Lilies come in an amazingly diverse assortment of vibrantly-colored, large flowers and wonderful scents. With more than 90 species, it can be difficult keeping track of all of them, which is why a classification system was created to sort the many varieties of lilies. Explore the different types of lilies here and prepare to amazed at the striking beauty of these awesome flowers.
Lily Symbolism
The lily is associated with Hera, the Goddess of Family, Childbirth, and Marriage, and the Virgin Mary as a symbol of her purity and innocence. From this, the overall symbolism of the lily is that it embodies pureness, grace, rebirth, and royalty. Other meanings are related to the color of the lily, as follows:
- White lilies represent chastity, virtue, and innocence.
- Pink lilies represent wealth and prosperity.
- Red lilies represent love and desire.
- Orange lilies represent confidence, courage, and pride.
- Yellow lilies represent joy, gratitude, and good health.
Basic Lily Facts
There are flowers with “lily” in their name that are not actually true lilies, like Calla lily, Daylily, and Water lily. Only lilies which are members of the genus Lilium are known as true lilies and they are quickly identifiable by their six petals and six anthers, which contain the pollen. Lilies usually have big blooms and come in a broad range of colors. Some lilies are extremely fragrant, while others have no smell at all.
Lily Classifications & Examples
Pink Pixie Lilies
Division 1: Asiatic Hybrid – Most popular lilies in the world. Come in almost every color but have little to no scent. Attractive and long-lasting. (Tango, Forever Susan, Orange Pixie Lily, Elodie Lily, Lollipop)
Turk’s Cap Lily
Division 2: Martagon Hybrid – Dramatic, visually interesting, producing many small dainty downward-facing blossoms. Flowers can be numerous 40-50 per stem and strikingly colored. (Turk’s Cap)
Madonna Lily
Division 3: Candidum Hybrid – famous for the Madonna lily that has a lovely fragrance white flowers and a yellow base. Up to 20 blossoms per stem. (Madonna)
Tiger Lily
Division 4: American Hybrid – Includes hybrids of wild lilies in North America. (Tiger Lily)
Easter Lilies
Division 5: Longiflorum Hybrid – Easter lily and hybrids with elegant pure white petals and trumpet-shaped. Bloom during Easter. (Easter Lily)
African Queen Lily
Division 6: Trumpet and Aurelian Hybrids – Tall and elegant with fragrant flowers with stunning trumpet-shaped flowers. Popular Cut Flowers, lush, large trumpet-shaped flowers, and heady sweet fragrance. (African Queen)
Stargazer Lily
Division 7: Oriental Hybrid – Known for large, robust, upright flowers. Flowers that fall in this class have large blooms and great scents. Strong, enchanting fragrance. (Stargazer, Casablanca, Acapulco Lily)
Orange LA Hybrid Lily
Division 8: Interdivisional Hybrids – Includes Hybrids of the previous seven divisions.
Wild Yellow and Red Lily
Division 9: Species – Pure, wild “parents” of the previous 8 hybrids.
Make Her Day
Lilies have made an impression on various cultures because of their diversity and beauty. There is nothing quite like the lily with its grandness, vibrancy, shape, and amazing fragrance. Not that you are more familiar with the different kinds of lilies, you’ll have no trouble finding one that is perfect for the special people in your life, or for yourself. Casas Adobes Flower Shop has a wonderful selection of bouquets featuring lilies and other beautiful blooms. Peruse them online here or give us a call!
