A long-dormant floral treasure has made a stunning comeback at the Kemp House and Stone Store, two of New Zealand’s oldest buildings located at the Kerikeri Mission Station. The historic garden witnessed the unexpected blooming of a bright red Vallota lily late last year, a sight unseen for at least nine years.
Staff members at the Kerikeri Mission Station were astounded by the sudden appearance of the flowering lily under the pink camellia tree behind the Stone Store. Liz Bigwood, the property lead, expressed their delight, stating, “This is a bit of a mystery to be honest. We have no idea why it should have chosen to flower now after years of keeping such a low profile in our garden – but we’re delighted that it has.”
The Vallota lily, also known as Scarborough Lily, has roots that may date back to the 19th century, originating from the efforts of Sophia Kemp. Sophia, who passed away in 1914, played a significant role in establishing the flower garden. Her daughters, Charlotte and Gertrude, continued to manage and nurture the garden, maintaining the tradition of supplying flowers for church services at St James Church.
The recent rediscovery of the Vallota lily adds a touch of mystery, as the typical flowering season for these lilies is late summer or early autumn. However, the Kerikeri Mission Station witnessed the bloom in late spring and early summer, adding to the allure of this botanical mystery.
Regardless of the timing, the staff is overjoyed to witness the Vallota lily making a prominent comeback in the historic garden, connecting the present to the floral legacy cultivated by the Kemp family.
