Types Of Lilies: 74 Stunning Varieties Every Gardener Must-Know
Explore the dazzling diversity of lilies, with 74 unique lilies and essential growing tips for a showstopping garden.
Image: HearthJunction Design Team
74 Stunning Lily Varieties Every Gardener Should Know
Lilies (Lilium species and hybrids) are among the worldâs most beloved perennial flowers, known for their bold colors, intricate forms, and intoxicating fragrance. With thousands of cultivars and hybrids, gardeners of all experience levels can find the perfect match for their landscapes. This guide introduces you to 74 remarkable lily varieties, explores their unique characteristics, and provides essential tips on growing and caring for these floral showstoppers.
Understanding Lily Classifications
Lilies are classified into nine horticultural divisions based on their parentage, flower shape, and growth habit. Familiarity with these classes helps gardeners select the best varieties for their climate and design goals.
- Asiatic Hybrids: Early bloomers with upward-facing, unscented flowers in vivid colors.
- Martagon Hybrids: Whorled leaves and small, downward-facing, recurved blooms.
- Candidum Hybrids: Historic European types, often white with yellow bases.
- American Hybrids: North American natives, with delicate, nodding flowers.
- Longiflorum Hybrids (Easter Lily): Large, trumpet-shaped, fragrant white blooms.
- Trumpet and Aurelian Hybrids: Large, trumpet flowers with powerful fragrance.
- Oriental Hybrids: Late-blooming, intensely fragrant, dramatic flowers.
- Interdivisional Hybrids (Orienpet, LA Hybrids, etc.): Crosses with enhanced traits.
- Species Lilies: True wild lilies found in nature.
Featured Lily Varieties
Below, discover a selection of the most celebrated and garden-worthy lily varieties across the main horticultural classes. Whether youâre seeking classic whites, bold pinks, sunshine yellows, or dramatic bi-colors, thereâs a lily for every gardener.
Orienpet and Oriental Lily Varieties
âAltariaâ
Lilium âAltariâ
Type: Orienpet Lily
Blooms: 6-12 per plant
Size: 3-4 feet
Zones: 5-9
Features: Striking white petals with a deep raspberry center, some spanning nearly a foot across. Altaria lilies are renowned for their impressive size, sweet fragrance, and pollinator appeal.âCasa Blancaâ
Lilium âCasa Blancaâ
Type: Oriental Lily
Blooms: 6-12 per plant
Size: 3-4 feet
Zones: 4-9
Features: Pristinely white, outward-curling petals with a dramatic contrast from prominent red-brown anthers. This classic is loved in moon gardens and wedding floral arrangements for its elegance and fragrance.
Garden Use: Essential for all-white or fragrance gardens; thrives in containers and beds.âStargazerâ
Lilium orientalis âStargazerâ
Type: Oriental Lily
Blooms: Abundant, large, upward-facing
Size: 3-4 feet
Zones: 4-9
Features: Iconic for its vibrant pink flowers, speckled with darker spots and a spicy fragrance. The âStargazerâ is a favorite in floral arrangements and home gardens for its bold color and reliable blooming.
Alternative Colors: Also available in yellow and white variants.
Asiatic Lily Varieties
âPatriciaâs Prideâ
Lilium asiatic âPatriciaâs Prideâ
Type: Asiatic Lily
Blooms: Dramatic two-toned flowers in early-mid summer
Size: 3-4 feet
Zones: 3-8
Features: Creamy white petals with a striking deep maroon center. Compact, easy to grow, and perfect for borders or containers. Long-lasting blooms add drama to garden beds and floral displays.
Container-Friendly: Thrives in both garden soil and patio pots.Other Noteworthy Asiatic Lilies:
- âEnchantmentâ: Brilliant orange, upward-facing blooms.
- âTiny Beeâ: Dwarf habit, sunny yellow blooms.
- âBlack Outâ: Deep red, almost black, dramatic flowers.
- âNavonaâ: Classic, pure white blooms; elegant and versatile.
- âLandiniâ: Striking, dark maroon to black blossoms.
Longiflorum Lily Varieties (Easter Lilies)
âWhite Americanâ
Lilium longiflorum âWhite Americanâ
Type: Longiflorum (Easter Lily)
Blooms: 5-inch trumpet-shaped, creamy white
Size: 2-4 feet
Zones: 5-8
Features: Well-known for traditional Easter celebrations, these lilies have papery, arching petals and golden anthers. Their elegant purity makes them a favorite for both indoor displays and perennial gardens.Other Noteworthy Longiflorum Lilies:
- âNellie Whiteâ: The standard for potted Easter lilies; large, white trumpets.
- âDelianaâ: Soft yellow, fragrant blooms perfect for spring gardens.
