Edward Austin McRae (1932–2008) was one of the most influential lily hybridizers and species conservationists of the 20th century. Known to friends and colleagues as Ed, his life’s work bridged the worlds of commercial lily breeding, scientific preservation of wild species, and education for future generations, leaving a profound legacy in horticulture and botany.
Ed was born on October 25, 1932, in Echt, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Growing up in a rural landscape rich with natural beauty, he developed a fascination with plants and a deep love of gardening from an early age. He began his formal horticultural training at Fyvie Castle Gardens, a historic Scottish estate known for its diverse collections and demanding garden work. This early experience gave McRae a practical foundation in plant care, propagation, and garden design. After completing his apprenticeship, he served in the Royal Air Force as a weather telegrapher stationed in the Suez Canal zone, during a time of great geopolitical tension. When his service ended, he returned to horticulture, enrolling at the prestigious Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE). There, he advanced through rigorous training and eventually became a botanical foreman, a position he held for four years. His time at RBGE provided him with a deep grounding in botany, plant systematics, and the care of rare and exotic species.
In 1961, McRae moved to the United States to join Jan de Graaff’s Oregon Bulb Farms in Sandy, Oregon. At the time, Oregon Bulb Farms was one of the leading centers of lily hybridization and commercial bulb production worldwide. Over the next twenty-five years, McRae worked as a professional hybridizer, developing new lily cultivars and introducing valuable traits such as improved flower form, disease resistance, and garden performance. His work helped shape the modern lily market, influencing the diversity of colors, forms, and genetic lines available to growers and gardeners. When Jan de Graaff retired, McRae continued his professional breeding career at Van der Salm Bulb Farms in Woodland, Washington, where he worked until his retirement from commercial hybridization in 1995.
McRae became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1986, reflecting his deep ties to the Pacific Northwest, both personally and professionally. Beyond his horticultural career, he was an active member of his community, serving as both deacon and elder at the Sandy Community Presbyterian Church. He also helped found the Pacific Northwest Lily Society, fostering a regional network of enthusiasts, botanists, and gardeners dedicated to advancing the appreciation and cultivation of lilies. Known for his generosity, he mentored countless individuals, freely sharing his knowledge and fostering collaboration rather than competition.
While McRae’s early career focused on hybridization for the commercial market, his later years were devoted to the preservation of wild Lilium species. In 1995, upon retirement, he founded the Species Lily Preservation Group at Lava Nursery in Parkdale, Oregon. The group’s mission was to preserve, propagate, and distribute true lily species, especially rare and endangered ones. McRae understood that wild species are the genetic foundation for all hybrids and that their loss would threaten both biodiversity and the future of lily breeding. Under his leadership, the group distributed seeds and bulbs to serious growers worldwide, ensuring that these precious plants were safeguarded even as natural habitats faced destruction. This work laid the foundation for what would later become the Lilium Species Foundation, which maintains a global database of wild lilies and continues McRae’s conservation mission.
His influence extended beyond the fields and greenhouses through his landmark publication, Lilies: A Guide for Growers and Collectors (Timber Press, 1998). This book remains one of the definitive modern references on the genus Lilium. Drawing on decades of experience, McRae blended practical cultivation advice with scholarly research. The book includes detailed descriptions of wild species, guidance on cultivation and propagation, discussions of hybrid groups like Asiatic, Oriental, and Trumpet lilies, and historical accounts of notable breeders and trends. By combining species knowledge, hybridization strategies, and cultural techniques, McRae created a resource that serves both amateur gardeners and professional horticulturists.
One of McRae’s most important contributions was his ability to bridge the world of wild species and commercial hybrids. Many hybridizers focused only on marketable traits such as uniformity and size, while conservationists emphasized ecological preservation. McRae demonstrated that these two worlds could work together. He showed how hybrid breeding could incorporate wild genetic diversity while also advocating for the protection of natural populations. Through his leadership and example, he encouraged breeders and conservationists to view themselves as partners rather than opponents.
McRae’s role as a mentor and community builder was just as significant as his professional achievements. Through the Pacific Northwest Lily Society and his work with international growers, he fostered a collaborative spirit that enriched the global lily community. Many who interacted with him recalled his warmth, humility, and willingness to answer questions or share plants and seeds. His efforts inspired a new generation of growers who continue to carry forward his vision of combining beauty, innovation, and conservation.
Even after retiring from commercial breeding, McRae remained active in conservation and education. He spent his final years working with the Species Lily Preservation Group and continuing to write and lecture. His passing on November 16, 2008, was deeply felt across the lily world, where he was remembered not only for his achievements but also for his kindness and dedication.
McRae’s legacy can be summarized in three key areas: hybrid innovation, species preservation, and education. His decades at Oregon Bulb Farms and Van der Salm Bulb Farms helped shape the modern lily cultivars we enjoy today. His conservation work safeguarded rare wild lilies for future generations. And his writings and mentorship elevated the global standard for lily cultivation and appreciation. Through his life’s work, McRae served as a bridge between the ancient wild heritage of the Lilium genus and the vibrant, ever-evolving world of modern hybrid lilies.
Edward Austin McRae’s story is one of passion and vision. From a small Scottish village to the forefront of international horticulture, his journey reflects a lifetime devoted to the preservation and celebration of one of the world’s most beloved groups of flowers. His hybrids, writings, and conservation efforts continue to inspire, ensuring that the beauty and diversity of lilies will be cherished for generations to come.