Lilies are among the most majestic and diverse flowering bulbs, offering an extraordinary range of forms, colors, fragrances, and blooming times from early summer through fall. With their impressive flower size, elegant presence, and often intoxicating perfume, lilies bring sophistication and drama to any garden. From towering Oriental hybrids to delicate species and everything in between, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the remarkable world of lilies and select the perfect varieties for your garden.
Asiatic Hybrids (Division I)
Asiatic lilies are the earliest to bloom, typically flowering in early to midsummer. They’re hardy, easy to grow, and feature upward-facing flowers without fragrance. These versatile lilies are perfect for beginners and multiply readily.
‘Tiny Bee’ produces soft yellow flowers with distinctive maroon spots concentrated at the center. Growing 18-24 inches tall, this compact variety is ideal for containers or front-of-border plantings. The flowers face upward, displaying their intricate spotting.
‘Matrix’ offers pure, clear orange blooms without spots. Reaching 30-36 inches, the vibrant color and clean appearance make it excellent for bold color schemes. It’s particularly vigorous and produces multiple flowers per stem.
‘Netty’s Pride’ displays soft pink flowers with darker pink centers and light spotting. Growing 36-40 inches tall, the gentle coloration and sturdy stems make it perfect for cutting gardens.
‘Black Out’ features deep burgundy-red flowers that appear almost black in certain light. Reaching 36-42 inches, the dramatic color creates striking contrast with lighter flowers or silvery foliage.
‘Lollypop’ produces creamy white petals with deep raspberry-pink centers, creating a distinctive bicolor effect. Growing 30-36 inches tall, the cheerful color combination brightens borders and arrangements.
‘Tiny Todd’ offers bright orange-red flowers on compact 18-20 inch stems. Despite its modest height, it produces abundant blooms and is exceptionally disease-resistant.
‘Elodie’ displays soft salmon-pink flowers with a subtle peachy glow. Reaching 36-40 inches, the romantic coloration combines beautifully with both warm and cool-toned companions.
Martagon Hybrids (Division II)
Martagon lilies feature distinctive downward-facing flowers with strongly recurved petals (Turk’s cap form) and are among the most shade-tolerant lilies. They bloom in early summer and are exceptionally long-lived.
‘Claude Shride’ produces deep wine-red flowers heavily spotted with darker maroon. Growing 48-60 inches tall, each stem carries 20-30 nodding blooms, creating an impressive display. It tolerates more shade than most lilies.
‘Mrs. R.O. Backhouse’ offers soft peachy-pink flowers with golden centers and light spotting. Reaching 48-54 inches, this classic variety has been beloved since 1921 and naturalizes beautifully in woodland settings.
‘Manitoba Morning’ displays soft pink flowers with darker pink spotting. Growing 48-60 inches tall, the delicate coloration and graceful form make it perfect for naturalistic plantings.
‘Arabian Knight’ features very dark purple flowers that appear nearly black, heavily spotted with darker tones. Reaching 60-72 inches, the dramatic coloring and impressive height create striking architectural presence.
Candidum Hybrids (Division III)
These hybrids involve Lilium candidum (Madonna Lily) and are less common in gardens. They typically bloom in early summer with fragrant, outward-facing flowers.
‘June Fragrance’ produces white flowers flushed with soft yellow in the throat. Growing 36-48 inches tall, the intensely fragrant blooms appear in early summer, earlier than most other lily divisions.
American Hybrids (Division IV)
American hybrids are derived from native North American species and feature elegant, often pendant flowers with recurved petals. They prefer slightly acidic soil and good drainage.
‘Shuksan’ offers golden-yellow flowers heavily spotted with maroon, with strongly recurved petals. Growing 48-60 inches tall, it creates an elegant, naturalistic effect in borders.
‘Buttercup’ produces clear yellow flowers with minimal spotting and slightly recurved petals. Reaching 36-48 inches, the cheerful color and graceful form brighten summer gardens.
