Gardening

15 Types Of Lilies And How To Grow Them

Source : instagram

Flowers have a magical power to transform any space into a breathtakingly beautiful haven. They bring a touch of elegance and serenity to our surroundings, making even the most mundane places feel like a work of art. But when we add the majestic lily to the mix, the result is nothing short of stunning.

With its delicate petals and intoxicating fragrance, the lily is the perfect addition to any bouquet or arrangement, elevating the overall aesthetic to new heights. As we delve into the world of lilies, we'll explore the incredible diversity of these stunning flowers, from the majestic Tiger Lily to the elegant Asiatic Lily.

1. Oriental Lilies

Oriental lilies are a stunning group of lily varieties known for their large, fragrant flowers that bloom in late summer. They are larger and more fragrant than their Asiatic counterparts and flourish in cooler climates. They are relatively easy to grow, but it is necessary to consider the following two things:

How to Grow?

They are relatively easy to grow, but it is necessary to consider the following things:

  • They need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight to bloom well.
  • Plant them 4 to 6 inches deep with the pointed part facing upwards in spring or fall.
  • Water the bulbs generously after planting and keep the soil moist but not soggy during the growing season. Fertilize once annually in spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
  • Mulch over the area with 4-6 inches of organic bark mulch in fall and remove it in spring as the bulbs begin to sprout. Divide the bulbs every 3-4 years to maintain plant health and promote blooming.
  • Choose blooms that are almost open and trim the stem at an angle. Remove any leaves below the waterline to prevent staining.

2. Asiatic Lilies

These types of lilies are known for their early flowering, hardiness, and vibrant colors. Also, Asiatic lilies are known for their lack of fragrance, which makes them a unique choice in the lily family.

How to Grow?

 If you are planning to add Asiatic lilies to your garden, it is necessary to follow these crucial things:

  • This beautiful flower requires full sun to flower fully and remain healthy.
  • They prefer well-drained, loose soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6-6.5). Thus, ensure the soil is crumbly and has good drainage to prevent root rot and fungal diseases.
  • They need about one inch of water per week, watered directly at the roots.
  • Also, mulching with organic materials like bark, pine straw, or dried leaves helps insulate the roots and maintain soil moisture. 

3. Trumpet Lilies

These lilies are known for their unique, trumpet-shaped flowers that emit a heavy and sweet fragrance. They are a popular choice for gardens due to their striking appearance and intoxicating scent.

How to Grow?

While growing stunning and vibrant trumpet lilies, be sure to follow these essential steps:

  • They prefer well-draining soil to prevent waterlogged conditions. So, plant them in a location with good drainage.
  • Always remember, trumpet lilies blossom in full sun or partial shade, with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
  • Water the bulbs generously after planting and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the growing season.
  • Fertilize annually in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support healthy growth and flowering. Plus, divide the bulbs every 3-4 years to maintain plant vigor and encourage abundant blooms.
  • Since trumpet lilies can grow quite tall, it's best to provide support using stakes or a trellis to keep them upright and majestic.

4. Tiger Lilies

Source : pexels

Tiger lilies are distinguished by their striking appearance featuring bold, dark spots on the petals that resemble a tiger's stripes. Additionally, their vibrant petals have been used to create natural dyes, and their bulbs have been a staple in Asian cuisines for centuries.

How to Grow?

With their unique growth patterns and captivating displays, many people want to add this stunning flower to their garden. If you are planning to plant it, never forget these things while growing them:

  • Tiger lilies love full sun, so choose a location that receives direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. They blossom in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9 and can tolerate a range of soil types, but prefer well-draining, rich, and organic soil.
  • Plant its bulbs 2 to 4 inches deep in the fall or early spring. Cover with soil and water thoroughly.
  • They need consistent moisture, so water them regularly during the growing season. Make sure the soil drains well to prevent waterlogged conditions.
  • Tiger lilies don't need much fertilizer. A layer of compost around the base of the plants once or twice a year should provide all the nutrition they require.
  • Remove dead foliage in late summer to promote healthy growth and prevent disease.

5. Martagon Lilies

These lilies are known for their unique "Turk's cap" shape, with petals curled back to expose the stamens and pistils. They flourish in a variety of environments, tolerating full sun to partial shade and a range of soil conditions.

How to grow?

