Lilies are an incredibly diverse group of vibrantly-colored flowers with large blooms and wonderful scents. There are over 100 species(!), though so a classification system was created to organize them all. Keep reading to learn about the lilies many awsome looks, colors, shapes, and fragrant smells.
Basic Lily Facts
Some flowers that have the word “lily” in their names, such as Calla lily, Daylily, and Water lily, are not “true lilies.” Only lilies which belong to the genus Lilium are true lilies and they are easy to spot as they all have six petals and six anthers (the oval brown sack that contains pollen). Lilies typically have large blooms and come in nearly every color on the spectrum. Some lilies are extremely fragrant, while others have no scent at all.
The lily has been revered in many cultures throughout history and is often associated with royalty. Other common meanings attributed to the lily is purity, grace, fertility, and rebirth. Lilies have a certain regal-ness and purity about them which makes them a popular feature in flower in weddings and important ceremonies.
Lily Classifications & Examples
Pink Pixie Lilies
Division 1: Asiatic Hybrid – Large, colorful, little to no smell. Attractive and long-lasting. (Tango, Forever Susan, Orange Pixie, Elodie)
Turk’s Cap Lily
Division 2: Martagon Hybrid – Small, downward-facing blossoms. Striking colors. (Turk’s Cap)
Madonna Lily
Division 3: Candidum Hybrid – Known for famous Madonna. Large blooms, lovely fragrance. (Madonna)
Tiger Lily
Division 4: American Hybrid – Striking colors and spots. Includes hybrids of wild lilies in North America. (Tiger Lily)
Easter Lilies
Division 5: Longiflorum Hybrid – Elegant trumpet-shaped blooms, fragrant. (Easter Lily)
African Queen Lily
Division 6: Trumpet and Aurelian Hybrids – Towering, tall and elegant, trumpet-shaped, sweet fragrance. (African Queen)
Stargazer Lily
Division 7: Oriental Hybrid – Colorful, large upright blooms, strong fragrance. (Stargazer, Casablanca, Acapulco)
Orange LA Hybrid Lily
Division 8: Interdivisional Hybrids – Hybrids of the previous seven divisions.
Wild Yellow and Red Lily
Division 9: Species – Wild “parents” of previous 8 hybrids.
BURST OF STARGAZERS
Now you’ve hopefully learned a little more about the amazing lily! And there is so much more to discover within each class. Compared to other florals, there is nothing quite like the lily flower for its grandeur, vibrancy, uniqueness, and amazing fragrance. They make the perfect gift for anyone or any occasion. Flower Kingdom’s has an excellent selection of bouquets featuring lilies and other gorgeous blooms as well…. peruse them online here or give us a call!
