17 Stunning Yellow Lily Varieties to Add Sunshine to Your Garden

Are you searching for a way to bring vibrant, sunny colors into your garden landscape? Yellow lilies might be exactly what you’re looking for. These cheerful blooms not only add a bright pop of color to any garden setting but also convey feelings of happiness, gratitude, and warm welcomes. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 17 beautiful yellow lily cultivars that can transform your garden into a golden paradise.

Yellow lilies, while not the most common color in the Lilium genus, offer a special kind of joy with their lemony, cream, mustard, or canary yellow blooms. Most lily species produce at least a few yellow cultivars, with flower sizes ranging from 3 to 10 inches and plants typically growing between 2 and 4 feet tall. These stunning perennials are generally hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9, making them versatile additions to gardens across much of North America.

Understanding Lily Types

Before diving into specific yellow varieties, it’s helpful to understand the main divisions of garden lilies. Different types have distinct characteristics, blooming periods, and growing requirements.

Asiatic Lilies

Asiatic lilies are among the earliest to bloom and the easiest to grow. They produce upward or outward-facing flowers and typically have little to no fragrance. These lilies are perfect for beginners due to their hardiness and low maintenance requirements. They bloom in early to mid-summer and come in a wide range of colors, including several striking yellow varieties.

Oriental Lilies

Oriental lilies bloom later than Asiatics and are known for their intoxicating fragrance. They typically feature large, showy flowers with reflexed petals and do best in slightly acidic soil. While pinks and whites dominate this group, there are some beautiful yellow and cream-colored Oriental lily cultivars available.

Trumpet Lilies

Trumpet lilies, as their name suggests, produce elegant trumpet-shaped blooms that often face outward or downward. These lilies are tall, often reaching heights of 4-6 feet, and highly fragrant. Several yellow varieties exist within this group, offering a stately vertical element to garden designs.

Other Lily Types

Beyond these main categories, you’ll find yellow varieties among LA Hybrids (crosses between Longiflorum and Asiatic lilies), OT Hybrids (Oriental-Trumpet crosses), and American Hybrids (derived from North American native species).

17 Beautiful Yellow Lily Varieties

1. ‘Brushstroke’

‘Brushstroke’ is a stunning Asiatic lily featuring golden-yellow blooms with burgundy brush strokes radiating from the center. Growing to about 3-4 feet tall, this variety makes a dramatic statement in any garden. The flowers are supported by strong stems and bright green, waxy leaves. With little to no scent and excellent vase life, ‘Brushstroke’ works beautifully in the middle or rear section of mixed beds, especially when paired with dainty white or yellow flowers at its base.

2. ‘Sundew’

‘Sundew’ is a double Asiatic lily that produces rich, golden-yellow blooms with multiple layers of petals, creating a lush, textured appearance. This compact variety reaches about 2-3 feet in height, making it perfect for containers and garden borders alike. Its pollen-free nature makes it an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements, and it thrives in well-drained soil with full to partial sun exposure.

3. ‘Yellow Futurity’

Though technically a canna lily rather than a true lily, ‘Yellow Futurity’ deserves mention for its bright yellow blooms that continue from summer until frost. This compact variety grows to about 3 feet tall, making it ideal for smaller gardens or container plantings. Its versatility and continuous blooming habit make it a favorite among gardeners looking for long-lasting color.

4. ‘Conca d’Or’

‘Conca d’Or’ is a magnificent OT hybrid lily producing enormous, pale yellow blooms that can reach up to 10 inches across. The flowers have a light, pleasant fragrance and are borne on sturdy stems that can grow 4-6 feet tall. This impressive lily makes a stunning focal point in perennial borders or as a backdrop to shorter flowering plants.

5. ‘Yellow Diamond’

‘Yellow Diamond’ is a vibrant Asiatic lily featuring pure, sunshine-yellow blooms with a glossy texture that seems to glow in the garden. Growing to about 3-4 feet tall, this variety has upward-facing flowers that make a bold statement in both garden settings and floral arrangements. Its strong stems require little to no staking, making it a low-maintenance choice for garden beds.

