Original colours?

[Wicker]

After admiring Windy's pics in The Gallery, it struck me that my lillies in the lottie had started out all different colours but now after a number of years left in the ground all seem to have reverted to shades of yellow and orange, same with the crocuses.  Would the lily colours have kept if I had lifted them each year and replanted?

If not I take it this is nature's way but guess I'll live with it as they are so strong and reliable.

[Wicker]

[Palustris]

Neither lilies nor Crocus 'revert' like that. What has more than likely happened is that the original bulb has died and the more robust ones survived.
Lilies do not like to be out of the ground for too long, they dry up and lose vigour.

[Wicker]

Thanks, Eric, another of life's small mysteries solved for me. As I said I'm quite happy as they are certainly vigorous!