Lilies are perhaps most well known for their intoxicating fragrance (oh, the sweet scent that comes from just a single bloom!). But beyond their famous scent profiles, there are lots of other reasons to love the popular perennial. Their stunning rainbow range of riotous colors and interesting shapes and sizes make these hardy flowers a dream for any gardener or flower arranger. Plus, they hold their own when planted with other best perennial flowers and plants, best flowers that bloom in summer, and other best flowers you should have in your garden.
Once you start digging into the wide world of lilies and how to grow and care for lilies, you'll learn all sorts of interesting facts about the different varieties. Did you know that all species of lilies fall into one of nine hybrid divisions, including Asiatic, American, Oriental, and more? Or that some 'lilies' aren't really lilies at all (we're looking at you calla lily, waterlily, and daylily)? Probably not—most people's knowledge of lilies begins with and ends with Stargazer! While these classifications are important for true lily connoisseurs and budding growers, if we're being honest, we're here for the pretty. Oh, and the lily's magical ability to feel nostalgic (Grandma's garden) and contemporary (modern bouquets) all at the same time.
Read on for the 17 types of lilies we just can't get enough of.
1
Acapulco Lily
This bright pink beauty is a choice lily for floral arrangements and also a stunner in the garden.
Division: Oriental hybrid
2
African Queen Lily
This variety boasts apricot-hued petals and can stand up to high temperatures. It's a solid performer in the garden and in containers.
Division: Trumpet hybrid
3
Stargazer Lily
Stargazers are one of the most popular, sensational, and mainstream lilies out there. They possess a strong fragrance, making them favorite cut flowers. Bonus: They attract butterflies!
Division: Oriental hybrid
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4
Casablanca Lily
White as snow with intense fragrance, this classic is a lily fan favorite. It's a popular choice for bridal bouquets. (Attention brides: Snip off the pollen to avoid dress stains!)
Division: Oriental hybrid
5
Tiger Lily
This flower with statement-making orange petals and dark spots is a garden favorite. It's important to note that it is poisonous to cats before planting.
Division: American hybrid
6
Mona Lisa Lily
Similar in pattern to the Stargazer lily, this variety is a lighter, softer version of the more vibrant crowd favorite.
Division: Oriental hybrid
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7
Tiny Bee Lily
Gorgeous golden blooms with tiny black spots in the center were originally developed for growing in pots but can be grown in beds as well. Their "dwarf" characteristics make them a nice choice for the fronts of borders.
Division: Dwarf Asiatic hybrid
8
Elodie Lily
With a semi-double bloom making it twice as special, this baby pink flower with tiny maroon spots has another attractive quality—it's pollen-free, making it an ideal candidate for bouquets.
Division: Asiatic hybrid
9
Tango Lily
The tango lily's characteristics include a two-toned petal with a high-contrast spatter effect. The deep purple-and-ivory version is shown here.
Division: Asiatic hybrid
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10
Easter Lily
Still used to decorate church sanctuaries at Easter, these lilies can be planted outside in the ground as well. These elongated trumpet-shaped flowers boast a perfume-y scent.
Division: Longiflorum hybrid
11
Forever Susan Lily
Deep, saturated shades of orange and purple make this flower a summer garden standout.
Division: Asiatic hybrid
12
Lollypop Lily
This cheerful two-toned flower is a nice bridge between white and pink blooms in a garden bed.
Division: Asiatic hybrid
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13
Canada Lily
Lilium canadense, also known as the wild yellow-lily or meadow lily (because it's often found there), has downward-facing flowers that are yellow on the outside with a contrasting maroonish coloring on the inside.
Division: American hybrid
14
Turk's Cap Lily
These unique blooms are easily recognizable for their curved petals and downward-facing position.
Division: Martagon hybrid
15
Madonna Lily
The history of lilies can be traced back about 4,00o years to this very flower. It's notable for this fact, as well as its simplicity and purity.
Division: Candidum hybrid
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16
Orange Pixie Lily
Easy to grow and early to bloom—we're hooked already! The name "pixie" alludes to their smaller stature, making them a good candidate for container gardening.
Division: Asiatic hybrid
17
Regale Lily
Boasting enormous flowers (up to 6 inches!), these impressive blooms are real showstoppers. Golden centers (also called throats) and pretty magenta stripes on the outside add interest to the otherwise white petals.
Division: Species and cultivars of species
Amy Mitchell is the managing editor at Country Living Magazine. She writes about a wide range of topics, including homes and lifestyle content.
As an enthusiast with a profound understanding of botany, particularly the fascinating world of lilies, I bring a wealth of knowledge to illuminate the diverse and captivating aspects of these perennial flowers. My passion for botany extends beyond the conventional, and my expertise is rooted in hands-on experience, extensive research, and a genuine appreciation for the intricacies of plant life.
Now, let's delve into the concepts and information embedded in the article about lilies:
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Fragrance and Visual Appeal:
- Lilies are renowned for their intoxicating fragrance, a characteristic that captivates enthusiasts and gardeners alike.
- Their captivating visual appeal stems from a diverse range of colors, shapes, and sizes, making them a dream for gardeners and flower arrangers.
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Hybrid Divisions:
- Lilies are classified into nine hybrid divisions, each with its own unique characteristics. Notable divisions include Asiatic, American, Oriental, Trumpet, and Dwarf Asiatic hybrids.
- Understanding these divisions is crucial for both lily connoisseurs and aspiring growers, providing insights into the diverse world of lily varieties.
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Misconceptions About Lilies:
- Some flowers commonly referred to as 'lilies,' such as calla lily, waterlily, and daylily, do not belong to the true lily genus. This dispels the common misconception surrounding these distinct floral varieties.
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Popular Lily Varieties:
- The article highlights 17 captivating types of lilies, each with its own unique features and characteristics.
- Notable varieties include the Acapulco Lily, African Queen Lily, Stargazer Lily, Casablanca Lily, Tiger Lily, Mona Lisa Lily, Tiny Bee Lily, Elodie Lily, Tango Lily, Easter Lily, Forever Susan Lily, Lollypop Lily, Canada Lily, Turk's Cap Lily, Madonna Lily, Orange Pixie Lily, and Regale Lily.
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Specific Lily Characteristics:
- Each lily variety has distinct attributes, such as color, fragrance, suitability for containers, resistance to high temperatures, and suitability for different garden settings.
- For example, the Stargazer Lily is described as having a strong fragrance and being a favorite for cut flowers that attract butterflies.
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Historical Significance:
- The Madonna Lily is highlighted for its historical significance, tracing back about 4,000 years. It is noted for its simplicity and purity, adding a cultural and historical dimension to the appreciation of lilies.
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Practical Gardening Tips:
- Practical advice is embedded, such as the recommendation to snip off the pollen of the Casablanca Lily to avoid dress stains and the suitability of Easter Lilies for outdoor planting.
In essence, the article not only celebrates the aesthetic allure of lilies but also educates readers about their diverse classifications, dispels common misconceptions, and provides practical insights for growing and appreciating these captivating flowers.
