One of the best-recognized garden plants, lilies are arguably the most popular flower to grow among gardeners all over the world. The stunning flowers, sweet fragrance, availability of countless color varieties, along with its low maintenance needs are all in favor of its popularity.
With hundreds of wild and hybrid varieties, true lilies are classified into the following 9 divisions:
| I) Asiatic hybrids
Derived from lilies native to Central and East Asia. Medium-sized unscented flowers of various colors, mostly grown for ornamental purposes. |
Characteristics: Cold-hardy, early bloomers, easy to grow in any type of well-drained soil with ample sunlight. Flowers in June-July. |
| II) Martagon hybrids
Derived from species like martagon, Hanson’s, and wheel lilies. Feature bunches of small drooping flowers of striking colors with curled petals and mild sweet scents, resembling the Turk’s cap. |
Characteristics: Early bloomers, grows best in cool shady areas, not suitable for hot, humid climates; may take a year to establish, thriving afterward. |
| III) Candidum hybrids
Derived primarily from a number of European lily species like Madonna lily, Pyrenean lily, Lilium chalcedonicum, and Lilium kesselringianum. Produces fragrant flowers of different colors. |
Characteristics: Blooms in late spring or early summer. Does well in semi-alkaline soils, but can grow in most soil types. Winter hardy, can survive the fall season. |
| IV) American hybrids
Derived from lilies native to North America, including Bolander’s, Canada, Columbia, and Kelley’s lilies. Mostly non-fragrant, the flowers may be funnel-shaped or downward-facing with curled petals. |
Characteristics: Blooms from May to June (late spring) in warm regions, and from June end to July (midsummer) in cooler regions; Bulbous rootstocks grow to form huge clumps unless managed. |
| V) Longiflorum hybrids
Mostly hybrids of the Easter lily, all plants in this group produces trumpet-shaped white flowers having a sweet fragrance. |
Characteristics: Blooms midsummer; easy to germinate from seeds, but not very hardy in most garden environments. |
| VI) Trumpet/Aurelian Hybrids
Derived from fragrant Asian species like Henry’s, and regal lilies, as well as their interspecific hybrids. Trumpet-shaped flowers are fragrant, some varieties are night-fragrant. |
Characteristics: Easy to grow (especially the L. henryi hybrids), blooms from June to August (mid- to late summer), prefers warmer climates with full sun, can grow various soil types, does well in containers, intolerant to frost. |
| VII) Oriental hybrids
Derived from Asian species including Golden-rayed lily, Lilium speciosum, Lilium nobilissimum, and their crossbreeds. As opposed to the non-fragrant Asiatic division, Oriental lilies have the large sweetly scented flowers. |
Characteristics: Needs well-drained loamy soil, morning sunlight and afternoon shade; the hybrids of L. auratum and L. speciosum are usually hardier; flowers showiest around August, but may bloom till fall. |
| VIII) Interdivisional Hybrids
Derived through crossbreeding between the plants in the previous seven divisions. One popular group being the Orienpet lilies (OrientalxTrumpet). |
Characteristics: Usually easy to take care of when planted in well-drained loamy soil with lots of sunlight. |
| IX) True Species
All the wild native lilies used both in gardening and for crossbreeding. Though they are often found in the wild, many species are actually quite difficult to grow in gardens. |
Characteristics: Growing conditions and flowering season depends on their native range. |
As with any garden plant, it is better to find out in advance about the different types and their habits so you can pick a plant best suited to your garden. Just make sure not plant them in a spot where they can come in contact with your clothes as lily pollen stain fabrics easily.
