Lilies are a kind of bulbous plant that produces huge blooms and has long stems. Scented blossoms are not found on all lily varieties. There are nine primary divisions or categories into which lilies are divided. Each division of lilies has its own distinct features.
Lilies are a kind of bulb-based plant that come in two varieties: true lilies and liliums. These leafy flowering plants grow between 2 and 6 feet (0.6 and 1.8 meters) tall, depending on the species of lily.
Lily Flowers
The flower shape and flower appearance may be used to characterize lily blooms. Long funnels with huge petals (tepals) are common lily flowers. Petals of other lily flowers, such as the Turk’s-cap lily, roll back on themselves (recurved tepals). Down-facing, out-facing, and up-facing lily blooms are the most common varieties. Lily blossom may be trumpet-shaped (facing upwards) or curving outwards and downward (facing downwards).
About Lilies
The genus Lilium includes around 100 species of lilies. Hybrids in the Oriental, Asiatic, and Trumpet lily divisions are the most popular types of lilies. Several plants have a common name that includes the word lily, however they are not lilies and belong to the Lilium genus. Daylilies, for example, are part of the Hemerocallis genus and aren’t true lilies. Since it belongs to the Convallaria genus, Lily of the Valley isn’t a genuine lily.
Lilies and daylilies, according to the FDA, are deadly to cats. The stem, leaves, blossoms, pollen, and even the water in a vase are all poisonous. Lilies are toxic to dogs and humans in a variety of ways.
Types of Lilies: Lily Hybrids and Species
planning your garden landscape can be easier if you understand the different types of lily hybrids and flowers. Lilies, for example, bloom earlier than others in certain varieties, such as Asiatic lily hybrids.
Trumpet and Aurelian hybrids thrive in full sun and bloom late in the summer, whereas lilies in the Martagon division prefer shade and a cooler climate. The numerous types of hybrid lilies are shown below, as well as the different lily plant families:
Asiatic Lilies (Asiatic Hybrid Lilies)
Lilium asiatica, like other lilies, is a perennial kind of blooming plant that blooms early in the season. Asiatic hybrid lilies are one of the easiest lilies to grow, so if you’re looking for a simple-to-grow variety, they’re worth considering. The lily stems, which can grow up to 5 feet (150 cm) tall, thrive in full sun and reach a height of 2 to 5 feet. Moreover, most soil varieties support these forms of lily hybrids.
The amount of flowers per stem is one of the benefits of Asiatic hybrid lilies. On each Asiatic lily stem, you can anticipate to get 4 to 6 huge blooms. Some Asiatic lily plants feature bowl-shaped blooms, while others feature recurved tepals that are stunning. These stunning blooms may range in size from 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm).
The colors of Asiatic lily flowers are varied. Flowers of Asiatic lilies are gorgeous, with deep red and orange hues. More delicate attractive pastel colors can be found in other Asiatic hybrid lilies. The blooms of Asiatic lilies will last until the middle or end of July when they first begin to bloom in June.
Pick a location in your garden where the hybrids get full sun if you want to grow Asiatic lily hybrids. Make sure that the soil drains properly but remains moist. These hybrid lilies may also be cultivated in pots with ease. USDA hardy zones 4-9 are ideal for Asiatic lilies.
Types of Asiatic Lily Hybrids and Cultivars
Orange lily (Lilium bulbiferum or fire lily)
The large orange-colored blossom of the orange lily (Lilium bulbiferum or fire lily) may reach up to 2.3″ (6 cm) in length and have triangular-shaped tepals. The tepals of orange lilies are upward-facing and create a lovely star shape. The unscented blossoms are set upright. In the middle of the blossom, there aren’t that many anthers.
Lilium ‘Navona’
The white lily Lilium ‘Navona’ produces huge white flowers with recurved petals. This Asiatic hybrid lily has up-facing showy white blooms. The flower’s anthers are contrasting yellow/orange. Wedding bouquets often include these flowers.
Lilium ‘Black Out’
Asiatic hybrid lilies such as Lilium “Black Out” are stunning examples. At the heart of the bloom, its huge fiery-red tepals darken to a rich red. Four or five upward-facing blooms bloom on each long stem, and they are some of the darkest lily blooms you’ll find.
Asiatic ‘Pixie’
Asiatic “Pixie” is a dwarf perennial lily that grows in full sun and produces huge pink, orange, or yellow blooms. The upward-facing blooms bloom between late May and early June on this small Asiatic hybrid lily, which has no stems taller than 18 inches (45 cm).
Lilium ‘Dot Com’
White and purple blooms with deep red spots bloom on Lilium ‘Dot Com,’ a showy Asiatic hybrid lily. You get between 5 and 9 beautiful upward blooms on each stem of these tall lilies, which grows to around 3 feet (90 cm).