Longiflorum Hybrids (Division V)
These hybrids derive from Lilium longiflorum (Easter Lily) and produce large, trumpet-shaped, fragrant white flowers. They’re less cold-hardy than other divisions and perform best in mild climates.
‘White Elegance’ displays pure white trumpet flowers with exceptional substance and sweet fragrance. Growing 36-40 inches tall, the classic form and pristine color are perfect for elegant planting schemes.
‘White Heaven’ offers large white trumpets with a subtle green tinge on the exterior. Reaching 30-36 inches, the heavily fragrant flowers are long-lasting both in the garden and as cut flowers.
Trumpet and Aurelian Hybrids (Division VI)
Trumpet lilies bloom in midsummer with large, often fragrant flowers in trumpet, bowl, or sunburst shapes. They’re vigorous growers that create dramatic vertical accents.
‘African Queen’ produces huge apricot-orange trumpet flowers with burgundy exteriors. Growing 48-72 inches tall, the intensely fragrant blooms can reach 6-8 inches long and create spectacular focal points.
‘Pink Perfection’ offers deep pink trumpet flowers with a powerful, sweet fragrance. Reaching 60-72 inches, each stem carries multiple large blooms that deepen in color as they mature.
‘Regale’ is a classic white trumpet lily with wine-red exteriors and golden-yellow throats. Growing 48-60 inches tall, the intensely fragrant flowers have been garden favorites since 1905 and naturalize readily.
‘Golden Splendor’ displays golden-yellow trumpet flowers with burgundy striping on the exterior. Reaching 60-72 inches, the substantial blooms and rich color create impressive displays.
‘Copper King’ produces enormous copper-orange flowers in a sunburst shape rather than traditional trumpet form. Growing 60-84 inches tall, the massive 10-inch blooms and unusual color make it truly spectacular.
Oriental Hybrids (Division VII)
Oriental lilies are the aristocrats of the lily world, blooming in mid to late summer with enormous, often intensely fragrant flowers. They feature broad petals and come in stunning colors and patterns.
‘Stargazer’ is perhaps the most famous lily, producing crimson-pink flowers with darker pink spotting and white edges. Growing 36-40 inches tall, the upward-facing blooms and powerful fragrance make it instantly recognizable and beloved.
‘Casa Blanca’ offers pure white flowers of exceptional size and substance. Reaching 36-48 inches, the intensely fragrant blooms can reach 8-10 inches across and are considered by many to be the finest white lily available.
‘Mona Lisa’ displays soft pink flowers with darker pink veining and light spotting. Growing 30-36 inches tall, the romantic coloration and compact size make it perfect for containers or small gardens.
‘Acapulco’ features deep rose-pink flowers with white edges and golden centers. Reaching 36-40 inches, the bold color and striking contrast create dramatic impact in borders.
‘Muscadet’ produces white flowers with soft pink edges and yellow throats. Growing 36-42 inches tall, the delicate color blending and powerful fragrance make it exceptionally romantic.
‘Black Beauty’ displays deep burgundy-red flowers with strongly recurved petals and green throats. Reaching 48-72 inches, it’s actually a hybrid between Oriental and Trumpet lilies and produces up to 50 blooms per stem when mature.
‘Dizzy’ offers white flowers heavily spotted and flushed with deep raspberry-pink. Growing 30-36 inches tall, the dramatic color contrast and compact habit make it perfect for pots or front borders.
‘Sorbonne’ produces soft pink flowers with darker pink centers and white edges. Reaching 36-40 inches, the refined coloration and exceptional fragrance create elegant displays.
Interdivisional Hybrids (Division VIII)
This division includes hybrids between lilies from different divisions, creating unique combinations of characteristics.
LA Hybrids (Longiflorum × Asiatic)
LA hybrids combine the upward-facing flowers of Asiatics with larger bloom size and sometimes fragrance from Longiflorum parents.