Popular Lily Varieties Based on ColorHere is a list of over 50 popular types of lilies, both species, and hybrids, with pictures and basic information: |
|
A) Types of White Lilies |
|
1. Philippine Lily (Lilium philippinense)
A rare species, considered endangered, thriving only in the high altitude regions of Cordillera Central mountains in Puerto Rico. Blooms in May. Height: 5-6 feet Flower Type: 4-5 inches long trumpet-shaped USDA Hardiness Zone: 10-11 |
2. Easter Lily (Lilium longiflorum)
One of the best-known species in horticulture, it can be grown both outdoors and in a container. Flowers in July-August, but potted plants may be ‘manipulated’ to bloom at other times, typically during Easter. Height: 3 feet Flower Type: 5-7 inches long, cylindrical USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-9 |
3. Madonna Lily (Lilium candidum)
Cultivation of this variety goes back to at least 3,000 years, with the flowers appearing in multiple religious documents and artworks including the Bible. Blooms in late spring to summer with long-lasting blossoms. Height: 4-6 feet Flower Type: Trumpet-shaped, 2-3-inches, growing in bunches of 10-20 units at the top of the stem USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-9 |
4. Regale/Royal (Lilium regale)
Easy to grow, this plant can tolerate almost any soil and climate conditions, except waterlogging. Suitable for a container plant as well. Height: 4-7 feet Flower Type: 6-8 inches long, trumpet-shaped, slightly curved with strong fragrance USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8 |
5. Lady Alice (Trumpet/Aurelian)
Winner of various gardening awards, it grows extremely showy white orange flowers. Height: 3-4 feet Flower Type: 3-4 inches, Lightly fragrant, semi-turk’s cap shaped USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9 |
6. Patricia’s Pride (Asiatic)
Medium-sized plants are suitable for container planting, as well as outdoor gardens, especially borders and hedges. Height: 3-4 feet Flower Type: 4-5 inches long, upright, open blooms USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9 |
7. Casablanca (Oriental)
Often regarded as the most striking Oriental white lily variety, the wonderfully scented flowers make excellent cut flowers. Can be grown as container plants as well. Height: 3-4 feet Flower Type: Around 7 inches wide, upward-facing, open, star-shaped, with slightly curved petals USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-10 |
|
B) Different Types of Pink Lilies |
|
1. Nodding Lily (Lilium cernuum)
Needing less care than some of the other species, it does well in loamy soil with sufficient sunlight. The flowers, blooming in summer are mostly pink, but maybe white to pale purple as well. Height: 2-3 feet Flower Type: 2-3 inches, recurved Turk’s cap styled, down-facing USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8 |
2. Jersey Lily (Amaryllis belladonna)
Thrives in any well-drained soil when planted at a sunny spot, flowering during late summer to fall. Scented flowers appear before leaves, growing in groups of 2-12 on each stem. The plants go dormant in winter, reappearing the following summer in warm climates. Height: 2-3 feet Flower Type: 2-4 inches, outward-facing, open, growing in the direction of the sun USDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10 (can grow as an annual plant in other zones) |
3. Acapulco (Oriental)
Originally meant for the cut flower industry, these vibrant lilies have grown popular among gardeners as well. Produces up to 5-6 flowers per stem. Height: 3-4 feet Flower Type: 6 inches or larger, outward-facing, slightly recurved USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-10 |
4. Elodie (Asiatic)
Each stem produces 5-6 sterile flowers of a pastel pink shade and a soft, pleasant fragrance. The scent is not overwhelming, making it a good option for allergic people. Height: 2-3 feet Flower Type: 3-6 inches, outward-facing, double flower (May produce single flowers in the first year) USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-10 |
5. Stargazer (Oriental)
Considered as the most popular and visually appealing Oriental variety, it produces 4-8 flowers per stem. Regarded for its strong fragrance, but some people find it too sweet to like. Height: 2-3 feet Flower Type: Over 6 inches long, upward-facing, fragrant, slightly recurved USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9 |
6. Altari (Orienpet)
Available to grow to different heights, it is suitable for outdoor planting as borders in larger gardens for a touch of color as well as providing privacy. Height: 3-5 feet Flower Type: 6-12 inches, slightly recurved, out-facing, wide open USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9 |