Lilium ‘Citronella’
Recurved yellow speckled tepals create lovely downward-facing blooms on Lilium “Citronella.”
Tiger lily (Lilium Lancifolium)
The orange-colored bowl-shaped blooms of tiger lily (Lilium Lancifolium) are covered with dark speckles and have recurved petals. This cultivar is available in the form of the Lilium ‘Double Tiger,’ which features gorgeous orange double blooms.
Martagon Lilies – Martagon Hybrid Lilies (Lilium Martagon)
The division II of lilies, known as hybrid lilies (Lilium martagon), are noteworthy for their spectacular blooms. Certain cultivars of Martagon lily hybrids may reach 6 feet (180 cm) in height, compared to Asiatic lilies. These lily cultivars create a stem of 12 to 50 flowers that are generally arranged in a downward facing cluster.
Martagon lilies are known as Turk’s caps because their flowers are highly recurved. Yellows, reds, pinks, lavenders, whites, and oranges are just a few of the colors found in their petals. Speckles, stripes, and plain colors exist on some Martagon lily hybrid petals, while others have them.
Martagon lilies prefer full sun and partial shade, in general. Martagon lilies may be planted between shrubs or in shady portions of your garden, and these lily plants prefer to grow in dim conditions. Martagon lily hybrids are ideal for beginners since they are simple to cultivate. USDA zone 4-8 creates Martagon lilies.
Types of Martagon Lily Hybrids and Cultivars
Lilium ‘Arabian Knight’
Turk’s cap-style blooms with a aromatic fragrance and downward-facing blooms are produced by Lilium ‘Arabian Knight.’ Tepals have a light orange edging and are rusty-brown in color. With its tall stems, you can expect up to 50 beautiful flowers.
Lilium ‘Manitoba Morning’
The Martagon lily Lilium “Manitoba Morning” bears pink-colored drooping blooms with recurved tepals, and it is a hybrid of Lilium martagon. The orange anthers of these Turk’s cap flowers are aimed downward. In shady and full sun, Manitoba Morning lily thrives.
Lilium ‘Album’
Lilium ‘Album’ is a pure white downward-facing blooming Martagon hybrid lily that blooms in early summer. These lily cultivars are suitable perennial plants for edging or at the back of flower beds because they grow heights of between 60″ and 82″ (150 – 210 cm).
Lilium ‘Pink Morning’
Lilium ‘Pink Morning’ has downward-facing, delicately scented blooms that look like a Turk’s cap. Red-spotted light pink tepals with white edging make up the bloom.
Candidum (Euro-Caucasian) Lilies – Division III
The majority of lilies in the Candidum hybrid (Lilium candidum) division III are from European countries. There are not many types of lilies in this category, as compared to other classifications of lily hybrids. The Madonna Lily, which has been grown for over 3,000 years, is the most well-known lily plant of this species. Some Madonna Lilies may grow to be as tall as 6 feet 7 inches (2 meters) and can reach a height of 4 feet (1.3 meters).
The long trumpet-like white lily flowers of Lilium candidum ‘Madonna lily’ are one of the plant’s most striking features. The Madonna lily has six large petals in its flowers. They’re somewhat recurved and may reach 3 inches (8 cm) in length. Since the long orange anthers protrude from the core of the flower, this gives the out-facing blossoms a spectacular appearance. In USDA zones 3-9, candidum lilies are hardy.
Types of Candidum Lily Hybrids and Cultivars
Turban lily (Lilium pomponium)
Down-facing crimson dangling blooms in the form of a Turk’s head belong to Turban lily (Lilium pomponium).
Lilium monadelphum
Candidum lily’s Lilium monadelphum cultivar produces huge out-facing blooms with yellow tepals that bend slightly backward. Purple dots line the margins of the yellow blossoms.
American Lilies (American Hybrids) – Division IV
All lilies native to North America are classified as types of lilies in the American hybrid classification (division IV). American lily hybrids bloom at different times depending on where you live in North America. Late spring and early summer in the warmer states will bring a symphony of delightfully fragrant flowers. Your American lily hybrids may take until July to bloom in the colder states and Canada.
American hybrid lilies have blossoms that range in color and petal designs. Recurved petals that dangle down facing the ground are found on many American lilies. Some hybrid American lily blossoms have petals that spread out and appear to reach to the skies, whereas others have Turk’s caps. Most American lily cultivars thrive in partial shade and may be planted among shrubs or in wooded settings. USDA zones 3-9 are suitable for American lily hybrids.
