Lily types are some of the most beloved flowers in the world. With beautiful and varied colors, shapes, and sizes, they make a stunning addition to any garden or bouquet.
Common lilies include day lilies, tiger lilies, Easter lilies, Madonna lilies, and more. Each type has its own distinct properties such as unique scents and pollination processes.
Many people enjoy growing these lovely plants for their majestic beauty alone, but these beautiful blooms have been important to humans historically as well.
From honoring mythological figures to symbolizing prosperity, these versatile flowers have played an important role in many cultures throughout the ages.
Lily Types
With over 60 varieties of lilies in the world, there is an array of diverse species to choose from. From white trumpet lilies to glorious orange crane lilies, each variety possesses its own unique beauty and scent.
Most species of lily thrive in moist, well-drained soil with full access to sunshine, giving gardeners plenty of options whether they grow their blooms at home or in a public park.
Find your perfect lily with aesthetically pleasing characteristics such as shape and vibrant, divergent colors, and enchanting fragrances.
Whether you are looking for an eye-catching centerpiece or exquisite cut flower bouquets, this magnificent flower graces gardens all around the world the Lily.
Asiatic Lilies
Asiatic lilies are a type of true lily that are known for their large, colorful blooms.
They come in a variety of colors with white, yellow, orange, and pinkish-red being the most common colors.
Asiatic lilies have long stems and can reach heights of up to 3-4 feet tall.
Asiatic lilies are some of the easiest to grow and require minimal care compared to other types of lilies.
Trumpet Lilies
Trumpet lilies, also known as Easter or Madonna Lilies, have large, trumpet-shaped blooms that come in shades of white, cream, and pink.
These showy blossoms can reach up to 2 feet in height and often have a strong sweet scent.
Trumpet lilies prefer to be planted in an area with full sun exposure and moist soil but they will tolerate partial shade as well.
Oriental Lilies
Oriental Lilies are one of the most popular types of lily due to their large fragrant flowers which bloom in shades of white, yellow, pink, and red.
Oriental Lilies typically grow between 3-5 feet tall and can spread up to 3 feet wide when planted in the right conditions.
For optimal growth, Oriental Lilies need good soil drainage and plenty of sunlight but will still produce beautiful flowers even when grown in partial shade areas.
Tiger Lilies
Tiger Lilies are a type of true lily that is known for its striking orange-red petals covered with black spots or stripes.
These flowers can reach heights between 2-4 feet tall depending on soil conditions and tend to bloom from late spring through early summer making them perfect for adding vibrant pops of color to your garden.
Tiger Lillies require minimal maintenance but should be watered regularly during dry periods for best results.
Daylilies
Daylilies are perennial plants with beautiful star-shaped blooms that come in a variety of colors including white, yellow, pink, red, and purple.
Daylilies range from 1-3 feet tall depending on the cultivar chosen and they thrive best when planted in sunny areas with well-drained soil so they don’t become waterlogged or rot.
Daylilies make great additions to any garden as they require very little maintenance once established yet provide spectacular displays throughout the spring months each year.
Easter Lilies
A true symbol of Easter, this white- or pink-flowered plant is a member of the lily family.
They are tall and have long stems, with five to six large trumpet-shaped petals surrounding a bright yellow center.
In many cultures, they symbolize purity, hope, and new life.
Rubrum Lilies
These beautiful red flowers are a type of Oriental lily that stands out from the crowd. Each stem can produce up to eight blooms with six petals each, surrounded by deep green foliage.
The rubrum lily is also known as the ‘Gardenia Lily’ due to its strong resemblance to gardenias in shape and color.
The flowers emit a sweet scent which makes them very popular for bouquets and centerpieces.
Martagon Lilies
This unusual flower has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its unique looks and colors.
Martagon lilies grow upwards from an underground bulb and can reach heights of up to five feet tall when fully grown.
Their star-like shape is formed from numerous tubular petals in shades of white, yellow, orange or even dark purple depending on the variety you have chosen.
American Hybrid Lilies
This type of lily is relatively new but quickly gaining popularity due to its hardy nature and vibrant colors.
