Lilies are one of the most alluring and established perennial flowers you can grow in your garden. This upright bloom is incredibly versatile and fits easily between other established plants to add a touch of elegance and variety. In addition to how easy they are to care for, their vivid colors, extremely fragrant blooms, and symbolic meanings, lilies are favorites for both gardeners and flower enthusiasts. Whether you choose an asiatic, oriental, trumpet, tiger, Easter, martagon, Turk's cap, LA hybrid, calla, wood, stargazer, or red lily, your seasonal garden is about to get even more beautifully unique. 

So whether you’re looking to brighten a flower bed or add a touch of sophistication to your outdoor space, there’s a lily variety to suit your aesthetic and specific climate. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share 12 types of lilies that you can plant to upgrade your garden and make it truly unforgettable this year.

Popular Lily Types 


1. Asiatic Lily

Asiatic Lilies are a gardener’s delight. They're celebrated for their vibrant hues, hardy nature, and low-maintenance appeal! Bursting with oranges, reds, yellows, and more, these stunning blooms bring energy and positivity to any garden. Unlike most lilies, Asiatic varieties are unscented, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer the visual impact without a strong fragrance. Symbolizing purity and positivity, these lilies are perfect for brightening up flower bed borders, floral containers, or arrangements. Thriving in well-drained soil and sunny spots, Asiatic Lilies are incredibly easy to grow, making them ideal for both rookie and seasoned gardeners. Whether planted in clusters or paired with other perennials for a colorful blend, these lilies infuse gardens with cheer and vitality, earning their place as a perennial favorite.

  • When they bloom: Early to mid-summer
  • Scientific name: Lilium asiatica
  • Hardiness zone: 4-9
  • Colors they come in: Orange, red, yellow, white, pink
  • Native growing area: Asia

2. Oriental Lily

The Oriental Lily is a garden masterpiece, celebrated for its bold, oversized blooms and intense fragrance that will charm any onlooker. With delicate petals that often feature intricate speckles and soft blushes of pink or red, these flowers give elegance and charm. Their symbolic meanings of passion and prosperity make them a thoughtful choice for romantic settings or meaningful celebrations. If you want to add a little drama and allure to your garden or arrangements, Oriental Lilies bloom during the summer months. Their long-lasting flowers and fresh scent make them a favorite among gardeners. Whether featured in a bouquet or planted as a focal point in a lush garden, Oriental Lilies leave a lasting impression of beauty, romance, and sophistication.

  • When they bloom: Mid to late summer
  • Scientific name: Lilium orientalis
  • Hardiness zone: 5-9
  • Colors they come in: White, pink, red
  • Native growing area: Japan, Korea

3. Trumpet Lily

The Trumpet Lily is a floral marvel, well recognized for its elongated, trumpet-shaped blooms that radiate garden elegance. These lilies are more than just visually appealing, they fill the air with a rich, sweet fragrance that brings feelings of celebration and joy. Often seen at spring and summer weddings and special occasions like graduations, their association with happiness and festivities make them a popular choice for celebratory moments. In gardens, Trumpet Lilies are show-stopping centerpieces, with their blooms reaching impressive heights. Available in a range of hues including classic white and soft pastels to rich, golden hues. Whether celebrating a milestone or enhancing an outdoor space, the Trumpet Lily stands as a beacon of beauty and cheer.

  • When they bloom: Mid-summer
  • Scientific name: Lilium longiflorum
  • Hardiness zone: 4-9
  • Colors they come in: White, cream, yellow
  • Native growing area: Taiwan, Ryukyu Islands

4. Tiger Lily

Tiger Lilies are a distinct addition to any garden, instantly recognizable by their vibrant orange petals speckled with dramatic black spots. Their bold, exotic appearance oozes confidence and charm while symbolizing wealth and pride. These lilies are not only delightful but also hardy, helping them thrive in many climates and conditions with little care. Perfect for adding a touch of shock and awe in a garden setting, Tiger Lilies bloom during the summer months, producing an abundance of flowers on tall, graceful stems. Their unique colors and markings make them a favorite for gardeners looking to create a focal point or add contrast to softer floral displays. Whether planted as garden border, open areas, or as part of a mixed bouquet, Tiger Lilies bring a sense of energy and individuality to your outdoor space.

