally; Brenda Watts does not bloom till about July 20 in my own district of Saskatchewan, Canada.

The Hybrid Edna Kean

The second variety deserving mention is Edna Kean. This one is distinguished for the opposite tendency as far as dividing is concerned. It makes new bulblets, one the stem between the top of the parent bulb and the surface of the soil, with great freedom; with good garden management but no special effort to propagate it, this variety can be multiplied rapidly. It does not grow as tall Brenda Watts, nor as vigorously, but the color is more striking, and for its color tis variety will be selected. I must quote a part of the Macneil description of it also:

“Edna Kean resembles Brenda Watts except for the height, which is three feet, and color: a deep cherry-red, a shade unique among lilies. Probably the most distinguished of the stenographer series. Edna Kean unfortunately does not have so strong a constitution as Brenda Watts.”

It is undoubtedly in the descendants of second generation of this original cross that the greatest interest lies. Among them have appeared yellow color, and the upright flower-placing habits have reappeared. However, the characteristics of the second generation make a different story, and must be left for another day.

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