Discover the vast and vibrant world of lilies, one of the most cherished and diverse flower groups among gardeners, landscapers and, of course, florists. This article will guide you through the myriad types of lilies, their unique characteristics and how to nurture them to full bloom. Uncover the sheer diversity of this floral genus, the enchantment of their aesthetics and their practical uses in gardens and homes.
Understanding Lily Varieties
Taxonomy of a Lily
Taxonomy is the science of classifying living things. Understanding the taxonomy of plants like lilies helps gardeners make informed decisions about which varieties to grow and how to care for them.
Etymology
Etymology is the study of the origins and history of words. Knowing the etymology of plant names can provide insights into their characteristics and uses.
Botanical Classifications
Lilies are classified within the Lilium genus and are further divided into several categories based on their characteristics and geographical origins. Here are some of the main botanical classifications of lilies:
| CLASSIFICATION | DESCRIPTION |
| Asiatic Hybrids | Compact, early-blooming lilies with a range of colours |
| Martagon Hybrids | Tall, late-blooming lilies with nodding, Turk's cap flowers |
| Candidum Hybrids | Early-blooming lilies with fragrant, white trumpet flowers |
| American Hybrids | Native North American species and hybrids, known for their hardiness and adaptability |
| Longiflorum Hybrids | Early-blooming lilies with long, white trumpet flowers |
| Trumpet Lilies | Mid- to late-blooming lilies with large, fragrant trumpet flowers |
| Oriental Lilies | Late-blooming lilies with large, fragrant flowers in a range of colours |
| Other Hybrids | Crosses between various Lilium species, offering a vast array of characteristics |
Types of Lilies and Their Characteristics
The incredible diversity within the over 2,000 types of lilies available to gardeners is a testament to the adaptability and allure of this floral genus. Here are descriptions of some popular lily varieties:
Asiatic Hybrids
Asiatic lilies are compact, early-blooming hybrids with a range of colours. They are known for their ease of growth and are a popular choice for gardens and cut-flower arrangements.
- Botanical Name: Lilium asiatica
- Bloom Time: Early summer
- Hardiness Zones: 3-“9
- Colours: Various shades of pink, purple, white and bicolours
Martagon Hybrids
Martagon lilies have downward-facing flowers and are known for their unique Turk's cap shape. They are tall, late-blooming lilies that add a dramatic touch to the garden.
- Botanical Name: Lilium martagon
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
- Hardiness Zones: 3-“7
- Colours: Various shades of pink, purple and white
- Native Regions: Europe and Asia
Candidum Hybrids
Also known as the Madonna Lily, these lilies have fragrant, trumpet-shaped, white flowers. They are early blooming and often depicted in religious art and literature.
- Botanical Name: Lilium candidum
- Bloom Time: Early to midsummer
- Hardiness Zones: 4-“8
- Colours: White
- Native Region: Mediterranean region
American Hybrids
These lilies are known for their adaptability and hardiness. They come in a range of colours and are a popular choice for wildflower gardens and naturalized plantings.
- Botanical Name: Lilium canadense, Lilium philadelphicum, etc.
- Bloom Time: Early to midsummer
- Hardiness Zones: 3-“9
- Colours: Various colours including yellow, orange and red
- Native Region: North America
Longiflorum lilies have long, trumpet-shaped, white flowers and are popular as cut flowers. They are known as the Easter Lily and are often forced into bloom for the holiday.
- Botanical Name: Lilium longiflorum
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
- Hardiness Zones: 5-“9
- Colours: White
- Native Region: Japan
Trumpet lilies have large, trumpet-shaped flowers and are known for their strong fragrance. They are mid- to late-blooming lilies that add a dramatic touch to the garden.
- Botanical Name: Lilium 'Trumpet' hybrids
- Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
- Hardiness Zones: 4-“9
- Colours: Various colours including yellow, pink and white
- Native Region: Asia
Oriental lilies are known for their large, fragrant flowers and are popular in gardens and as cut flowers. They are late-blooming lilies that provide a stunning finale to the growing season.
- Botanical Name: Lilium oriental
- Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
- Hardiness Zones: 5-“9
- Colours: Various colours including pink, white and red
- Native Region: Japan
Other Hybrids
This category includes hybrids that don't fit into the other categories, resulting from crosses between various Lilium species. Offering a vast array of characteristics, they are a testament to the creativity of lily breeders.
