What Are the Different Types of Lilies and How to Choose the Right One
I confess that until recently, I had no idea why in a flower shop, all “lilies” are of different prices. Why one “lily” costs three times as much as another? I thought that there were only several types of lilies. As it turns out, there are many of them. And all of them are extremely popular. They are elegant, long-lasting, also come in a wide variety of colors as well as sizes, suitable for both a small backyard or even a luxurious wedding.
However, not all flowers that are called lilies are real lilies. And the difference between various types of lilies is much greater than you would think. That is why in this article, we are going to tell you about all types of lilies that exist, about their differences, what colors do lilies come in, and how to choose a lily for a particular purpose.
What Is a True Lily?
Lily flowers are actually one of the most beautiful flowers in the World. But you know where a lot of confusion starts? When you don’t actually know what a true lily is. When you don’t actually know what a true lily is. Just walk through a garden center and listen to how many plants get referred to with the name “lily,” yet aren’t really a lily. A true lily is part of the genus Lilium; they grow from a scaly underground bulb and have a single stem that’s upright with trumpet-shaped or bowl-shaped flowers. True lily flowers include Asiatic, Oriental, Trumpet, and Martagon lilies, among many more, and all kinds of hybrids, too.
Contrast this with plants such as daylilies, calla lilies, peace lilies, lily of the valley, and canna lilies, which are all associated with lilies by their common name, but are no part of the Lilium genus. The daylily is a good example, with its fibrous root system, rather than a bulb, and each flower lasting for a day only. This knowledge goes beyond trivia, helping you know what you’re doing with planting, growing, or even when buying these flowers, along with what not to expect from them.
| Quick Answer: A true lily belongs to the genus Lilium and grows from a bulb, producing one flowering stem per season. Daylilies, calla lilies, and peace lilies are not true lilies, despite the shared name. |
Different Types of Lilies at a Glance
Not everyone wants to scroll through a full write-up on every single variety, sometimes you just need the quick version. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the major lily types, so you can narrow things down by climate, garden space, or general vibe before reading further.
| Lily Type | Fragrance | Bloom Time | Height | Best For |
| Asiatic | Usually none | Early summer | Medium | Beginners |
| Oriental | Strong | Late summer | Medium to tall | Fragrance lovers |
| Trumpet | Strong | Mid to late summer | Tall | Dramatic gardens |
| Martagon | Light/variable | Early summer | Tall | Woodland gardens |
| LA Hybrid | Light | Early summer | Medium | Cut flowers |
| OT Hybrid | Strong | Mid to late summer | Very tall | Statement planting |
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What Are the Different Types of Lilies?
Now let’s get into the details of types of lilies and their meanings. Each of these types of lilies flowers has its own personality, from how it smells to when it blooms to what it’s best suited for, whether that’s a wedding centerpiece or a sunny garden bed.
Asiatic Lilies
Asiatic lilies are the workhorses of the lily world: hardy, low-maintenance, and among the first to bloom each season. They come in nearly every color except true blue, which makes them a favorite for gardeners who want a bold pop without much fuss. Unlike many other lily flowers, they carry little to no scent, which actually makes them a great pick for indoor arrangements if you’re sensitive to strong smells. They’re often the go-to choice for beginner gardens and order for birthday bouquets.
Care tip: Plant bulbs in well-drained soil and full sun for the strongest blooms.
Oriental Lilies
If you want fragrance, Oriental lilies deliver in a big way, their perfume is often what people picture when they imagine a “lily smell.” Large, flat-faced blooms in shades of pink, white, and red make them a showstopper for weddings and a great buy for corporate event flowers. They bloom later in summer than Asiatics, extending your garden’s color well into the season.
Care tip: Give them slightly acidic, well-draining soil and avoid overwatering the bulbs.
Tiger Lilies
Easily recognized by their orange petals covered in dark speckles, tiger lilies have a wild, almost exotic look that stands out in any bed. They’re tough, spread easily, and have been grown in gardens for generations. Their striking pattern makes them a favorite for naturalistic or cottage-style plantings.
Care tip: Tiger lilies tolerate a wide range of soils, making them ideal for low-maintenance gardens.