Trumpet/Aurelian Lily Varieties
âRegaleâ
Lilium regale
Type: Trumpet Lily
Blooms: Large, outward-facing trumpets
Size: 3-5 feet
Zones: 6-8
Features: Fragrant white trumpets with a golden center and blush of burgundy on the outside. An old-fashioned favorite for cottage gardens and large borders.Other Noteworthy Trumpet/Aurelian Lilies:
- âPink Perfectionâ: Towering, deep pink trumpets.
- âAfrican Queenâ: Rich apricot-orange, sweetly scented.
What others are reading
Martagon Lily Varieties
âClaude Shrideâ
Lilium martagon âClaude Shrideâ
Type: Martagon Lily
Blooms: Dozens of small, recurved, deep red flowers
Zones: 3-7
Features: Tall stems and whorled leaves, offering texture and movement to woodland gardens. Stunning with other shade-loving plants.
Other Spectacular Lily Varieties
- âTiger Lilyâ (Lilium lancifolium): Orange with black spots, recurved petals; old-fashioned and vigorous.
- âGolden Splendorâ: Golden-yellow trumpets, fantastic for sunny borders.
- âPink Giantâ: Soft salmon-pink flowers with chocolate-to-black spots, up to 40″ tall.
Rare and Species Lily Varieties
- âLilium superbumâ: The North American Turkâs cap lily, with drooping orange blooms and distinctive spots.
- âLilium canadenseâ: Native yellow and red wild lilies, elegant and delicate.
- âLilium formosanumâ: Showy, white, trumpet-shaped flowers from Taiwan.
Quick Reference Table: Popular Lily Varieties
| Variety | Type | Color | Height | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altaria | Orienpet | White/Raspberry | 3-4 ft | Borders, Fragrance |
| Casa Blanca | Oriental | White | 3-4 ft | Moon Gardens, Bouquets |
| Stargazer | Oriental | Pink/Spotted | 3-4 ft | Feature Plant, Arrangements |
| Patriciaâs Pride | Asiatic | White/Maroon | 3-4 ft | Borders, Containers |
| White American | Longiflorum | Creamy White | 2-4 ft | Indoor, Easter Displays |
Growing and Caring for Lilies
Lilies are versatile and rewarding, but they do best with careful planning and care. Here are top tips to ensure healthy growth and spectacular blooms:
- Site Selection: Most lilies prefer full sun to partial shade; avoid soggy soil.
- Soil: Well-draining, rich soil with plenty of organic matter.
- Planting: Plant bulbs in fall or early spring, 4â6 inches deep, spaced 9â12 inches apart.
- Watering: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged; mulch to conserve moisture and regulate temperature.
- Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and again just before blooming.
- Staking: Taller varieties (especially Orientals and Trumpets) may need staking for support.
- Deadheading: Remove spent blooms to encourage more flowers and prolong bloom period.
- Pest Management: Watch for aphids, red lily beetles, and fungal diseases; act promptly if spotted.
Lilies in the Landscape
Lilies arenât just stars on their ownâthey integrate beautifully into mixed beds, containers, borders, and even wildflower plantings.
- Borders and Backdrops: Tall lilies create vivid backdrops for perennial beds.
- Front-of-House: Compact types like âPatriciaâs Prideâ are ideal for entryway plantings.
- Container Gardens: Many lilies thrive in pots, adding elegance to patios and decks.
- Cut Flowers: Almost all lilies are excellent for vases; harvest when buds are just opening for the longest life.
- Pollinator Gardens: Many varieties attract bees and butterflies.
Lily Toxicity and Safety
Important: While lilies are beautiful, many are toxic to pets, especially cats. Always plant them out of reach in pet-friendly homes and check before bringing cut lilies inside.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best time to plant lily bulbs?
A: For most climates, plant lily bulbs in the fall or early spring. This allows roots to establish before summer blooms.
Q: How long do lilies bloom?
A: Each bloom lasts about 1-2 weeks. Staggering varieties can provide color through late spring, summer, and early fall.
Q: Are lilies perennials?
A: Yes, lilies are hardy perennials and will come back year after year when planted in suitable zones.
Q: How do I keep lilies blooming longer?
A: Deadhead spent flowers, provide regular water and balanced fertilizer, and plant in a spot with morning sun for optimal results.
Q: Which lilies are fragrant?
A: Oriental and Orienpet lilies (like âStargazerâ and âCasa Blancaâ) are known for their intense fragrance, while most Asiatic hybrids are unscented.
Conclusion: Choose Your Perfect Lily
With hundreds of beautiful options, selecting the right lily can be an exciting journey. Whether youâre after a classic white Easter lily, a dramatic two-toned Asiatic, or a giant, fragrant Orienpet, thereâs a lily that will transform your garden. Start with tried and true varieties from your local nursery, experiment with unique hybrids, and enjoy the stunning blooms for years to come.
References
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
