Overview
Lilies are something like magic. Seeing them among the wildflowers in a field, or in a garden at home, they have a certain charm which is indisputably elegant, wild, and graceful. But are you aware that there are many varieties of lilies with the sizes of dozens of people and personalities?
Have you ever seen a lily you had admired, and thought which it might be, or which of the varieties would do well in your garden? Well, you have come to the right place. In this guide, you will go through the most popular and interesting lilies, their forms and peculiarities and reasons why each type is special.
What Exactly Is a “True Lily”?
One thing to clear up before we begin, not all flowers that have the name lily in their names, are actually lilies. The real lilies include the genus Lilium and are grown on scaly bulbs. Such flowers as the daylily (Hemerocallis) or calla lily (Zantedeschia) are not lilies at all, but they share the name.
Proper lilies tend to have the shape of six petals, have a variety of colors, and flower during summer. There are spicy scents, there are perfume-sweet and then there are some entirely scentless ones. Now it is time to talk about the numerous varieties of lilies that you can discover in gardens and in florist shops.
1. Asiatic Lilies
The asiatic lilies are the amicable neighbor of the lily community. The cost of caring is minimal, it flowers and blooms early and it is available in a wide variety of bright colors.
- Bloom Time: Early summer
- Height: 2–4 feet
- Fragrance: Usually unscented
These lilies are not very fragrant, but they compensate for this detail with deep, vivid colors red, orange, yellow, white and pink. These are ideal plants that any novice gardener can be able to plant since they are so resilient.
Popular varieties:
- Navona (pure white)
- white with pink tips, Lollipop
- Forever Susan (orange Maroon deep) (orange with deep maroon)
Asiatic lilies are great in containers or garden beds, and the flowers appear particularly beautiful when they are planted en masse.
2. Oriental Lilies
When one is referring to that traditional lily smell, they are most likely referring to Oriental lilies. These are the flowers which flower later on and are more dramatic in their blossoms.
- Flowering Period: Mid summer through late summer
- Height: 3 5 feet
- Smell: Strongly sweet perfume
Oriental lilies are the key should you want to drop your jaws when gazing at a garden or come up with a spectacular bouquet.
Popular varieties:
- One of her crimson flowers the name of it is Stargazer (deep pink with white edges)
- Casa Blanca (white, white and very fragrant)
- Mona Lisa ( smaller and light pink )
They grow well in slightly acidic, well drained soil and are very beautiful cut flowers that can be used inside.
3. Trumpet Lilies
The trumpet lilies, as true to name, are trumpet shaped with long petals turned out or down a bit. They tend to look like Easter lilies although they are larger and more colourful.
- Mid to late summer Bloom Time
- Height 4 to 6 feet
- Fragrance: Extremely weak
These lilies give a stunning garden look to the garden due to their tall stems and brilliant flowers.
Popular varieties:
- African Queen (apricot-orange)
- Regale (white edged gold throat)
- Perfection pink ( deep lavender pink )
They do well in full sun and prefer a spot protected from strong winds due to their height.
4. LA Hybrids
LA hybrids are a mixture between the Asiatic lilies and Longiflorum (Easter lilies). The result? Flowers that would be the best of both worlds have good fashion and are vibrant in color and aroma.
- Bloom Time: June to midsummer
- Height: 2-4 feet
- Fragrance: mild to semi orange
These lilies are wonderful in landscape and as cut-flowers.
Popular varieties:
- Orange peach mixture is called Royal Sunset (orange-peach blend.)
- Brindisi (soft pink)
- Yellow Diamond (yellow lemon)
They are simple to cultivate, resistant against pathogens, and can be cultivated both in a garden bed and in containers.
5. OT Hybrids
OT hybrids, or Orienpets, resemble the large flowers, odor and sturdiness of Oriental lilies, and have the stamina and height associated with Trumpet types.
- Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
- Height: 3–6 feet
- Fragrance: Very strong
If you want something exotic, hardy, and jaw-droppingly beautiful, look no further.
Popular varieties:
- ‘Silk Road’ (white with red center)
- ‘Northern Carillon’ (soft gold with pink blush)
- ‘Conca d’Or’ (buttery yellow)
They’re great for back-of-the-border planting where their height really shines.
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6. Martagon Lilies
Martagon lilies are the ones that are rather unique in appearance as their downward-facing petals curl back to the very bottom, so it looks rather wild and woodlandish with it.
- Bloom Time: Early summer
- Height: 3–6 feet
- Fragrance: Mild
They perform fairly in partial shade, and warmer climates, something that makes them an excellent candidate in wooded gardens.
Popular varieties:
- ‘Claude Shride’ (deep red-maroon with gold spots)
- ‘Album’ (elegant white)
They can take a while to get established but are worth the wait for their whimsical look.
7. Candidum Lilies
Candidum lilies include the Madonna Lily, a flower that dates back thousands of years in art and religion.
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
- Height: 3–4 feet
- Fragrance: Strong and sweet
These lilies prefer alkaline soil and require a bit more care than others but offer a classic charm.
Notable variety:
- ‘Lilium candidum’ (pure white with golden center)
They do best in well-drained soil with good airflow to avoid disease.
8. American Lilies
This group includes lilies native to North America. They’re often more delicate and natural-looking than their hybrid cousins.
- Bloom Time: Early to midsummer
- Height: 3–7 feet
- Fragrance: Light to moderate
They thrive in moist, rich soils and attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Popular species:
- Lilium superbum (Turk’s Cap Lily)
- Lilium michiganense (Michigan Lily)
- Lilium pardalinum (Leopard Lily)
Perfect for natural gardens and meadows.
9. Species Lilies
Species lilies are the “originals” wild forms of lilies found in nature. They’re prized for their unique features and genetic diversity.
- Bloom Time: Varies by species
- Height: Varies
- Fragrance: Some are fragrant, others not
These lilies might be a bit fussier to grow but reward you with one-of-a-kind beauty.
Examples:
- Lilium henryi (orange flowers with reflexed petals)
- Lilium lankongense (delicate pink spotted flowers)
Gardeners often use species of lilies for breeding new hybrids.
How to Choose the Right Lily for Your Garden
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
| Lily Type | Best For | Fragrance |
| Asiatic | Beginners, containers | None |
| Oriental | Fragrant bouquets, drama | Very strong |
| Trumpet | Tall gardens, cut flowers | Strong |
| LA Hybrids | Balanced beauty and ease | Mild |
| OT Hybrids | Big blooms, cold hardy | Strong |
| Martagon | Woodland, shade gardens | Light |
| Candidum | Classic beauty, symbolism | Strong |
| American | Natural gardens, wildlife appeal | Light |
| Species | Unique collectors and breeding | Varies |
Final Thoughts
Lilies are not just pretty flowers, but history, symbolism and botanical amazement. There is a lily to suit every one, the stalwart Asiatic, the fragrant Oriental, the forest Martagons, the rarest varieties.
Eager to cheer up a garden, to construct a bouquet, or to learn more about the variety of the plants, the knowledge of various types of lilies will allow seeing a brand new world in these floral treasures.