These hybrids are often crosses between Asiatic, Oriental, and Trumpet varieties which results in stunning blooms with different shapes and sizes as well as multiple hues of pink, reds, oranges, and yellows all at once.
Arum Lilies
Also referred to as Calla Lilies or Zantedeschia, these hybrids feature cup-shaped flowers on long stalks that range from shades of cream to deep purple depending on the variety you choose.
They look best when planted en masse or combined with other varieties such as tulips or roses for an eye-catching display.
Arum Lilies also have long shelf lives so they make great cut flowers for bouquets too.
Australian Lilies
Australian lilies are some of the most vibrant and beautiful of their kind. They come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and yellow, with petals that can be up to five inches long.
In addition to their stunning appearance, Australian lilies are also hardy and easy to care for, making them a popular choice for gardens across the country.
Their sweet scent attracts butterflies and bees and can often be smelled from a distance.
Aztec Lilies
Aztec lilies are some of the most unique varieties of lily available, boasting stunningly bright red or orange petals with contrasting black dots.
These flowers originate from Mexico and were once used by ancient Aztecs as a symbol of fertility and renewal.
The blooms can give off an incredibly strong fragrance that can linger in your garden for days after they’ve opened.
Calla Lilies
Calla lilies are among the most popular lily varieties due to their elegant trumpet-shaped blooms.
These graceful flowers come in shades of white, pink, yellow, and even deep purple, depending on your preference.
As well as being visually appealing, calla lilies have a subtle yet sweet fragrance that is sure to draw attention when planted near pathways or doorways.
Candidum Lilies
Candidum lilies are some of the rarest varieties around but they’re certainly worth seeking out.
Originating from central Asia, these majestic flowers boast pristine white petals with distinctive red speckles across them – making them unmistakable when planted in any garden bed.
They emit a light yet intricate aroma that is said to bring luck so are often planted near entrances for good fortune.
Casa Blanca Lilies
Casa Blanca lilies are one of the most recognizable varieties around due to their large pure white petals and exquisite fragrance.
These exotic beauties can grow up to three feet tall and boast incredible floral displays throughout spring through fall – making them perfect for larger flower beds or containers on patios or balconies.
The delicate scent that Casa Blanca produce has been known to attract hummingbirds which adds even more beauty to these plants’ presence.
Christmas Lilies
Christmas lilies are a species of flowering plant native to the tropical areas of Japan.
These plants are known for their fragrant, white flowers with distinctive yellow centers and wide, slightly drooping petals. The blooms usually appear in late spring and can last through early summer.
Christmas lilies also have long, thin stems and dark green foliage. They can be grown indoors or outdoors, but need plenty of indirect sunlight to thrive.
Concolor Lilies
Concolor lilies are a hybrid variety of Asiatic lily created by breeders in the Netherlands in the mid-1960s.
These large and showy flowers come in many different colors including pink, white, orange, lavender, yellow, and purple with splashes of other colors as well!
They feature a prominent star-like pattern on their petals, making them a popular choice for indoor floral arrangements.
Concolor lilies grow best in full sun or partial shade and require regular watering during hot weather months.
Crested Lilies
Crested lilies are a type of Lily that features crested petals which give them an attractive appearance.
They come in shades ranging from soft ivory to deep purple and most varieties have speckled centers surrounded by freckles.
These plants bloom from late winter into early summer and they prefer cooler temperatures with plenty of direct sunlight.
Crested lilies are exceedingly easy to propagate from bulbs so they spread quickly through gardens when planted outdoors or containers when potted indoors.
Desert Lilies
Desert lilies are a species found mainly in drier climates such as desert regions throughout North America and Mexico as well as arid regions around the Mediterranean basin.
They possess waxy leaves that often display purple undertones or variegated coloring along with delicate three-petal blooms that may range from deep mauve to creamy pastels depending on the variety.
Desert lilies thrive best in fast-draining soil with plenty of light exposure throughout the day ideally six hours or more and little water during the hottest part of the year since they’re used to conserving moisture deep within the roots during drought periods that occur naturally in their native habitats.