‘Samur’ produces enormous deep pink flowers with darker spots. Growing 36-42 inches tall, the upward-facing blooms reach 7-8 inches across, much larger than typical Asiatics.
‘Fangio’ offers vibrant orange-red flowers without spots. Reaching 36-40 inches, the intense color and large bloom size create impressive displays.
‘Courier’ displays soft yellow flowers with a peachy blush. Growing 36-42 inches tall, the gentle coloration and substantial blooms brighten summer gardens.
LO Hybrids (Longiflorum × Oriental)
LO hybrids combine characteristics of both parents, typically featuring large, fragrant flowers with good cold hardiness.
‘Triumphator’ produces huge white flowers with soft pink centers and light fragrance. Growing 36-48 inches tall, the substantial blooms bridge the gap between Longiflorum elegance and Oriental drama.
‘Dreamweaver’ offers pale pink flowers with deeper pink centers and sweet fragrance. Reaching 40-48 inches, the romantic coloration and reliable performance make it excellent for cutting.
OT Hybrids (Oriental × Trumpet)
OT hybrids (also called Orienpets) are among the tallest and most dramatic lilies, combining Oriental flower form with Trumpet vigor and height.
‘Scheherazade’ displays deep burgundy-red flowers with golden throats and edges. Growing 60-72 inches tall, the enormous blooms can reach 10-12 inches across and create stunning focal points.
‘Silk Road’ produces soft pink flowers with golden centers and light spotting. Reaching 60-84 inches, the elegant coloration and impressive height make it spectacular in borders.
‘Conca d’Or’ offers pure golden-yellow flowers with reflexed petals. Growing 72-96 inches tall, the vibrant color and towering presence create dramatic vertical accents.
‘Purple Prince’ displays deep purple-burgundy flowers with darker veining. Reaching 60-72 inches, the rich color and substantial blooms are particularly striking.
‘Robina’ features soft pink flowers with darker pink edges and yellow throats. Growing 48-60 inches tall, the delicate color blending and sweet fragrance create romantic displays.
Asiapets (Asiatic × Trumpet)
These newer hybrids combine Asiatic hardiness with increased size and sometimes fragrance.
‘Tribal Dance’ produces burgundy-red flowers with golden edges and light fragrance. Growing 36-42 inches tall, the bicolor effect and unusual fragrance for an Asiatic-type lily make it distinctive.
Species Lilies (Division IX)
Species lilies are wild lily forms, offering natural elegance and often unique characteristics. Many prefer specific growing conditions but reward gardeners with exceptional beauty.
‘Lilium henryi’ produces nodding orange flowers with strongly recurved petals and dark spots. Growing 60-96 inches tall, each stem can carry 20-40 blooms when mature. It’s shade-tolerant and exceptionally long-lived.
‘Lilium speciosum’ offers white or pink flowers with prominent papillae (bumps) on the petals and recurved form. Reaching 48-60 inches, the fragrant late-summer blooms are elegant and distinctive.
‘Lilium lancifolium’ (Tiger Lily) displays bright orange flowers heavily spotted with black and strongly recurved petals. Growing 36-60 inches tall, it’s incredibly vigorous and produces small bulbils in leaf axils that can be planted for new plants.
‘Lilium pumilum’ produces nodding coral-red flowers with recurved petals on slender stems. Growing just 12-18 inches tall, it’s one of the smallest species lilies and perfect for rock gardens.
‘Lilium formosanum’ offers white trumpet flowers with purple exteriors. Reaching 36-60 inches, it blooms unusually late (late summer to fall) and can even flower from seed in its first year.
‘Lilium auratum’ (Gold Band Lily) displays huge white flowers with golden bands down the center of each petal and crimson spots. Growing 48-72 inches tall, the intensely fragrant blooms can reach 10-12 inches across and are considered among the most spectacular of all lilies.
