“Exploring 9 Stunning Lily Varieties to Elevate Your Outdoor Oasis”

Lily enthusiasts often use the term “lily” to refer to various flowers, but not all of them are considered “true” lilies. The Lilium genus includes nine horticultural groups of garden lilies that are recognized as authentic lilies by the North American Lily Society. True lilies are recognized for their large flowers and bulb structure with characteristic scales. Although the genus has more than 80 species, many grown in gardens today are hybrids or selectively bred cultivars. Daylilies, toad lilies, peace lilies, and water lilies may have the word “lily” in their name, but they are not considered true lilies. Gardeners who want to grow authentic lilies should be aware that certain species, such as ‘Stargazer’ and Easter lilies, are poisonous to cats. The first horticultural group of true lilies is the Asiatic Lilies (Lilium Hybrids).

For those new to gardening, Asiatic lilies, specifically the ‘Lollypop’ variety, are an excellent choice. These lilies are among the most popular due to their extensive range of colors and ease of growing. Although they lack scent, their blooms appear in June and July, facing in any direction. Typically, lilies aren’t grown in containers. However, dwarf Asiatic varieties, such as ‘Buff Pixie,’ can be planted in pots. Asiatic lilies were created from crossbreeding between lilies native to eastern and central Asia, as well as interspecific hybrids.
Martagon hybrids, also known as Turkscap Lilies (Lilium martagon x), belong to Division 2 and are another fantastic option for novice gardeners. These lilies possess a unique shape, with petals curving back toward the stem, resembling a turk’s cap. Martagon hybrids can thrive in almost any soil type, as long as it is well-draining, and prefer partial shade. These lilies can grow up to five feet tall and are highly resilient. They were formed by hybridizing various European lily species.

Martagon hybrid lilies, also known as “Turkscap Lilies,” belong to Division 2 in the classification system due to their genetic parent, L. martagon, which gives them their unique blossom shape. Despite being challenging to cultivate, these stunning plants can grow up to 5-6 feet tall and are a sight to behold. To successfully grow them, plant them in the fall in a location that has exceptional drainage and is sheltered. Expect to see their fragrant blooms in May or June. These hybrids are highly tolerant of shade and thrive best at the edge of a woodland garden, away from tree roots that could compete for nutrients. Given that martagon lilies do not transplant easily, it’s imperative to choose a suitable planting spot. They are a result of nursery hybrids whose parent species originate from Asia and Europe, and flourish in USDA Hardiness Zones 3–9, with a height range of 3–6 feet. These lilies prefer full sun to partial shade.

Candidum lilies have a rich history as an heirloom plant passed down over generations. They belong to the Division 3 classification of lilies and have their roots in the Balkans and Middle East. These lilies are commonly known as Madonna lilies due to their association with purity in Christianity. Though not easily found at nurseries, Candidum hybrids thrive in sheltered areas with morning sunlight and slightly dry soil conditions. It’s best to plant them just an inch deep in the soil. During summer, these plants produce trumpet-shaped white blooms. However, they aren’t tolerant of damp areas and can be susceptible to grey mold. On the other hand, American Hybrids or Lillium Hybrids, which fall under Division 4 classification, have their own unique characteristics.

The Humboldt lily and other species of Division 4 hybrid lilies have their roots in North America. These lilies are perfect for informal gardens and wildflower landscapes due to their downward-facing petals. They need humus-rich soil and good drainage to thrive, but once they do, they quickly naturalize. It’s tricky to distinguish between true native species and naturalized hybrids, and some wild lilies may not be either. The common tiger lily found on roadsides is typically an Asian species. The Longiflorum Hybrids, part of Division 5, are a different group of hybrid lilies known for their sweet fragrance and trumpet-shaped blooms. These lilies prefer full sun to partial shade, but they do best in areas with dappled shade. Nursery hybrids of this type typically have parent species native to North America, and their USDA Hardiness Zones range from 3 to 9.

The Easter lily group, also known as Division 5 longiflorum lilies, are a popular gift plant during the spring season. However, they can also be grown in your garden to produce stunning white trumpet-shaped flowers in July or August. To ensure optimal growth, transplant them to a sheltered area with full sun for the blooms and shady roots. It’s essential to keep the foliage intact and water them regularly. These lilies thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8 and originate from the Southern islands of Japan and Taiwan. Another well-known lily group is the Aurelian or Division 6 trumpet lilies, which are Lilium plant hybrids.

The trumpet lilies, also known as Division 6, are a group of Asiatic lilies that have bugle-shaped flowers. This group also includes hybrid crosses of the Asiatics that produce trumpet and tubular-shaped blooms. If a trumpet lily has one parent from the L. henryi species found in China, it is given an Aurelian hybrid tag. These lilies are not very cold-resistant, but they are easy to grow if you stake them to support their large blossoms and cover them with mulch during winter. Some cultivars like ‘Golden Sunburst’ are more drought tolerant and can grow up to 8 feet tall with proper care. These lilies fall under Division 7, Oriental Lilies (Lillium Hybrids), and thrive in full sun within the USDA Hardiness Zones of 5 to 8. They typically grow to three to six feet but can reach up to eight feet in height.

The Division 7 Oriental lilies are a delightful choice for gardeners, with their unique fragrance and similar color and form to Asiatic lilies. They can be a bit temperamental, but thrive in soil that is rich in humus and acidic. Achieving this type of soil can be done by adding compost and leaf mold. Typically flowering in August, these lilies, such as the popular ‘Stargazer’ cultivar, have L. auratum and L. speciosum as their parents, both indigenous to Japan and southern China. These nursery hybrids generally reach heights between 3-5 feet and require full sun to partial shade. They are best suited for planting in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.

Division 8 refers to a group of hybrid lilies that are bred by combining parents from different lily divisions. These hybrids are known for their unique and stunning flowers that showcase a blend of their parent’s traits. LA lilies, for example, are created by crossing L. longiflorum with Asiatic varieties, resulting in large, flat blooms with a subtle fragrance. Another popular Division 8 lily is the Orienpet, which combines the tall height, scent, and color of Oriental lilies with the sturdy growth of trumpet lilies. These hybrid lilies are commonly cultivated in nurseries and can thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9, requiring full to partial sun exposure. Depending on the specific type, they can grow anywhere from 3-6 feet tall.

The category of lilies that falls under the 9th division is commonly referred to as Species Lilies, which is scientifically labeled as Lillium spp.

Division 9 is home to pure wild lily species that haven’t been crossbred. Among them, you will recognize the wild tiger lily, which originated in Asia but has since spread to North America. These wild lilies can be found in a variety of habitats, from swamps to mountains, and are highly adaptable. Although the number of species available in nurseries may vary, unique varieties like Lilium aratum ‘Gold Band’ can be discovered by visiting specialty nurseries or connecting with lily societies. Who knows, there could be undiscovered lilies out there waiting to contribute to future hybrids! These lilies thrive in different regions, and their ability to do so depends on the species. The USDA Hardiness Zones range from 3 to 10, and the height and light requirements vary depending on the species, ranging from full sun to full shade.