Dwarf Asiatic Lilies (Lilium Asiaticum)
Dwarf Asiatic lilies (Lilium asiaticum) are small ornamental bulbs perfect for edging walkways or adorning window boxes due to their short height ranging from 10–30 cm (4–12 inches).
This group produces some of the most striking colors among all varieties of Lilies; some common examples include vivid lemon yellow, pure white tinged with pink at the edges, vibrant reds, oranges & purples—all possessing showy black spots at their centers.
Dwarf Asiatic Lillies prefer well-composted soil plus partial shade & ample watering, especially during dry periods but otherwise, only minimal maintenance is required to keep these beauties brightening up outdoor spaces year after year.
Easter Bell Lilies
These are showy and fragrant trumpet-shaped lilies that produce star-like blooms in a variety of colors. It is one of the most spectacular members of the Asiatic lily family, its blooms ranging from white to deep pink.
The Easter bell lily is known for being an easy-to-grow and low-maintenance flower with long-lasting flowers, making them a favorite amongst gardeners.
Fairy Lilies
These small, graceful flowers can bring an airy charm to any garden.
Fairy lilies have elegant cup-shaped blooms in shades of pink and red, and their blooms appear atop slender stems that gracefully nod in the breeze.
Because they don’t require much maintenance or care, they are easy to incorporate into any landscape design or garden plan.
Fire Lilies
Fire lilies boast large and vibrant flowers that come in shades of orange and red which make them stand out amongst other types of lily plants.
They bloom annually during late spring and early summer, adding a pop of color to any garden setting.
Fire lilies also tend to be exceptionally hardy as they are able to survive droughts and still thrive under hot conditions.
Grecian Lilies
Grecian lilies are a popular choice for gardens because their bright yellow petals evoke the summer sun.
Each flower head consists of 6 petals that form a funnel shape; the stamens at the center make it look like a tiny flame burning in the middle.
They make excellent cut flowers for bouquets as well as feature plants for the borders or edges of a garden bed.
Hibernal Lilies
Hibernal lilies stand out from other varieties by having larger-than-average flowers with up to 8 petals on each head;
they appear in stunning shades of blue, purple, white, and pink depending on the variety you choose.
The foliage is wider than other types which can add texture and interest when planted alongside other flowering plants. Hibernal lilies will bloom annually during late winter or early spring but may need extra attention in order to ensure optimal growth through cooler temperatures.
Indicum Lilies
Indicum lilies are a species of lily native to India and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
They have long, slender stems and large, deep green leaves with a pleasant aroma.
The flowers usually bloom in shades of pink or white, although yellow and purple varieties can also be found.
This species is known for its ability to thrive in warm climates and has become an increasingly popular choice for gardeners around the world.
Japanese Lilies
Japanese lilies are one of the most beautiful types of lilies available.
They come in vibrant colors such as red, orange, yellow, pink, and white. These flowers can reach up to two feet in height and their petals are often quite large and trumpet-shaped.
These flowers tend to grow best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade as well.
Kaffir Lilies
Kaffir lilies are a unique species of lily that originate from South Africa.
In their natural environment, they can be found growing among rocks and cliffsides but they also make attractive garden plants.
The flowers come in hues of pink or white with bright yellow centers that attract insects during pollination time.
The leaves are long, narrow, and covered with small hairs that give them a silvery sheen when exposed to sunlight.
Lanceolatum Lilies
Lanceolatum lilies are a hardy group of lilies native to North America that have become very popular garden plants. Due to their showy blooms and wide range of flower colors including yellow, orange, white, pink, purple, or even blue.
They’re easy growers that do best when planted in full-sun locations with drainage that’s not too wet or dry.
The foliage is highly ornamental to it features narrow pointed leaves striped across the surface with silver-green veins making it very eye-catching.
Longiflorum Lilies
Longiflorum lilies are some of the most popularly cultivated types of lilies thanks to their exotic look and ease of cultivation.