Their long-lasting blooms make them popular for floral arrangements and special occasions. Thus, don't delay planting them, but remember these key things:

  • Martagon Lilies prefer partial shade, especially in warmer climates. They can tolerate full sun but may require more frequent watering.
  • Ensure the soil drains well and is not waterlogged. Add lime to the soil to create a calcareous environment, which they prefer.
  • Plant the bulbs at a depth of 2.5 times the bulb diameter. Space them 12-18 inches apart in triangular groups for a natural look.
  • Avoid overwatering by maintaining a deep layer of woodland leaf compost on top of the soil. Perfect drainage is crucial.
  • Divide Martagon Lilies in the fall, about 6-8 weeks before the first frost. They are long-lived if given a favorable growing environment and require minimal care.

6. Canada Lilies

Canada Lilies are known for their striking, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in a vibrant range of colors, including white, yellow, pink, and bi-colored varieties. Their unique, fragrant blooms are also edible and have been used in traditional medicine and as a food source in some cultures.

How to Grow?

Due to all these beneficial and stunning features, many people want to plant it. While growing this dazzling flower remember these things:

  • Plant in naturalized settings such as woodland gardens where they can spread and thrive.
  • They prefer consistently moist soil, so water regularly, especially during dry periods.
  • Canada lilies don't require much fertilizer. A slow-release fertilizer in late spring can provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
  • Remove spent blooms and dead foliage to maintain the plant's appearance. Divide the bulbs every 3-4 years to maintain plant vigor and encourage more blooms.

7. Pardalinum Lilies

This lily is also known as Leopard Lilies. They are striking, Turk's-cap shaped flowers with numerous brown spots, typically blooming in red-orange colors. They are also known for their robust, clump-forming growth habit and ability to blossom in damp areas.

How to Grow?

As a gardener or flower enthusiast, after planting this dazzling flower, remember the following:

  • Pardalinum Lilies require abundant, bright, and direct light. Place them less than one foot from a window to ensure they receive enough light to survive.
  • Water them regularly, but ensure the soil dries out between waterings.
  • They prefer well-draining soil with lots of organic matter such as coco coir, perlite, or vermiculite. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil can help with drainage.
  • They grow very slowly and don't require added fertilizer. Replacing the potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition.
  • Bulb scales can be removed from the bulbs in early autumn and kept in warm.

8. Madonna Lilies

Source : dejager

They are a classic perennial flower that has been enjoyed for over 3,000 years. This lily symbolizes purity, hope, and renewal.

How to Grow?

Plant this beautiful lily in your garden to bring hope and purity to your home. But remember these key tips:

  • Plant Madonna Lily bulbs shallowly with the noses at the soil level. Once planted, do not shift them.
  • Confirm the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. They thrive in full sun to part shade and consistent moisture.
  • Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. 
  • Wait until the flowers have finished blooming before pruning. Cut back foliage only when it has died down naturally after flowering. Monitor for signs of disease or damage on leaves and stems and trim off affected parts immediately.
  • Propagate Madonna Lilies in late summer after they have finished blooming. For this, separate individual bulblets from the main bulb and plant each one in a pot with well-draining soil mixed with organic compost. Water sparingly to prevent overwatering.

9. Aurelian Lilies

The striking, trumpet-shaped with a notable "black heart" or dark nectaries, which are the result of red over the deep green coloring of the nectary, Aurelian lilies attract people.

Likewise, this unique trait is often associated with the hybrid progeny of Lilium henryi and Lilium sargentiae and has been produced extensively to create a wide range of colors and forms.

How to Grow?

Adding this flourishing flower to your garden will be the cherry on the top, but remember:

  • This lily bulbs in the spring, once the danger of frost has passed. Plant them 6-8 inches deep and 12-18 inches apart in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil.
  • Aurelian Lilies thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. They can tolerate partial shade, but this may reduce their bloom size and quantity.
  • Water the plants deeply, allowing the soil to partially dry out between waterings. Increase watering during hot, dry periods.
  • Feed Aurelian Lilies with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. This will provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and abundant blooms.
  • In colder climates, mulch the plants heavily in the fall to protect the bulbs from freezing temperatures. Remove the mulch in early spring as new growth emerges.

10. Easter Lilies

These trumpet-shaped lilies are typically white but can also be found in shades of light pink and pale yellow. These flowers are highly symbolic as it is associated with the Easter holiday and represent purity, hope, comfort, renewal, and spring.

How to Grow?

Thinking of planting this lily? You can go ahead, but it is vital to remember the following points.

  • Easter lilies prefer temperatures around 60-65°F during the day and slightly cooler night temperatures.
  • Avoid placing them near drafts or direct heat sources to prolong the life of the blooms.
  • Ensure the soil is well-draining and maintain even moisture levels.
  • Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot, and make sure the pot is not accumulating water under decorative foil wrappers.