Trumpet Lilies
True to their name, trumpet lilies produce long, flared blooms that release a heavy, sweet fragrance in the evening air. They grow tall, often reaching four to six feet, which makes them perfect for the back row of a garden bed or as a dramatic statement in a large vase. These are also one of the common choices among couples to order for wedding flowers and arrangements.
Care tip: Stake taller stems to protect them from wind damage.
Fire Lily
The fire lily gets its name from its fiery orange-red, curled-back petals that resemble flames caught mid-flicker. It’s prized by collectors and gardeners looking for something unique and are also among the most amazing orange flowers to add in one’s garden.
Care tip: Fire lilies prefer partial shade and consistently moist soil.
Madonna Lily
One of the oldest cultivated flower lily varieties, the Madonna lily has pure white blooms tied to purity and renewal, often seen in religious art and traditional gardens. If you are looking for flowers for any meaningful occasion these white Lilies meaning and symbolism carries the ability to express deeper meanings.
Care tip: Unlike most lilies, Madonna lily bulbs should be planted shallow and in late summer.
Easter Lily
The Easter lily’s crisp white, trumpet-shaped blooms have made it a symbol of hope and new beginnings, especially around spring holidays. It’s a popular potted gift plant during the season and also one of the truly beautiful Irish flowers.
Care tip: Keep soil evenly moist and place in bright, indirect light indoors.
Martagon Lilies
Martagon lilies have a distinctive, elegant look; small, downward-facing, turban-shaped blooms stacked along a tall stem. They thrive in woodland or shaded settings where other lilies struggle, making them a favorite among gardeners with dappled-light yards.
Care tip: Be patient, Martagons can take a couple of years to establish before blooming fully.
Stargazer Lilies
Perhaps the most photographed of all lilies flowers, Stargazers feature deep pink petals with crimson speckles and white edges, all facing upward toward the sky. Their bold fragrance and color make them a top choice for sympathy bouquets and arrangements, anniversaries, and statement bouquets.
Care tip: Deadhead spent blooms to redirect energy back into the bulb for next season.
Common Mistakes When Identifying or Growing Lilies
Even experienced gardeners mix up a few basics when it comes to lilies. Here are the mistakes we see most often, and how to avoid them:
- Confusing daylilies with true lilies, leading to mismatched care routines
- Assuming all lilies are fragrant, when many, like Asiatics, have little to no scent
- Planting bulbs at the wrong depth, which delays or weakens blooming
- Choosing tall varieties like Trumpet or OT hybrids without staking for support
- Expecting every type to bloom at the same time, instead of spacing varieties for a longer season
- Ignoring soil and climate requirements specific to each lily type
Conclusion
Lilies are much more diverse than most understand, and once you can identify the key points that separate a true Lilium from its imposters, selecting one greatly simplifies. From creating a summer-long garden bed of blooms to picking up an arrangement for that special someone, there’s a lily variety suited for the occasion.
If you’d rather skip the planting and go straight to the beauty, we’ve got you covered. Southside Blooms hand-selects the freshest lily flowers and seasonal favorites for every occasion, browse our collection and find the perfect arrangement today.
FAQs
How Many Types of Lily Are There?
There are around 100 species within the Lilium genus, plus thousands of hybrid varieties bred for color, size, and fragrance. Pick ones that suit your occasions and garden.
What is the Most Common Type of Lily?
Asiatic lilies are the most commonly grown and sold, thanks to their hardiness, bright colors, and low maintenance needs.
Which is the Rarest Lily?
The Kinabalu Gold lily, found only in Borneo, is considered one of the rarest and most expensive lilies in the world.
What Does “Lily” Mean for a Girl?
As a name, Lily symbolizes purity, beauty, and renewal, echoing the flower’s long-standing meaning across cultures.
Which Country is Famous for Lily?
France is closely associated with the lily through the fleur-de-lis, while Japan and China are known for cultivating extensive native lily species.
Which is the Prettiest Lily?
Although beauty is subjective, Stargazer and Oriental lilies are frequently named the most visually striking for their color, size, and fragrance.