- Botanical Name: Various Lilium species hybrids
- Bloom Time: Varies depending on parentage
- Hardiness Zones: Varies
- Colours: Varies depending on parentage
- Native Region: Varies depending on parentage
Identifying Features of Popular Lily Types
Identifying different types of lilies can be done by looking at their flower shape, size, colour and bloom time. Here are some key features of popular lily varieties:
Asiatic Lilies: These lilies have compact growth and produce a cluster of outward-facing flowers in a range of colours. They bloom in early summer.
Oriental Lilies: These lilies have tall stems and large, fragrant flowers with recurved petals. They come in a range of colours and bloom in mid to late summer.
Trumpet Lilies: These lilies have large, trumpet-shaped flowers with a strong fragrance. They bloom in mid to late summer and are known for their tall stems.
Martagon Lilies: These lilies have downward-facing flowers with recurved petals, giving them a Turk's cap shape. They bloom in late spring to early summer and have tall, slender stems.
How to Plant Lilies
Planting lilies is a straightforward process that requires some basic knowledge of the plants' needs. Here are some steps and tips for planting lilies:
Choosing the Right Lily
With over 2,000 types of lilies to choose from, selecting the right variety can seem overwhelming. Consider the following factors when choosing a lily:
- Bloom time: Lilies bloom at different times, ranging from early summer to late summer. Consider when you want to see blooms in your garden.
- Hardiness zone: Make sure the lily variety you choose is hardy in your zone. Lilies can grow in USDA zones 3-“9, depending on the variety.
- Colour: Lilies come in a range of colours, including pink, purple, white, yellow, orange and bicolours. Choose a variety that fits your garden's colour scheme.
- Growth habit: Lilies range in height from 2-“8 feet tall. Consider the mature size of the plant when selecting a variety.
Planting Location - Lilies prefer full sun to partial shade, depending on the variety. They need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Choose a location that provides the right amount of sunlight for the variety you're planting.
Soil Preparation - Lilies prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches. Mix in a 2-inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility.
Planting the Bulbs - Plant lily bulbs in the fall, about 6-“8 weeks before the first frost. Dig a hole that is 2-“3 times as deep as the bulb is tall. Place the bulb in the hole, pointed end up. Fill the hole with soil and water well. Space bulbs 3-“6 inches apart, depending on the variety.
Aftercare - After planting, keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season. Once established, lilies are relatively drought tolerant but will perform best with regular watering. Fertilize in the spring when growth begins, using a balanced fertilizer. Deadhead flowers as they fade to direct the plant's energy towards re-building the bulb rather than seed production.
How to Grow Lilies
Growing lilies requires some basic care and attention. Here are some tips for growing lilies:
Hardiness and Container Growing - While lilies can be grown in the ground, they can also thrive in containers. This makes them a great option for gardeners with limited space. Choose a container that is at least 6-“8 inches deep to accommodate the bulb. Use a well-draining potting mix and plant the bulb at the same depth as you would in the ground. Water and fertilize as you would for in-ground plantings.
Lifespan and Garden Planning - Lilies are perennials, meaning they come back year after year. However, their bloom time can vary by variety. Consider this when planning your garden. Plant a mix of early, mid-season, and late-blooming lilies to provide a constant display of colour throughout the summer.
Using Lilies in Landscape Design
Lilies are versatile plants that can be used in a variety of landscape designs. They make a great addition to perennial borders, cottage gardens, and wildflower meadows. Consider their mature size and bloom time when selecting a location in your garden.
Advanced Knowledge of Different Types of Lilies
For those looking to deepen their knowledge of lilies, understanding the methodologies used in lily breeding can be fascinating. Lily breeders use a variety of techniques to create new hybrids, including cross-pollination, emasculation and colchicine treatment. These techniques allow breeders to combine the desirable traits of different species and create the vast array of lily varieties we see today.
Lilies are a diverse and captivating group of plants that offer something for every gardener. From their stunning beauty and intoxicating fragrance to their ease of care and versatility in the landscape, it's no wonder lilies have been a beloved garden staple for centuries. With over 2,000 types to choose from, you're sure to find a lily that will bring joy and beauty to your garden for years to come.