7. Lollypop (Asiatic)
Ideal for a container plant, needing repotting once every 2-3 years. Needs excellent drainage and lots of sunlight, but can grow in partial shade too. When planted outdoors in favorable conditions, it multiplies pretty fast. Height: 1.5-3 feet Flower Type: Upward-facing open blooms USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-10 |
8. Starlight Express (Oriental)
Dwarf variety suitable for container planting. Also good for flower beds and low borders, as it produces up to 15 flowers in each stem. Height: 1-2 feet Flower Type: 6-7 inches, upright, fragrant, slightly recurved with ruffled edges USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8 |
9. Tom Pouce (Oriental)
Another striking variety, growing 5-10 pink-yellow flowers on tall stalks. A nice option for small gardens as the pleasant scent travels through the air without being overwhelming. Height: Up to 3 feet Flower Type: 6 inches or larger, wide-open, outward facing USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9 |
10. Silk Road (Orienpet)
Tall plants ideal to be planted as borders, or in front of windows for best enjoying the long display of attractive flowers over several weeks, while getting some privacy. Height: 4-6 feet Flower Type: 8 inches, slightly recurved, sideways facing USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9 |
11. Anastasia (Orienpet)
A high-yielding variety, growing 20-30 flowers on each plant, with an extended blooming season of several weeks. The pink color of the flowers deepens in colder weathers. Height: 4-7 feet Flower Type: 7 inches, slightly recurved, sideways or downward-facing USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9 |
|
C) Orange and Peach Lilies |
|
1. Tiger Lily (Lilium lancifolium)
One of the most recognizable types, it can grow in moist acidic soil with full to partial sun exposure. The flowers are non-fragrant, but extremely showy, blooming in summer. Height: 3-6 feet Flower Type: over 6 inches, down-facing, recurved or Turk’s cap shaped USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9 |
2. Michigan Lily (Lilium michiganense)
Sometimes confused with Turk’s cap and tiger lilies for similar-looking flowers, it is considered threatened in many US states. Can grow in different soils with enough sunlight. Non-fragrant flowers bloom in summer. Height: 2-6 feet Flower Type: 3 inches, down-facing, recurved USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9 |
3. Columbia Lily (Lilium columbianum)
Aa attractive wild lily species, it is not as common as some of the other wild varieties. Grows in well-drained moist soils, blooming in late spring to early summer. Flowers are lightly scented. Height: 2-4 feet Flower Type: 2-3 inches, down-facing, recurved USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9 |
4. Fire Lily (Lilium bulbiferum)
Grows in any well-drained soil as long as it gets a lot of sunlight; though, cannot tolerate drought conditions. Blooms from late spring to summer, with 6-7 flowers on each stalk. Dwarf cultivar is suitable for container planting. Height: 2-4 feet Flower Type: 2-3 inches, upright, wide open USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-9 |
5. Alpine/Sierra Tiger Lily (Lilium parvum)
Grows is moist well-drained soil, and naturally hybridizes with any other lily species growing nearby. Blooms around midsummer, in clusters of 6-7 flowers on each stem. Height: 2-6 feet (sometimes up to 8 feet) Flower Type: Smaller than 3 inches, side-facing, open, bell-shaped USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8 |
6. Turk’s Cap (Lilium superbum)
Has high care requirement, even higher than other species lilies. Prefers well-drained, moist soils with lots of sunlight, but can grow in other soil types. Good cold tolerance. Height: 3-5 feet Flower Type: 5-6 inches, down-facing, pendant, recurved USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9 |
7. African Queen (Trumpet)
Blooms mid to late summer, producing 20-30 flowers in each stem for long display season. Height: 3-6 feet Flower Type: 6-12 inches, side/out- facing, trumpet-shaped, slightly recurved USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8 |
8. Forever Susan (Asiatic)
One of the most attractive types with its unique orange-plum color. Suitable for small to large gardens as borders, as well as for cut flowers Height: 2-3 feet Flower Type: 4-5 inches, upright, wide-open, slightly recurved USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8 |
9. Gluhwein (Orienpet)
