74 Stunning Lily Varieties Every Gardener Should Know

Lilies (Lilium species and hybrids) are among the world’s 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 you’re seeking classic whites, bold pinks, sunshine yellows, or dramatic bi-colors, there’s a lily for every gardener.

Orienpet and Oriental Lily Varieties

• ‘Altaria’

  Lilium ‘Altari’
  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.

• ‘Casa Blanca’

  Lilium ‘Casa Blanca’
  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.

• ‘Stargazer’

  Lilium orientalis ‘Stargazer’
  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 ‘Stargazer’ 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

• ‘Patricia’s Pride’

  Lilium asiatic ‘Patricia’s Pride’
  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:

  • ‘Enchantment’: Brilliant orange, upward-facing blooms.
  • ‘Tiny Bee’: Dwarf habit, sunny yellow blooms.
  • ‘Black Out’: Deep red, almost black, dramatic flowers.
  • ‘Navona’: Classic, pure white blooms; elegant and versatile.
  • ‘Landini’: Striking, dark maroon to black blossoms.

Longiflorum Lily Varieties (Easter Lilies)

• ‘White American’

  Lilium longiflorum ‘White American’
  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:

  • ‘Nellie White’: The standard for potted Easter lilies; large, white trumpets.
  • ‘Deliana’: Soft yellow, fragrant blooms perfect for spring gardens.

Trumpet/Aurelian Lily Varieties

• ‘Regale’

  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:

  • ‘Pink Perfection’: Towering, deep pink trumpets.
  • ‘African Queen’: Rich apricot-orange, sweetly scented.

Martagon Lily Varieties

• ‘Claude Shride’

  Lilium martagon ‘Claude Shride’
  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

• ‘Tiger Lily’ (Lilium lancifolium): Orange with black spots, recurved petals; old-fashioned and vigorous.
• ‘Golden Splendor’: Golden-yellow trumpets, fantastic for sunny borders.
• ‘Pink Giant’: Soft salmon-pink flowers with chocolate-to-black spots, up to 40″ tall.

Rare and Species Lily Varieties

• ‘Lilium superbum’: The North American Turk’s cap lily, with drooping orange blooms and distinctive spots.
• ‘Lilium canadense’: Native yellow and red wild lilies, elegant and delicate.
• ‘Lilium formosanum’: Showy, white, trumpet-shaped flowers from Taiwan.

Quick Reference Table: Popular Lily Varieties

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, 4–6 inches deep, spaced 9–12 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 aren’t just stars on their own—they 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 ‘Patricia’s Pride’ 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 ‘Stargazer’ and ‘Casa Blanca’) 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 you’re after a classic white Easter lily, a dramatic two-toned Asiatic, or a giant, fragrant Orienpet, there’s 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.

Author

medha deb

 

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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