Also known as Easter Lilies these spectacular flowers come in creamy white color with vibrant orange stamens at the center providing a truly remarkable contrast between the two colors.
Longiflorum lilies love full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade as well making them perfect for any garden setting.
Madonna Lilies (Lilium Candidum)
Madonna lilies (Lilium candidum) are beautiful flowers with white petals and a yellow center.
The blossoms have an intense fragrance and grow up to three feet in height.
These lilies have been cultivated since the 15th century, and they were popular during the Renaissance period.
Madonna lilies symbolize purity and innocence, making them a perfect flower for weddings or christenings.
Marmalade Lilies (Lilium Regale)
Marmalade lilies (Lilium regale) are a stunning species of lily found in Asia.
They have glossy orange petals that fade to yellow near the base, as well as deep purple spots on their petals and sepals.
They give off a sweet aroma that is said to resemble marmalade! Marmalade lilies are often used to add color to gardens or bouquets, as they make great-cut flowers.
Moschatellinum Lilies (Lilium Moschatum)
Moschatellinum lilies (Lilium moschatum) are small yet eye-catching members of the lily family.
They produce white trumpet-shaped blooms with rosy-purple speckles throughout.
Moschatellinum lilies are native to Central Europe and prefer cooler climates, so they should be planted in areas with partial shade for best results.
Musk Lilies (Lilium Mackliniae)
Musk lilies (Lilium masculinize) get their name from the strong musky scent they produce when in bloom.
These tall plants can reach up to four feet in height and feature white petals that taper into yellow tips.
The blooms also boast distinctive black dots around the center of each flower, adding an extra element of interest to any garden bed or bouquet!
Nippon Lilies (Lilium Auratum)
Nippon Lilies (Lilium auratum) is native to Japan where they are known as ‘yuri’ meaning ‘lily of Japan’.
These show-stopping blooms can reach over four feet tall, producing large white flowers with golden yellow flounces at the edges of each petal.
Nippon Lilies bloom mid-summer through early fall, adding true beauty and grace wherever they’re planted.
Orienpet Lilies
Orienpet lilies are a hybrid type of lily that comes from the cross between Oriental and Trumpet lilies.
They have large blooms with a wide range of colors and markings, ranging from deep red to soft pink.
Orienpet lilies have an intense fragrance and can reach up to 12 inches in height.
They are great for cut flower arrangements as they last longer than other lily varieties and make great outdoor plants when planted in large groups or clumps.
Pacific Lilies
Pacific lilies are a genus of flowering bulbous plants native to California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Idaho, and Montana.
These beautiful flowers come in shades of white, yellow, orange, purple, and bi-colored blooms.
These types of lilies require well-drained soil and frequent watering for their growth.
With careful care, the Pacific lily can reach up to 4 feet tall with a spread of 2 feet wide making them excellent for cut flower arrangements or landscape designs.
Papilio Lilies
Papilio lilies have dark green foliage that contrasts perfectly against the bright coral-pink blooms which range from 1½” to 2″ in size.
This species is native to Northern South America and is known for its distinct swallowtail-like shape on each petal which gives it its unique name ‘Papilio’ which means ‘swallowtail butterfly’.
It requires very little maintenance and is extremely hardy making it ideal for container gardening or as an accent border along walkways or other garden spaces.
Peruvian Lilies
Peruvian Lilies (Alstroemeria) are a stunning variety that is native to South America but has been popularized by gardeners around the world.
who love their brightly colored flowers with hues ranging from pinkish lavender to bold yellow, purple, and red mixed together all on one bloom head!
These flowers can reach up to 3 feet tall so be sure to provide plenty of space in your garden bed for them or consider planting them in containers instead!
They need full sun exposure along with regular watering during the growing season but will require less during winter months when temperatures drop below freezing.
Plantation Lilies
Plantation Lilies are hybrids created by crossing Easter Lillies (Lilium longiflorum) with Asiatic Lillies (Lilium asiatica).
They produce incredibly fragrant blooms that come in pastel colors such as cream, pink, yellow, or white with some also having faint speckles throughout the petals giving them an extra special look.