Types of American Lily Cultivars and Hybrids
Panther lily (Lilium pardalinum)
Turk’s Cap-shaped blooms with completely recurved petals are produced by the panther lily (Lilium pardalinum), also known as the leopard lily. Red-orange hues with brown speckles cover the leaves of downfacing Panther lily blossoms. With stems that can grow up to 6.6 feet (2.5 meters) tall, this is a big lily hybrid.
Turk’s Cap lily (Lilium superbum)
Turk’s Cap lily, sometimes known as Lilium superbum, is a kind of damp-loving lily blossom. The huge lily blooms in large yellow or dark orange-colored blossoms with black speckles, and thrives in part shade. The flowers of these Tiger Lilies feature a green star in the center, making them different from Asiatic Tiger Lilies.
Philadelphia lily (Lilium philadelphicum)
The Wood Lily (Lilium philadelphicum) has huge blossoms with orange/red petals that spread out in a star pattern and have prominent upwardfacing blooms. The Philadelphia lily grows only to a height of 12 inches to 35 inches (30 to 90 cm) compared to other types of American lilies. This lily blooms from mid-summer to August and thrives in colder climates.
Kellogg’s Lily (Lilium kelloggii)
The huge showy down-facing hanging blooms of Kellogg’s Lily (Lilium kelloggii) are a big variety of American lily. Each tall lily stalk may produce 27 recurved petals on each of its 27 fragrant blooms. Long, light pink petals with dark pink speckles cover the petals in most cases.
Lilium ‘Lake Tulare’
The flowers of Lilium ‘Lake Tulare’ are lovely, with pink back-curling petals that slope to a tip.
Lilium ‘Yellow Butterfly’
With their downward facing drooping blooms, Lilium ‘Yellow Butterfly’ lilies resemble a brilliant candelabra. Dark orange anthers point to the ground, and the tips of the banana-colored recurved petals point upward.
Lilium ‘Spirit of America’
Lilium ‘Spirit of America’ bears clusters of long stemmed, red Turk’s cap-shaped nodding blooms that grow in abundance.
Longiflorum Lilies (Longiflorum Hybrids) – Division V
The Easter Lily (Lilium longiflorum) is a huge showy lily with long, white trumpet-like blooms. Lily hybrids from the Longiflorum division are easier to cultivate in containers or pots rather than in the garden and prefer full sun. Large bouquets often use Easter lily blooms as cut flowers. Each leafy stem of the Easter Lily can produce a number of long fragrant white blooms, ranging from 24 to 36 inches (60 to 90 cm) tall.
Despite the fact that Easter lily varieties bloom in June or July, with a little effort, the lily may be coaxed to bloom around Easter. Although the traditional Longiflorum lily blossom is white, cultivars in a variety of hues have been created. In USDA zones 4-8, Longiflorum lily hybrids are hardy.
Types of Longiflorum Lily Cultivars
Lilium longiflorum ‘Deliana’
Out-facing creamy yellow flowers make Lilium longiflorum ‘Deliana’ a trumpet-shaped plant.
Lilium longiflorum ‘Elegant Lady’
Long-fragrant flowers in the shape of the Easter Lily but in a charming pink hue characterize Lilium longiflorum ‘Elegant Lady’. The ‘Pink Easter Lily’ is another name for this lily variety.
Lilium longiflorum ‘Triumphator’
The Lilium Longiflorum Easter lily is classified as Lilium longiflorum ‘Triumphator’. The white trumpet blooms of this lily variety are stunning, with a pink center.
Trumpet and Aurelian Lilies (Trumpet and Aurelian Hybrids) – Division VI
Trumpet and Aurelian hybrids are one of the most eye-catching and fragrant types of lilies. Trumpet hybrids have long funnel-like flowers in a variety of colors and hues, and they are classified as such. Down-facing, out-facing, and up-facing trumpet hybrid lily blooms are all possible. Most Trumpet lily types feature flowers that resemble a trumpet, although some are also bowl-shaped.
The blossoms might be between 6 and 10 inches (15 and 25 cm) long, depending on the kind of trumpet or Aurelian lily. Between 12 and 15 blossoms per stalk may be seen on each long lily stalk. Therefore, in your garden, cultivating Trumpet or Aurelian lily cultivars may create spectacular flower displays. Trumpet or Aurelian lily hybrids bloom late in the season, which is a positive thing. As a result, when many other plants have stopped blossoming, you can enjoy gorgeous blooms.
Most lilies in the Trumpet division have fragrant blooms, unlike Asiatic classifications of lilies. These lily blooms may be too strong to use as cut blooms indoors if you are allergic to scents. In USDA zones 4-9, trumpet and Aurelian lily hybrids are hardy.