Soft peach colored blooms with their wonderful fragrance are excellent for summer gardens. Flowers are sterile, and plants do not produce seeds. Height: 3-5 feet Flower Type: 6-12 inches, out-facing, wide open, slightly recurved USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8 |
10. Tiny Double You (Asiatic)
Dwarf variety, winter-hardy, ideal for container planting, but can be grown outdoors as well. Striking orange double flowers make good cut flowers. Height: 1-1.5 feet Flower Type: 3-6 inches, upward-facing, double flowers USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-9 |
D) Types of Purple and Black Lilies |
|
1. Martagon Lily (Lilium martagon)
An award winning species lily, the sweetly scented flowers may vary from white and light pinkish purple to deep violet. Can grow upto 30-40 flowers per stem in each blooming season. Does well in slightly alkaline well-drained moist soil. Height: 3 to 7 feet Flower Type: 3 inches or smaller, down-turned, recurved USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 to 10 |
2. Toad Lily (Tricyrtis hirta)
Medium-sized plant from Japan, the small spotted flowers remind you of orchids. The plants need partial to full shade, and soil that remains consistently moist and well-drained. Self-seeding plants will multiply over time, but are not invasive. Blooms in early to late fall. Suitable for borders and sidewalks. Height: 2-3 feet Flower Type: 2-3 inches, upward-facing, wide open, star-like USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8 |
3. Night Rider (Asiatic x Trumpet)
A relatively new caltivar, the deep purple to black flowers have a mild scent. Due to their vivid color, the large flowers stand out, adding to the character of your garden. Blooms from early to mid summer. Height: 3-4 feet Flower Type: 6-7 inches, out-facing, slightly recurved USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9 |
4. Pink Perfection (Trumpet)
Tall plants with a stunning display of 15-20 large flowers on each stalk, creating a nice contrast with the narrow dark green leaves. Plants are quite hardy and disease-resistant. Height: 4-6 feet Flower Type: 10-12 inches, trumpet-shaped, somewhat down-facing, slightly recurved USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9 |
5. Landini (Asiatic)
One of the darkest varieties that produce 5-6 large flowers on each stalk. The blooms are rather long-lasting, with the medium to tall plants being suitable for most gardens. Height: 3-4 feet Flower Type: 6-12 inches, upright, wide open USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9 |
6. Night Flyer (Asiatic)
A cultivar of tiger lily, the dark purple flowers are dotted with black, making it one of the most striking Asiatic lilies. Can produce up to 12-15 flowers per plant. Height: up to 4 feet Flower Type: 3-6 inches, recurved, down-facing pendant flowers USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8 |
E) Red Lily Flower Types |
|
1. Golden Apple/Carnic Lily (Lilium carniolicum)
Deriving its name from the historical region of Carniola, these lilies may also be orange to yellow with black dots. Blooms in early to mid summer. Height: up to 2 feet Flower Type: Around 3 inches, down-facing, recurved USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9 |
2. Canada Lily (Lilium canadense)
Unscented, primarily grown for its showy flowers that grow in groups of 5-6 on each stem. Blooming season is between late spring and mid-summer, lasting about three weeks. Height: 3-6 feet Flower Type: 3 inches or smaller, down-facing recurved pendant flower USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9 |
3. Wood Lily (Lilium philadelphicum)
One of the most widespread native lilies, it can grow in various dry to moist soils having full sunlight to shade. May take about 4-5 years to flower after planting. Non-fragrant flowers bloom around mid-summer to early fall, 3-5 on each stalk. Height: 1-3 feet Flower Type: 3 inches, upward-facing, wide-open, star-shaped USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8 |
4. Gray’s Lily (Lilium grayi)
A rare lily, with its native habitat threatened by grazing animals, it grows in full sunlight and cannot tolerate extreme cold. Blooms early in summer, each stalk can grow up to 5-6 flowers once established. Height: 2-6 feet Flower Type: 2.5-3 inches, down-facing, trumpet or bell-shaped USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8 |
5. Black Beauty (Orienpet)
Marked by a characteristic green star pattern inside the pendant flowers, an established plant can produce over 60 flowers each season. Tall plants good for borders, and hedges to give some privacy. Height: 5-7 feet Flower Type: 3 inches, down-facing, recurved USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8 |