11. Wood Lilies

Source : istockphoto

This is a captivating wildflower native to North America. Wood lilies are cherished for their delicate beauty and are often sought after by nature enthusiasts and gardeners alike.

How to Grow?

If you are planning to cultivate this wild lily, it is essential to remember these key aspects:

  • Wood lilies thrive in well-drained soil and partial sunlight. They are best left to flourish in their natural habitats to preserve their delicate balance within the ecosystem.
  • Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
  • The plant will grow best if you feed it with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth and blooming. But avoid over-fertilizing.
  • Similarly, they are toxic to pets, so it is essential to keep them out of reach of your furry friends to ensure their safety.

12. Orienpet Lilies

Oriental lilies have a strong, spicy-sweet fragrance that is highly prized. Their scent is often described as more powerful and complex than other lily varieties. Likewise, they can grow up to 8 feet tall and produce massive, outward-facing blooms up to 10 inches wide.

How to Grow?

If you plan to grow this flower in your garden, always remember the following points:

  • Plant it in the spring, 4-6 inches deep and 12-18 inches apart, in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Ensure the soil is not too heavy or prone to waterlogging.
  • Choose a location that gets plenty of sunshine throughout the growing season.
  • Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water the plants deeply, which allows the soil to partially dry out between waterings.
  • Feed Orienpet Lilies with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
  • Due to their towering height, Orienpet Lilies require sturdy staking or caging to prevent the heavy flowers from weighing down the stems and causing them to flop over.
  • These lilies are susceptible to fungal diseases like botrytis if the soil stays too wet. Ensure well-draining soil and water only when the top inch of soil is dry.

13. LA Hybrid Lilies

LA Hybrid Lilies are a cross between Asiatic and Easter Lilies, resulting in larger, long-lasting blooms with a wide range of colors, including red, orange, yellow, violet, and pink. They have a light scent, longer vase life, and are virtually scentless.

How to Grow?

While planting and growing you have to remember that:

  • Plant LA Hybrid Lilies in clusters of 3 or 5 bulbs to create focal points. Plant them in early spring once all danger of frost has passed, and ensure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter.
  • They are low-maintenance and easy to grow. They require full sun to partial shade and consistent moisture. Water them deeply but infrequently.
  • These lilies produce an abundance of large, almost scent-free flowers in mid-summer. They can grow to heights of 125 cm (50”) tall and produce 5-7 buds that open to upward-facing, 12-18 cm (5-7”) wide blooms.
  • After blooming, allow the leaves to die back naturally. This helps the bulbs gather energy for next year's bloom.
  • These lilies are a wonderful addition to cut flower bouquets. Cut them early in the morning or late in the evening, and remove any leaves that will be immersed in the water of the vase. Fresh-cut lilies can last for 10-14 days.

14. Crocus Lilies

Crocus lilies feature distinctive three-stamened, three-stigmaed structure characteristics of the Iris family, rather than the six-stamened form of true lilies. They also have a specialized underground corm instead of a bulb, making them some of the earliest spring-flowering plants.

How to Grow?

When cultivating this stunning flower in your garden, it is crucial to keep in mind that:

  • Plant crocus bulbs 3 to 4 inches deep with the pointed end up. Space them a few inches apart. Plant in the fall before a hard freeze, and keep the soil consistently moist until the bulbs are established.
  • They prefer well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. They can thrive in a variety of soil conditions but will rot if the soil is too soggy.
  • These lilies are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, often poking through snow and ice. They can bloom as early as late January or early February in warmer zones.
  • After blooming, allow the leaves to die back naturally. This helps the bulbs gather energy for next year's bloom. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to rot.
  • Crocus Lilies can be propagated by dividing the bulbs in fall or spring. This helps to maintain the health and life of the plants.

15. Golden Rayed Lilies

Source : inaturalist

The Golden Rayed Lily is a stunning flowering plant native to Japan, known for its unique features and striking appearance. This beautiful flower has a broad central gold band and a few crimson freckles, which sets it apart from other lily varieties. 

How to Grow?

You can successfully cultivate these stunning flowers and enjoy their unique beauty and fragrance, but remember: 

  • Plant Golden-Rayed Lily bulbs shallowly. Secure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter.
  • They thrive in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Also, provide additional morning sun during colder months.
  • Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the top 2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
  • Prune them after flowering, removing any dead, damaged, or diseased stems. Avoid tearing or ripping the stems, and only remove up to 1/3 of the plant's width and height.
  • Propagate these lilies by dividing the bulbs in early fall or spring, aligning with their dormancy and natural growth cycle.