Types of Trumpet Lilies, including Aurelian Lily Hybrids
Lilium ‘Golden Splendor’
Lilium ‘Golden Splendor’ is a trumpet-flowered lily with huge outward-facing or downward-facing yellow blooms. Each long lily stem will produce up to 20 Golden Splendor blooms, which are very fragrant.
Lilium ‘Rimmer deVries’
The Lilium “Rimmer deVries” lily produces recurved petals and produces huge flowers. The petals are light white and yellow in color, but turn dark brown in the center. The long protruding anthers are a characteristic of this lily cultivar. The Susan Elizabeth, with its light orange recurved petals, is a lily hybrid similar to this.
Lilium ‘African Queen’
The extra large trumpet flowers of Lilium ‘African Queen’ make it a highly fragrant lily. Between 6 and 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) long, each orange-colored trumpet blossom may grow. Downward-facing blooms or outward-facing blooms are available.
Lilium ‘Beijing Moon’
The Aurelian hybrid lily Lilium ‘Beijing Moon’ promises to provide you with beautiful trumpet-shaped blooms in your garden. Several cultivars may grow to be 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall, making them a kind of big lily. The fragrant of the lovely pink and white blooms is equally powerful.
Oriental Lilies (Oriental Hybrids) – Division VII
Among the most popular lilies for outdoor cultivation are oriental lilies. Oriental hybrid lilies are particularly popular with a large number of individuals. These plants produce huge blossoms with lovely floral scents, therefore this is the case. Oriental hybrids, on the other hand, might be more difficult to cultivate when compared to other types of lilies.
The flowers of Oriental division lily hybrids are often bigger and more fragrant than Asian division lily hybrids. Oriental lilies varieties bloom from mid-summer to the late fall, and some may bloom even later. Oriental lily hybrids are known for their outfacing blooms, which range in color from pink to red to orange and white. The stunning Oriental Stargazer lily, on the other hand, features upward-facing flat-faced blooms and is one exception.
Oriental lilies may grow to be around 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters) tall under ideal conditions. Among the biggest of any type of lily, their blooms are exceptional. USDA hardy Zone 3-8 Oriental lily hybrids.
Types of Oriental Lily Hybrids and Cultivars
Lilium ‘Stargazer‘
The bowl-shaped blooms of Lilium “Stargazer” are lovely, and the fragrance is strong. On each stem, you’ll get around 8 huge blooms with the enormous white/pink petals that are somewhat bent backward. Among Oriental hybrids, this is one of the few upward-facing lilies.
Lilium ‘Muscadet’
The Oriental lily Lilium “Muscadet” produces outward-facing white blooms with a strong fragrance. A pink stripe and dots run down the middle of the long white petals, which have ruffled edges.
Lilium ‘Mona Lisa’
Lilium “Mona Lisa” is a simple to grow cultivar of dwarf Oriental lily. The petals that make up the pink blooms are curling and have dark red/pink specks on them.
Lilium ‘Casa Blanca’
With its pure white flowers and contrasting red/orange anthers, Lilium ‘Casa Blanca’ is one of the most elegant Oriental lily hybrids. Between 6 and 8 blooms per stem, this strongly scented lily grows.
Other Hybrids (Interdivisional Hybrids) – Division VIII
Interdivisional lily hybrids are created by crossing lilies from various divisions, such as Lilium LA Hybrid Samur. As a consequence, numerous varieties of lilies emerge, each with its own set of features. Interdivisional hybrids such as the following are among the most popular:
LA lily hybrids Lilium longiflorum and Asiatic lilies are a cross between each other. Large flat flowers with a mild fragrance make up this sort of hybrid lily.
OT lily hybrids Oriental lilies are crossed with Trumpet lilies to produce them. Lilies of this kind produce large, eye-catching trumpet blooms that are heavily scented.
LO lily hybrids The results of crossing Oriental types with Lilium longiflorum lilies. These lily hybrids feature trumpet-shaped blooms with curving petals and have strong scents.
USDA zones 3-9 are the most commonly hardy Interdivisional lily hybrids, with zones 4-8 being a little harder.
Species Lilies – Division IX
Native lilies that grow in the wild belong to the Species division. All the hybrid lilies from the previous eight divisions are descended from these wild lilies. In comparison to wild, species lilies, lily hybrids in the lower lily groups are considerably simpler to maintain in gardens or pots.
Some blooming plants that are not genuine lilies have the word ‘lily’ in their names. All true lilies are classified as members of the Lilium genus, so it’s a good idea to remember that. True varieties of lily include Calla lilies, water lilies, daylilies, and the Lily of the Valley. Other types of plants are not true varieties.