Importing plants

[Lil devils x_v1legacy]

I am having the hardest time getting my hands on a particular Lily that I wish to grow in my garden, but they are only sold from a Nursery in the UK and not sold in the US. They will import other lily bulbs to the US, but they do not export these, instead they refer you to their US site which is utter garbage in comparison, like people in the US do not DESERVE to have their precious lilies!

These are the particular bulbs in question:
http://www.thompson-morgan.com/flowers/flower-bulbs-and-tubers/lily-bulbs/tree-lily-crystal-collection/p92241TM

http://www.thompson-morgan.com/flowers/flower-bulbs-and-tubers/lily-bulbs/tree-lily-collection/p92145TM

Now if I had a friend buy the bulbs in the UK and mail them to me, would I be able to receive them? Lilies are not banned, and they would not have to send soil to send me bulbs when they are dormant, as I can order lily bulbs from Asia if I like and receive them, so I am wondering is this illegal? What would I have to do to ensure I receive them? If anyone knows much on importing plants please let me know. I really really really really want these bulbs and the English are hoarding them!

 

[Zontar]

If it's not banned, then customs won't destroy them if they happen to be in the 1% of cargo they check. It's not illegal as far as I know so long as the plan is not specifically banned. If it is, however, and you get caught, then the plant will be destroyed and you will get a small fine of some sort. Though you'd probably know if it where given how easily customs makes it to learn what isn't permissible.

 

[Albino Boo]

All plants have to be inspected, its not just about the plant. They are looking for pests and diseases that are not present in the US. There is new lilly blight that has been discovered in the last 18 months or so and if you import you risk that disease becoming endemic in the United States. Importation of timber from the US and Canada killed 25 million Elm trees in the UK 30 years ago, so its real risk of something terrible happening if you import without inspection.