The Complete Guide To Lilies: 40 Beautiful Varieties For Your Garden
Lilies are a group of flowering plants which are important in culture and have captivated gardeners for centuries with their stunning beauty and intoxicating fragrance. From the classic pure white Easter lily to the vibrant Asiatic hybrids, these magnificent flowers have earned their place as one of the most beloved ornamental plants in gardens worldwide. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just beginning your horticultural journey, understanding the diverse world of lilies can transform your garden into a spectacular display of color and elegance.
By carefully blending early, midseason, and late varieties of lily into your garden, you will enjoy their magnificent blooms from early summer through fall. The strategic selection of different lily types ensures continuous flowering throughout the growing season, creating an ever-changing tapestry of colors and forms. From the delicate trumpet-shaped flowers of the Easter lily to the bold, upward-facing blooms of Asiatic varieties, each type brings its own unique charm to the landscape.
Lily, genus of 80 to 100 species of herbaceous flowering plants of the family Liliaceae, native to temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, represents one of the most diverse and adaptable groups of flowering plants. These perennial bulbs have evolved to thrive in various climates and conditions, making them accessible to gardeners across different regions. Their ability to naturalize and multiply over time means that a single planting can provide years of enjoyment with minimal maintenance.
Understanding the Lily Family
The lily family, also known as Liliaceae, is a diverse group of plants that includes over 4,000 species. These plants are characterized by their showy flowers, which typically feature six petal-like segments arranged in two whorls, six stamens, and a superior ovary. The family encompasses not only true lilies but also related plants such as tulips, fritillaries, and hyacinths, though true lilies belong specifically to the genus Lilium.
Lilies are a group of flowering plants which are important in cultural traditions around the world. In many societies, these flowers symbolize purity, renewal, and rebirth. The Easter lily, for instance, has become synonymous with the Christian celebration of resurrection, while in Chinese culture, lilies represent good fortune and prosperity. Their cultural significance extends beyond symbolism, as lilies have been used medicinally, culinarily, and ornamentally for thousands of years.
Popular Lily Divisions and Their Characteristics
Our tour through each lily division will introduce you to some of the classic pure white lilies, as well as the vibrant colors and patterns that make this genus so diverse. The North American Lily Society recognizes nine divisions of garden lilies, each with distinct characteristics that appeal to different gardening preferences and landscape designs.
Asiatic Lilies: The Hardy Garden Workhorses
Asiatic lilies are among the most popular garden varieties due to their hardiness, wide color range, and ease of cultivation. These lilies typically bloom in early to midsummer and feature upward-facing flowers in virtually every color except true blue. Their flowers lack fragrance but make up for it with their bold colors and reliable performance. Asiatic lilies are ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants that provide maximum visual impact.
Oriental Lilies: The Fragrant Beauties
Oriental lilies are renowned for their intoxicating fragrance and large, showy blooms that often measure up to 10 inches across. These late-summer bloomers feature downward-facing flowers with recurved petals and come in shades of white, pink, and crimson, often with contrasting spots and brush marks. Their strong stems make them excellent cut flowers, and their fragrance can perfume an entire garden on warm summer evenings.
Trumpet and Aurelian Hybrids: The Majestic Performers
Trumpet and Aurelian hybrids are known for their elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers that can reach impressive sizes. These lilies typically bloom in mid to late summer and are characterized by their strong fragrance and tall, sturdy stems that can reach heights of 6 feet or more. Their flowers face outward or slightly downward, creating a dramatic display in the garden. Popular varieties include the classic Easter lily and the golden-blooming 'Golden Splendor'.
Species Lilies: The Wild Beauties
Species lilies represent the wild ancestors of modern hybrids and offer unique characteristics that make them valuable additions to specialized gardens. These lilies often feature more delicate flowers and specific growing requirements, but they reward patient gardeners with their authentic beauty and historical significance. Species such as Lilium martagon, with its nodding purple flowers, and Lilium regale, with its white trumpets and golden throats, showcase the natural diversity within the genus.
Growing and Caring for Lilies
By carefully blending early, midseason, and late varieties of lily into your garden, you will enjoy their magnificent blooms throughout the entire growing season. Successful lily cultivation begins with understanding their basic requirements and providing optimal growing conditions. Most lilies prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. They thrive in locations that receive full sun to partial shade, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Planting depth and spacing are crucial factors in lily success. As a general rule, lily bulbs should be planted at a depth equal to three times their height, with the pointed end facing upward. Proper spacing between bulbs, typically 8-12 inches depending on the variety, ensures adequate air circulation and prevents overcrowding as the plants mature. Mulching helps maintain consistent soil moisture and temperature while suppressing weed growth.
Fragrant Lilies for Cut Flowers
Fragrant lilies for cut flowers represent some of the most sought-after varieties for floral arrangements and indoor enjoyment. Oriental lilies, particularly those with pink and white coloration, are prized for their long-lasting blooms and intense perfume. When cutting lilies for indoor use, select stems with buds that are just beginning to open, as they will continue to develop indoors. Remove the pollen-bearing anthers to prevent staining and extend the life of the flowers.