‘Lilium nepalense’ produces unique greenish-yellow pendant flowers with deep maroon centers. Reaching 24-36 inches, this unusual species prefers partial shade and creates an exotic, tropical effect.
Dwarf and Patio Lilies
Specially bred dwarf varieties are perfect for containers, small gardens, or front-of-border plantings.
‘Sunny Crown’ produces upward-facing yellow flowers on compact 16-20 inch stems. The substantial blooms and sturdy habit make it excellent for containers.
‘Roselily Samantha’ offers double soft pink flowers without pollen. Growing 20-24 inches tall, the fully double blooms are long-lasting and won’t stain furniture or clothing.
‘Roselily Isabella’ displays double cream flowers heavily flushed with pink. Reaching 18-24 inches, the lack of pollen and compact size make it perfect for patios.
‘Garden Affair’ produces large white flowers with pink centers on 24-30 inch stems. The upward-facing blooms and manageable height suit containers or small gardens.
Specialty Characteristics
Double Lilies (Roselily Series)
Double lilies feature extra petals and lack pollen, making them clean for arrangements and indoor use. They typically bloom longer than single-flowered varieties.
‘Roselily Belonica’ offers fully double cream-white flowers with soft yellow centers. Growing 30-36 inches tall, the luxurious blooms resemble gardenias and are intensely fragrant.
‘Roselily Anouska’ displays double burgundy-pink flowers with cream edges. Reaching 30-36 inches, the rich coloration and full form create dramatic impact.
Tree Lilies (OT Hybrids)
The tallest OT hybrids are sometimes called tree lilies due to their impressive height, though they’re true bulbs, not woody plants.
‘Altari’ produces white flowers with pink edges on stems reaching 72-96 inches tall. Each mature stem can carry 20-30 blooms, creating spectacular floral towers.
‘Honeymoon’ offers soft yellow flowers with pink blush on 60-84 inch stems. The gentle coloration and impressive height create elegant vertical accents.
Growing Tips and Selection Guide
When selecting lilies, consider bloom time to extend the flowering season. Asiatics and Martagons bloom in early summer, Trumpets in midsummer, and Orientals in late summer. Planting varieties from different divisions provides months of continuous bloom.
Lilies generally require full sun (at least 6 hours) though Martagons tolerate shade. Well-drained soil is essential—lilies rot in waterlogged conditions. Plant bulbs with at least 6 inches of soil above them, and deeper (8-10 inches) for taller varieties that require staking support.
For container growing, choose compact varieties under 30 inches or specifically bred patio types. Use deep pots (at least 12 inches) with excellent drainage, and plant three bulbs per 12-inch pot for impressive displays.
Asiatic and LA hybrids are easiest for beginners, being cold-hardy, disease-resistant, and undemanding. Orientals and OT hybrids require slightly more attention but reward with spectacular blooms and fragrance. Martagons and Species lilies are exceptionally long-lived and naturalize beautifully but may take 2-3 years to establish before blooming heavily.
Consider fragrance when planning—Orientals, Trumpets, and some OT hybrids can be intensely perfumed, which may be overwhelming near outdoor seating areas. Asiatics lack fragrance entirely, making them better for areas where scent might be problematic.
For cutting gardens, choose varieties with strong stems and good vase life. Asiatics, LA hybrids, and most Orientals excel as cut flowers. Remove anthers as flowers open to prevent pollen staining and extend vase life.
Lilies benefit from companion plantings that shade their roots while allowing stems to reach sun. Low-growing perennials, groundcovers, or annuals planted around the base help keep roots cool and provide support for stems. Consider pairing with roses, delphiniums, or ornamental grasses that share similar bloom times and cultural requirements.
Most lilies multiply over time, forming clumps that can be divided every 3-4 years. This rejuvenates plants and provides additional bulbs for expanding displays or sharing with fellow gardeners. With proper variety selection and care, lilies provide years of spectacular summer blooms, transforming gardens with their elegance, color, and often unforgettable fragrance.