6. ‘Golden Splendor’

‘Golden Splendor’ is a classic trumpet lily with fragrant, golden-yellow flowers that feature darker golden-orange throats. The towering plants can reach heights of 5-6 feet, creating a dramatic vertical element in the garden. The trumpet-shaped blooms emit a sweet perfume, especially in the evening, making this lily ideal for planting near patios or windows where its scent can be enjoyed.

7. ‘Yelloween’

‘Yelloween’ is an OT hybrid lily that produces large, elegant blooms in a soft, butter-yellow shade. The flowers have slightly reflexed petals and a light, pleasant fragrance. Growing to about 4 feet tall, ‘Yelloween’ combines the best traits of Oriental and trumpet lilies—beautiful form, sweet scent, and sturdy growth habit. It’s an excellent choice for the middle of perennial borders.

8. ‘Connecticut King’

‘Connecticut King’ is a classic Asiatic lily with bright, golden-yellow blooms that face upward, showcasing their beauty. This reliable performer grows to about 3 feet tall and produces multiple flowers per stem. It’s an excellent choice for mass plantings or mixed with other early-summer flowering perennials.

9. ‘Honey Queen’

‘Honey Queen’ features soft honey-yellow blooms with subtle orange throats. This Asiatic lily reaches about 3-4 feet tall and produces multiple flowers per stem, creating a bountiful display in early to mid-summer. Its warm coloration pairs beautifully with blues, purples, and whites in the garden.

10. ‘Citronella’

‘Citronella’ is a vibrant Asiatic lily with bright lemon-yellow flowers that seem to capture sunshine itself. Growing to about 2-3 feet tall, this compact variety works well in containers or at the front of garden borders. Its bold color makes a statement when planted in groups of five or more.

11. ‘Endless Summer’

‘Endless Summer’ is an LA hybrid lily that produces soft yellow blooms with slightly darker centers. The flowers face outward and upward on stems reaching about 3 feet tall. True to its name, this variety has an extended blooming period compared to many other lilies, providing weeks of cheerful color in the garden.

12. ‘Yellow Power’

‘Yellow Power’ features intensely saturated yellow blooms that command attention in the garden. This Asiatic lily grows to about 3-4 feet tall and produces multiple flowers per stem. Its bold color makes it perfect for creating focal points or brightening partially shaded garden areas.

13. ‘African Queen’

‘African Queen’ is a trumpet lily with large, fragrant blooms in a rich golden-yellow shade with orange undertones. The flowers face outward and slightly downward on towering stems that can reach 5-7 feet tall. This majestic lily creates a dramatic vertical element in the garden and fills the air with sweet perfume during summer evenings.

14. ‘Lollypop’

While not pure yellow, ‘Lollypop’ is an intriguing Asiatic lily with cream-to-pale yellow blooms that develop vibrant pink tips as they mature. This color-changing variety grows to about 2-3 feet tall and creates a playful, dynamic display as the flowers open and develop. It’s perfect for adding visual interest to container arrangements or garden borders.

15. ‘Yellow Bruse’

‘Yellow Bruse’ is an eye-catching Asiatic lily featuring golden-yellow petals with dramatic burgundy-red speckles and brushmarks. Growing to about 3 feet tall, this variety creates a striking display in the garden and makes for spectacular cut flowers. The contrasting colors add depth and interest to flower beds and bouquets alike.

16. ‘Golden Stargazer’

‘Golden Stargazer’ is a rare yellow form of the popular ‘Stargazer’ Oriental lily. It features fragrant, downward-facing blooms in soft golden-yellow with darker spots. Growing to about 3-4 feet tall, this lily combines the beloved form of traditional Stargazers with a warm, sunny color palette. Its strong fragrance makes it ideal for sensory gardens.