The best time to cut lilies is early morning when the stems are fully hydrated. Use clean, sharp tools to make angled cuts, and immediately place the stems in water mixed with floral preservative. For maximum enjoyment, display cut lilies in cool locations away from direct sunlight and drafts. Change the water every few days and recut the stems to extend their vase life, which can be up to two weeks for well-maintained arrangements.
Selecting the Perfect Lily for Your Garden
If you're looking for the perfect lily to grow in your garden, this complete guide by a master gardener for the top 18 types of lilies is exactly what you need! When selecting lilies, consider your specific growing conditions, including climate zone, soil type, and available sunlight. Also factor in the mature height of different varieties, as some can reach impressive heights while others remain compact and suitable for container growing.
Consider the bloom time when planning your lily garden. Early-season varieties like Asiatic lilies provide color in early summer, while mid-season varieties such as trumpet hybrids bridge the gap between early and late bloomers. Late-season Oriental lilies extend the lily season well into fall, ensuring continuous color and interest. By mixing varieties with different bloom times, you can create a succession of flowers that lasts for months.
Unique Lily Species and Hybrids
Discover the stunning beauty of different types of lilies, from oriental hybrids to unique lily species, and learn about the diverse world of lily varieties. Beyond the common garden varieties, there exists a fascinating array of species and specialty hybrids that offer unique characteristics and growing challenges. These include the Turk's cap lilies with their distinctive recurved petals, the delicate fairy lilies that naturalize readily, and the exotic tree lilies that can reach heights of 8 feet or more.
Some unique varieties to consider include the black-flowered 'Landini' Asiatic lily, the green-flowered 'Green Star' Oriental hybrid, and the bi-color 'Stargazer' lily that has become a florist favorite. Species lilies like Lilium pumilum, with its bright orange-red flowers, and Lilium candidum, the traditional Madonna lily, offer historical and botanical interest beyond their ornamental value.
Lily Classification and Identification
Lilies, botanically known as Lilium, are flowering plants that belong to the family Liliaceae. They are native to the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, including Europe, North America, and Asia, with the greatest diversity found in the Himalayas and eastern Asia. Understanding the botanical classification of lilies helps gardeners make informed decisions about plant selection and care requirements.
The genus Lilium is divided into several sections based on morphological characteristics and genetic relationships. These sections include Martagon, Pseudolirium, Liriotypus, and others, each containing species with shared characteristics. Modern hybridization has blurred some of these distinctions, but understanding the basic classification helps in predicting growing requirements and potential garden performance.
Practical Tips for Lily Success
Many are prized ornamental plants and have been cultivated for thousands of years, resulting in extensive knowledge about their care and cultivation. Successful lily growing requires attention to several key factors that influence plant health and flowering performance. Proper soil preparation is essential, as lilies are susceptible to bulb rot in poorly drained conditions. Incorporate organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility.
Watering practices significantly impact lily health. While lilies require consistent moisture during the growing season, they also need well-drained soil to prevent bulb rot. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering as the foliage begins to yellow in late summer, signaling the plant's natural dormancy period. Fertilize lilies in early spring as new growth emerges, using a balanced fertilizer formulated for flowering bulbs.
Troubleshooting Common Lily Problems
Take a look at our quick facts to see what each type of lily has to offer, including their specific care requirements and potential challenges. Lilies face several common problems that can affect their health and flowering performance. Botrytis blight, a fungal disease, causes brown spots on leaves and flowers, particularly in humid conditions. Prevent this by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
The lily beetle poses a significant threat to many lily varieties, particularly in North America and Europe. These bright red beetles and their larvae can quickly defoliate plants if left unchecked. Regular inspection and manual removal of beetles and larvae provide the most effective control. For severe infestations, organic insecticides containing neem oil or spinosad can provide additional protection.
Designing with Lilies in the Landscape
Our tour through each lily division will introduce you to some of the classic pure white lilies that serve as elegant focal points in garden designs. Lilies can be incorporated into various landscape settings, from formal gardens to naturalized areas. Their tall, architectural form makes them excellent background plants in mixed borders, while shorter varieties work well in the middle or front of planting beds.
Consider color schemes when designing with lilies. Monochromatic plantings using different shades of a single color create sophisticated, harmonious displays. Alternatively, complementary color combinations such as purple and yellow or orange and blue create dynamic, eye-catching arrangements. White lilies serve as excellent neutral elements that can bridge different color schemes and provide visual relief in intense color combinations.
Conclusion
Lilies represent one of the most rewarding groups of flowering plants for gardeners of all experience levels. Their diverse range of colors, forms, and fragrances offers endless possibilities for garden design and personal expression. By understanding the different types of lilies and their specific requirements, you can create stunning displays that provide months of color and enjoyment.
Whether you're drawn to the classic elegance of pure white lilies, the bold colors of Asiatic hybrids, or the intoxicating fragrance of Oriental varieties, there's a lily to suit every taste and growing condition. With proper care and attention to their basic needs, these magnificent flowers will reward you with years of spectacular blooms and the satisfaction of growing some of nature's most beautiful creations. Start your lily journey today, and discover why these remarkable plants have captivated gardeners for centuries.