6. Matrix (Asiatic, dwarf, pot)
Dwarf variety, good for indoor planting as it does not need too much care apart from regular watering and lots of sunlight. When planted outdoors, the perennial plant will multiply, but is not invasive. Height: Up to 2 feet Flower Type: 3-6 inches, upright, wide open, star-shaped USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9 |
7. Manitoba Morning (Martagon)
Can grow in most well-drained soils, with enough sunlight, but cannot survive waterlogged conditions. Once mature, each plant grows around 30-50 flowers each season. Height: 3-4 feet Flower Type: 3 inches, down-facing, recurved USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-7 |
8. Flashpoint (Orienpet)
As the name implies, it is a vivid lily variety that draws attention to itself, making it suitable for fancy borders and small mixed flower gardens. Scented flowers bloom late in summer. Height: 3-5 feet Flower Type: 6-9 inches, side-facing, open, slightly recurved USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9 |
9. Black Out (Asiatic)
Dark red flowers may also appear black at times, growing in groups of 5-6 on each stalk. Perfect for adding brightness and drama to any garden. Height: 2-4 feet Flower Type: 6-12 inches, up-facing, wide open, flat USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9 |
10. Claude Shride (Martagon)
Mahogany red flowers are marked with golden or orange spots. May take a couple of years to flower for the first time, but stays on for years once established. Height: 3-6 feet Flower Type: 3-6 inches, downturned, pendant shaped, recurved USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9 |
F) Types of Yellow Lilies |
|
1. Tiny Bee (Asiatic, dwarf)
Dwarf variety originally created for container planting, it can thrive in outdoor gardens as well. The plant’s short height and hardy nature makes it suitable for borders and flowerbeds. Height: up to 1.5 feet Flower Type: 5-6 inches, upright, open USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9 |
2. Robert Swanson (Orienpet)
Produces up to 40 mildly scented flowers per plant in a blooming season in late summer. Easy to grow, the attractive flowers are quite long lasting. Height: 4-5 feet Flower Type: 7 inches, side or down-facing, recurved USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9 |
3. Luxor (Asiatic)
Fast-growing and hardy, these plants flower for years once established. Good for mass planting, and cut flowers too. Height: 3-4 feet Flower Type: 3-6 inches, upward-facing, slightly recurved, trumpet-shaped USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8 |
4. Black Spider (Asiatic)
Small to medium cream-burgundy flowers stand out in any type of a garden. Each stalk produces 5-7 showy flowers. Height: 3 feet Flower Type: 3-6 inches, side or up-facing, open, flat USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9 |
5. Citronella (Asiatic)
One of the few varieties of Asiatic lilies to produce pendant flowers, each plant produces up to 20 flowers, multiplying over the years. Height: 4-6 feet Flower Type: Around 6 inches, side or down-facing, recurved USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9 |
6. Golden Splendor (Trumpet)
Tall plants good for borders in areas of garden where you might want a little privacy, though may need a little support from nearby shrubs. Produces 12-20 flowers on each stem. Height: 4-6 feet Flower Type: 6 to 12 inches, side-facing, trumpet shaped USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-8 |
7. King Pete (Asiatic)
A truly versatile lily variety, this plant produces different shaped flowers for a unique effect. Grows in groups of 6-7 flowers per stem. Height: 2-4 feet Flower Type: 3-6 inches, side-, up-, or down-facing, flat open or recurved USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8 |
8. Big Brother (Orienpet)
The largest lily type yet, big brother grows over a foot across, with its fragrant flowers being good for cut flowers too. The bloom size increases over time as the plant gets better established. Unlike the others. this plant grows multiple stems from a single bulb. Height: 4-6 feet Flower Type: Up to 15 inches, upright, wide-open, slightly recurved USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8 |
Get email updates about what's new for gardeners this season
With Golden Stone Lily — I’m finding some white and some light yellow and my bright yellow lilies with the same spots and height . Does the Golden Stone come in all those colors or why do I have 3 distinct colors when I only planted one color ?
Did you grow them from seeds? Maybe there were some other types of lily seeds mixed with the seeds you used.