Lilies: A Guide for Growers and Collectors [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Edward Austin-McRae (Author), John Bryan (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1998

Admired for elegant blossoms and graceful foliage, the lily commands a featured place in any garden. This book discusses the biology of the lily plant, its propagation, and its cultivation. McRae also documents wild lily species and the creation of spectacular contemporary garden lilies. The author developed many new hybrids; his book is unique in providing up-to-date practical techniques for lily hybridizing, along with his views on current and future developments.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Like many Timber Press books, this one is geared to experienced gardeners, horticulturists, and botanists. McRae provides techniques for hybridizing and explains the biology of the lily plant. He discusses propagation, cultivation, diseases, and pests, and explains how lilies can be used in the garden. A chapter on exhibiting lilies is followed by one on growing them around the world and one on commercial bulb production. A large portion of the book (175 pages) is a list of various species and hybrids with a detailed description of each. The author, who has developed many hybrids himself, also gives brief sketches of some prominent lily hybridizers. The text is augmented by 108 color photographs and eight botanical prints. George Cohen

Review

In short, Mr. McRae has presented us with a fine work, the essence of his life with lilies. This book is well written, well illustrated and, well, I recommend it highly. -- Charles Hardman "Herbertia" (02/01/1998)

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 392 pages
• Publisher: Timber Press, Incorporated (March 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881924105
• ISBN-13: 978-0881924107
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #811,916 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The lily hybridizer's Bible, February 24, 2001

By 

Kristin Young (Wasilla, AK United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lilies: A Guide for Growers and Collectors (Hardcover)

This book is an incredible resource for those wishing to try their hand at lily hybridization. A word of warning though, it really is not written for the layperson. While you do not have to have a Ph.d. in botany to understand the contents, those with a fair amount of horticultural experience will benefit the most. The book is clearly and concisely written, and is also organized nicely. The photos are beautiful and the line drawings are very helpful. It is the most in-depth discussion of lilies I have ever encountered, written by one of the world's experts in the field. I hope others will enjoy it as much as I have.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Concide and readable, October 22, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Lilies: A Guide for Growers and Collectors (Hardcover)

LILIES A guide for growers and collectors An authoritative guide with extensive information on propagation and hybridisation.Features species lilies and current hybrids. Written by Edward Austin McRae of Oregon Bulb Farms fame. Not too `heavy', very readable and very concise, I thoroughly enjoyed it! ISBN 0 88192-410-5 $34.95 / Timber Press

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A reference work, July 28, 2003

By 

daswerk "daswerk" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lilies: A Guide for Growers and Collectors (Hardcover)

This guide answers almost all questions one can develop on this beautiful plants. From a basic introduction into the genus along propagation and cultivation up to a comprehensive taxonomic guide on species (almost complete) and hybrids and finally professional topics as exhibitions, hybridizing and commercial production, this book covers it all. And what I liked most: though it has more than 100 pictures, it doesn't suffer of the "coffee-table"-syndrome (large, non-detailed pictures) as so many plant books regrettably do.

Absolutely recommended. It's an exceptional work and it will last long for you to reach a point where this book can't be of use anymore.