17. ‘Yellow Supreme’

‘Yellow Supreme’ is an Asiatic lily with pure, vibrant yellow blooms that retain their color throughout their blooming period. Growing to about 3 feet tall, this reliable performer produces multiple flowers per stem and makes a bright statement in perennial borders or container arrangements. Its clear, true yellow color pairs well with blues, purples, and whites.

Growing Tips for Yellow Lilies

Most yellow lily varieties share similar growing requirements, though there may be slight variations between types. Here are some general guidelines to help you successfully grow these sunny beauties in your garden:

Planting

Plant lily bulbs in the fall or early spring, placing them 4-6 inches deep and 12-18 inches apart. The pointed end should face upward. Most lilies prefer well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. For heavy clay soils, consider raised beds or container planting to ensure proper drainage.

Light Requirements

Most lilies thrive in full sun to partial shade. Asiatic and LA hybrid lilies can handle more sun, while Oriental and OT hybrids often appreciate afternoon shade in warmer climates. Aim for at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal flowering.

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy, especially during the growing and flowering seasons. Lilies benefit from deep watering that reaches the bulbs rather than frequent, shallow watering. Consider using mulch to help retain moisture and keep roots cool.

Fertilizing

Feed lilies with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring when shoots emerge and again after flowering. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas, which can promote lush foliage at the expense of blooms.

Design Ideas with Yellow Lilies

Yellow lilies can serve many purposes in garden design. Here are some creative ways to incorporate these sunny bloomers into your landscape:

• Create a monochromatic yellow garden by combining different yellow lily varieties with other yellow-flowering plants like coreopsis, black-eyed Susans, and goldenrod
• Use tall yellow lilies as vertical accents in the middle or back of perennial borders
• Plant yellow lilies among purple or blue flowers like salvia, catmint, or lavender for a striking complementary color scheme
• Incorporate yellow lilies into cottage garden designs for cheerful, informal displays
• Use compact yellow lily varieties in large containers for patio or deck gardens

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When do yellow lilies typically bloom?

A: Blooming times vary by type. Asiatic lilies typically bloom in early to mid-summer, followed by LA hybrids, then trumpet and Orienpet lilies. Oriental lilies usually bloom in mid to late summer. By selecting varieties from different groups, you can enjoy yellow lily blooms from early summer through early fall.

Q: Are yellow lilies toxic to pets?

A: Yes, all true lilies (members of the Lilium genus) are highly toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure even in small amounts. They’re also toxic to dogs, though to a lesser degree. If you have pets, especially cats, consider growing lilies in areas they cannot access or choose pet-safe alternatives.

Q: How long do yellow lily blooms last?

A: Individual lily flowers typically last 1-2 weeks, depending on weather conditions and variety. Since each stem produces multiple buds that open sequentially, the overall blooming period for a clump of lilies can extend 3-4 weeks or longer.

Q: Can yellow lilies be grown in containers?

A: Absolutely! Many yellow lily varieties, especially the more compact Asiatic and LA hybrids, grow well in containers. Use pots at least 12 inches deep with drainage holes, fill with well-draining potting mix, and place in a location that receives appropriate sunlight for the variety you’re growing.

Q: How do I prevent lily beetles from damaging my yellow lilies?

A: Scarlet lily beetles can be a serious pest for lilies. Monitor plants regularly in spring and summer, removing adults and larvae by hand. For larger infestations, consider neem oil or insecticidal soap applications. Some gardeners report success with diatomaceous earth sprinkled around plants.

Yellow lilies bring a special kind of sunny joy to gardens and can convey feelings of happiness and gratitude. Whether you choose the easy-care Asiatic varieties, fragrant Oriental types, or stately trumpet lilies, these golden bloomers are sure to brighten your landscape and lift your spirits. With proper planting and care, your yellow lilies will return year after year, creating an ever-more-impressive display as they naturalize and multiply.

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.

Read full bio of medha deb