Plantation Lillies prefer partial shade exposure over full sun exposure although regular watering will help ensure these plants remain healthy throughout their growing season.
Pollenless Lilies
Pollenless lilies are a special group of plants that lack any type of pollen. They have a very unique petal structure, with the petals tightly fused together and no visible stamens or pistils.
These flowers are often quite large, growing up to three feet tall, and they are typically white, cream, or yellow in color.
They have a sweet scent and can bloom for extended periods during the summer months.
Pollenless lilies are ideal for those who suffer from allergies to pollen, as they contain no viable grains that can cause an allergic reaction.
Pumilum Lilies
Pumilum lilies are an easily recognizable variety of plants due to their bright orange-red color.
They are perennials, meaning they will flower and produce seed each year if given the proper conditions.
These lilies typically grow up to two feet in height and feature large trumpet-shaped blooms that reach up to five inches in diameter.
The leaves of pumilum lilies are dark green with long stems, creating a striking contrast with their bright flowers.
These plants enjoy moist soil, but should not be over-watered as this can cause root rot or other diseases.
Regale Lilies
Regale lilies are one of the most popular varieties of flowering plants because of their fragrant white blooms with purple streaks running through them.
Because these lilies require minimal maintenance and thrive in many different climates, they make great additions to any garden bed or border planting scheme.
Regale lilies grow up to three feet tall and feature several rows of richly colored buds atop sturdy stems that bloom throughout late spring and early summer.
Their foliage is dense and deeply veined while their flowers vary from pure white to deep purple depending on the variety.
Stargazer Lilies
Stargazer lilies stand out among other varieties due to their intense fragrance, unique coloring, and ease of cultivation.
This hybrid Asiatic species produces stunningly beautiful blooms in shades of deep pink and red that measure around four inches across at maturity.
The blossoms usually stay open for several days before wilting away gently which reminds us why these blooms were named after starry night skies.
Stargazer lily bulbs need full sun exposure paired with well-draining soil for best results but may need protection from strong winds when grown outdoors so plan accordingly when planting them.
Sulfureum Lilies
Sulfureum lily is a perennial bulbous flower species known for its attractive yellow blooms with reddish edges along each petal that emerge during the early summer months (April/May).
It grows best in full sun with well-draining soil though it prefers slightly acidic environments over alkaline ones, so you’ll want to amend your soil accordingly if needed.
This plant needs regular watering but be sure not to water too much as this could drown the delicate roots pushing up through the ground.
Sulfur lily is highly resistant to disease making it a great choice for novice gardeners looking for an easy-care option.
Tango Lilies
Tango lilies are stunningly beautiful flowers native to Asian countries like China, Japan, and Korea.
They have long, slender petals that cascade from their centers in a vivid array of colors.
The most common colors are white, orange, yellow, and pink. These flowers tend to bloom during the summer months and can reach up to two feet in height.
They prefer warm, humid temperatures and regular watering for optimal growth.
Tarzan Lilies
Tarzan lilies are a unique species of lily belonging to the genus Lilium.
This species is native to tropical jungles of South America and is named after the fictional character Tarzan from the book by Edgar Rice Burroughs as they grow wild in jungle-like conditions.
The flowers’ petals are curly and have various shades of pink or purple.
The plant has sturdy stems with large leaves that can grow up to three feet in length and produce many blooms throughout the summer months.
Tigerbelly Lilies
Tigerbelly lilies are exotic-looking oriental lilies that have unique variegated foliage resembling that of a tiger’s skin pattern.
Their blooms vary in color from yellow to deep reddish-orange with brown or black speckles on their petals.
They have long narrow leaves and thick stems which can reach up to four feet tall when mature; producing multiple blossoms at once during the mid-summer season.
Turk’S Cap Lilies
Turk’s cap lilies are some of the most unusual-looking Lillies around due to their strikingly bright petals and pointed sepals that resemble the shape of a turban’s cap.
They come in shades ranging from white, peach, pink, red, or yellow depending on the variety chosen but all feature prominent yellow anthers dotted around their heads which give them an impressive finishing touch.
