Different Types of Lilies - Exploring the World of Lilies

What Do You Know about Different Types of Lilies?

Though many plants (such as lily of the valley, water lily and cobra lily) have the word lily as part of their common names, the true lilies come from the genus lilium. These are large, flowering herbs that grow from big bulbs. While most true lilies are white, hybrids in this genus come in many colors including oranges, pinks, reds and yellows.

There are nine different types of lilies that are classified according to where they were developed and their flower shapes. These divisions are Asiatic hybrids, Martagon hybrids, Candidum hybrids, American hybrids, Longiform hybrids, Trumpet and Aurelian hybrids, Oriental hybrids, Interdivisional hybrids and Species lilies (wild lilies).

Species lilies are those that are native to Asia, North America and Europe. These are wild lilies and are the basis for all of the hybrids that have been created. There are many different uncultivated species of lilies that grow wild, some of which are endangered in the U.S. like the lilium philadelphicum, which are protected by laws that prohibit disturbing them by picking or cutting them wherever they are found growing.

Asiatic hybrids are among the most popular with gardeners because they are early bloomers, easy to plant and will grow almost anywhere there is bright sunlight. Their flowers come in a wide range of colors such as white, plum, yellow and red and are usually unscented. These lilies might have flowers that are upfacing, outfacing or pendant (downfacing).

Attention! Flowers that grow wild or are native to an area are not always the easiest to grow.

Martagon hybrids are early bloomers as well. These lilies feature downward facing flowers and are usually yellow, white, pink, lavender, light orange and dark red. Sometimes the flowers are freckled or spotted. These flowers do not grow well where it is hot and humid; they prefer to grow in shaded areas.

Candidum hybrids grow from European species of the lily. There are few of these and they are not commonly sold or found in the average garden.

American hybrids are those that are cultivated from species that are native to North America. These lilies are not easy to grow in a garden, but work best when planted in shaded areas with ferns and other native plants. The flowers of this lily are upward facing and colorful..

Trumpet lilies are the ones most often thought of when the name lily is mentioned. They are fairly easy to grow. Their flowers are often waxy and fragrant. Like other lilies, they are predominately white but also come in gold, yellow, blue, pink, plum and apricot colors. While most trumpet lily flowers are pendant, some are upfacing.

Oriental lilies are another popular type, though they are not easy to cultivate like the Asian lilies. Oriental lilies bloom in mid or late summer and--unlike Asian lilies--are known for being both colorful and fragrant. These lilies are often strong and resistant. They require plenty of water and acidic soil to grow.

Interdivisional lilies are lilies crossbred between two of the other types. LA hybrids, for example, are a cross between Easter lilies and lilies of the Asian division. OT hybrids are a cross between Oriental hybrids and Trumpet varieties. OAs combine the characteristics of Oriental and Asian lilies. These different types of lilies are being further crossed to produce even more varieties of lilies.

Warning: while lilies are safe for humans and most other animals, they are highly toxic to cats. It is not known what causes this toxicity, but cats ingesting this plant even in small amounts face the danger of kidney damage.

Growing and Caring for Lilies

Lily bulbs should be planted in the fall season. They need to be planted in soil with good drainage that is somewhat acidic. Drainage is important because any water that gets trapped in the bulbs can cause your lilies to rot. They also require plenty of sunlight to thrive.

Lilies should be planted in soil that is three times deeper than the height of the bulb. This is to encourage good root growth which will keep your lilies stable. Good root growth may help prevent the need for staking, though it is still a good idea to stake tall lilies. Also, space your lily bulbs out so that there are at least three times the bulb’s diameter between one another.

If you live in an area where rainfall is less than one inch per week during the time that your lilies are actively growing, then you need to water them frequently. Lilies also need to be mulched to keep their roots cool. The mulch does not need to feel wet, but should feel moist.

Once lily flowers fade, they do not rebloom. Therefore, you can remove faded flowers and help the plant save the energy that it would spend making seeds. However, you need to leave their leaves and stalks in place until they turn brown in the fall. This way, the plant will be able to store the energy that it needs for the next year’s flowering. Wait until late fall or early spring to cut down dead stalks.

More Tips On Lilies

Different types of lilies grow at different paces and bloom at different times. Planting lilies from different horticultural divisions will not only add color and variety to your garden, but also ensure that you have lilies in bloom all season. It is important, however, to plant them with a variety of lower flowers and plants surrounding them to help keep their roots from becoming dry.

Overcrowding your lilies could lead to a problem with gray mold. Make sure that your lilies are in an area where there is plenty of air circulation. Other diseases that affect lilies include viruses which are usually spread by insects such as aphids. Try to find a variety that is virus resistant or look for an insecticide that will be safe for your lilies while discouraging the population of pests that would feed on them.

If animals such as rabbits, deer, groundhogs and voles are prevalent in your area, make sure that you use a wire cage around your bulbs. These animals enjoy lilies and have been known to eat entire plants.

The bright orange pollen in lilies might stain your clothing. To prevent this, cut off the stamens in the center of the flowers.

Arrangements made of cut lilies should last two or more weeks. To help preserve them, change their water every couple of days. Also, you can add cut-flower food to their water. They only require about half the amount of food that is needed for other flowers.

Although lilies make wonderful cut flower arrangements, these plants are not suitable for growing indoors. The average house does not have the proper climate and other conditions for optimum growth. Commercial greenhouses, however, are able to support growing some varieties of lilies.

Blooming Chart For Different Types of Lilies

Lily Type	Months in Bloom	Notes
Asiatic hybrids	May-June	Best grown in slightly acidic soil with plenty of sunlight.
Martagon hybrids	May-June	Not good for hot, humid areas.
American hybrids	Late May-Mid June, June-July	Should be planted 5 inches deep in light, cool soil.
Trumpet/Aurelian hybrids	July-August	Easy to grow from seeds. May need staking to prevent their flower heads from breaking during a summer storm.
Oriental hybrids	Late June-August	Tend to be top heavy; need staking for support.