No matter what kind of flower garden you have, there are types of lilies that will add to its color and beauty.
The two main types of lilies that are available today fall into two categories:
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| Oriental Lilies | Asiatic Lilies |
with Trumpet Lilies being a close third.
Lilies make great border plants around the garden.
Some types of lilies go as far back as 1500 B.C. In the 1800's, lilies were abundant in China and Japan, and they were brought back to Europe. Many of the hybrids from these plants are the parents of the types of lilies we can buy today.
Lilies are the number one cut flower in the world.
The word lily in Chinese means “forever in love.”
Facts About Oriental Lilies
Oriental Lilies are late summer bloomers and particularly fragrant. One of the most popular of the Oriental types of lilies is the “Lilium Stargazer.” It is dark red and pink and very easy to grow.
A popular wedding flower is the “Lilium Casa Blanca,” which is white and can grow to more than four feet tall.
Orienpet Lilies
Some Oriental Lilies have been crossed with Trumpet Lilies to make new colors. These are known as Orienpets. “Lilium Robina” is one example.
Another is “Lilium Shocking” which is an Oriental/Trumpet cross that has large yellow flowers with red stripes.
Facts About Asiatic Lilies
Asiatic types of lilies are all hybrids that originated with the “Asiatic species.” They are early summer bloomers. These flowers come in just about every color fathomable with bright oranges and reds along with many pastel colors.
Most of the Asiatic lilies are four feet tall and under. These include:
"Lilium Pisa", with flowers that are bright yellow
"Lilium Loreto", which has many bright orange flowers on each stem
If you want to try a four-foot variety, take a look at "Lilium Toronto", which is dark pink with a yellow center.
An Asiatic Lily that has been crossed with the Trumpet Lily is the “Lilium Litouwen,” a hybrid which is pure white and very beautiful as a wedding flower.
Growing Tips
When you have chosen the lilies you want to grow, you can decide whether you wish to plant them in the fall or in the spring.
Lilies thrive in cool, moist, and well-drained soil.
Where should you plant your lilies?
Pick an area in your garden where they can get sun in the morning, and shade in the afternoon.
It is always a good idea to plant the taller lilies, four feet and over, in the back and the shorter ones in front.
Lilies will make a dazzling display of color that will continue throughout the summer and into the fall.