These plants thrive best in cool climates with plenty of sun as well as plenty of water during hot periods; making them perfect for gardeners who live in temperate regions.
Uchida Lilies
Uchida lilies are incredibly eye-catching perennial plants native to East Asia whose flowers can range anywhere between pale yellows, creams, oranges, or pinks depending on the variety chosen.
Their tall stems are often spotted with greenish stripes while smaller thin branches branch outwards into beautiful fringed blooms that open up over several days; making them highly admired by gardeners everywhere.
Uchida does best when planted in full sunlight exposure with well-draining soil where they will happily spread across your garden if not pruned back regularly!
Vesper Lilies
Vesper lilies are a hybrid flower that was first bred in the USA in the late 1940s.
They have large, white trumpet-like blooms that feature an attractive yellow throat.
The flowers are heavily scented and bloom from mid-summer to early autumn. Vesper lilies prefer full sun and require moist, well-drained soil.
Vittatum Lilies
Vittatum lilies are widely considered to be one of the most beautiful types of lilies.
This variety has large star-shaped blossoms featuring bright white petals with yellow throats and red spots at their base.
These flowers typically bloom in early summer and can reach heights of up to three feet tall. Vittatum lilies do best in full sun and need rich, well-draining soil.
White Heaven Lilies
White Heaven lilies are one of the most popular cultivars of Oriental lily.
These showy plants produce fragrant white blooms with pink edges around them during mid-summer to early autumn.
White Heaven lilies thrive in full sun and require fertile, moist soil for optimal growth.
Wood Lilies
Wood lilies are a unique species of wildflowers native to North America. They have bright orange petals with yellow centers that bloom from late spring through early summer.
Woodlilies require moist soil and partial shade for optimal growth conditions and prefer areas where their roots can stay cool even on hot days.
Yelloween Lilies
Yelloween lilies are a hybrid variety created by crossing Asiatic hybrids with Oriental hybrids.
These stunning flowers have pure yellow petals which open into a rounded cup shape that is highlighted by their vibrant green center disk and anthers held high above it like stars in the night sky.
Yelloween lilies prefer well-drained soil and full sun exposure to really bring out their vivid colours during the summertime blooming season.
Zantedeschia Lilies
Zantedeschia lilies, also known as arum lilies, are a type of flowering plant from the Zantedeschiaceae family.
They have large trumpet-shaped blooms that come in white, yellow, or pink colors.
The leaves are typically heart-shaped and arrow-shaped with a wide range of texture and pattern variations.
These lilies can be found in temperate regions all over the world and thrive in moist soil.
Zenith Lilies
Zenith lilies belong to the genus Lilium and are native to Asia. They feature elegant bell-like flowers with six petals that come in shades of orange, yellow, white, red, and sometimes even purple if they’re hybridized.
The flowers bloom on tall stems that can reach up to four feet high and can bloom anywhere from mid-summer to mid-fall depending on the variety.
Zephyr Lilies
Zephyr lilies grow best in cool climates and come in various colors like shades of pink, white and yellow. They feature soft petals around a center cup which has fringed edges for a unique look.
These plants prefer well-drained soils and require lots of sunshine throughout their growing season for optimal results.
Zephyranthes Lilies
Zephyranthes lilies are native to Central America where they grow in tropical climates with high humidity levels.
These plants have deep green foliage along with six petal flowers that come in shades of pink or white depending on the variety chosen.
The plants will bloom throughout the warmest part of the year when temperatures stay above 60 degrees Fahrenheit but may also rebloom during cooler seasons too if given enough light exposure.
Zulu Prince Lilies
Zulu Prince lilies are named after their supposed discovery by an African prince who noticed them growing near his home in South Africa’s Zululand region.
These bright orange colored blossoms stand out against the dark green leaves of their host plant making them ideal for adding contrast within any garden setting.
The flowers have six petals surrounding a delicate star-shaped center filled with vibrant yellow stamens giving them an exotic appearance, unlike any other kind of flowering plant species.