  • When they bloom: Mid to late summer
  • Scientific name: Lilium lancifolium
  • Hardiness zone: 3-9
  • Colors they come in: Orange with black spots
  • Native growing area: East Asia

5. Easter Lily

Easter Lilies are symbols of hope and renewal, celebrated for their graceful, trumpet-shaped blooms and perfectly white petals. These elegant flowers are deeply tied to spring and are prominently featured in Easter celebrations and religious ceremonies, embodying themes of purity, new beginnings, and spiritual journeys. Their sweet and subtle fragrance add a touch of calm, making them a popular choice for both indoor arrangements and garden displays. Easter Lilies are relatively easy to care for and bloom beautifully in the spring, serving as a reminder of nature’s rebirth after a long, cold winter. Often gifted as potted plants during the holiday season, they hold sentimental value and bring a sense of uninterrupted peace to any space. Whether gracing a garden or brightening a home, Easter Lilies are timeless icons of grace.

  • When they bloom: Spring
  • Scientific name: Lilium longiflorum
  • Hardiness zone: 4-8
  • Colors they come in: White
  • Native growing area: Japan, Taiwan

6. Martagon Lily

Martagon Lilies are a beautiful choice for any garden. These enchanting flowers add a touch of whimsy and charm with their distinctive, downward-facing blooms and elegantly recurved petals that are especially popular in woodland or shaded gardens. Their delicate appearance belies their hardy nature, making them a symbol of tenacity and enduring beauty. Blooming in early to midsummer, these lilies showcase a range of soft hues, often adorned with subtle speckles. Their tall, graceful stems and ability to thrive in partial shade make them perfect companions for ferns and other shade-loving plants. Requiring minimal maintenance, these lilies are a favorite for creating naturalistic landscapes. Whether planted in clusters or scattered for a wildflower effect, they provide a timeless elegance to any garden.

  • When they bloom: Early to mid-summer
  • Scientific name: Lilium martagon
  • Hardiness zone: 3-8
  • Colors they come in: Purple, pink, yellow, orange
  • Native growing area: Europe, Asia

7. Calla Lily

While not true lilies, Calla Lilies are celebrated for their sophistication and appeal. With sleek, trumpet-shaped blooms that curve gracefully, they embody purity, faith, and beauty. Available in a variety of colors ranging from classic white to bold shades of pink, purple, yellow, and even deep burgundy. Their color options make Calla Lilies a versatile choice for gardens, weddings, and floral arrangements. Their minimalist yet striking appearance pairs well with modern and traditional aesthetics. These low-maintenance plants are as resilient as they are gorgeous, making them a favorite among gardeners and floral bouquet enthusiasts. Whether adorning a bridal bouquet, planted in a garden bed, or standing alone in a vase, Calla Lilies are sophisticated and charming, leaving a lasting impression wherever they’re displayed.

  • When they bloom: Late spring to early summer
  • Scientific name: Zantedeschia
  • Hardiness zone: 8-10
  • Colors they come in: White, yellow, pink, purple, red
  • Native growing area: Southern Africa

8. Turk's Cap Lily

Turk’s Cap Lilies are named for their distinctively shaped flowers, with recurved petals that curl back to showcase their speckled interiors. These striking blooms are a standout in naturalized or woodland gardens, bringing a wild and unique charm to their surroundings. Their bold colors, ranging from fiery oranges to deep reds, attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds, adding lively movement to the garden. These lilies are prized not only for their appearance but also for their resilience! Blooming in midsummer, they grow on tall, sturdy stems that can hold multiple flowers, creating a dramatic vertical display. Turk’s Cap Lilies are a wonderful choice for gardeners seeking a plant with character and an untamed, natural beauty. Symbolizing endurance and strength, these lilies are as meaningful as they are visually stunning.

  • When they bloom: Mid-summer
  • Scientific name: Lilium superbum
  • Hardiness zone: 4-8
  • Colors they come in: Orange, red
  • Native growing area: Eastern United States

9. LA Hybrid Lily

LA Hybrid Lilies, a cross between Asiatic and Longiflorum varieties, combine vibrant colors with a soft fragrance, offering a perfect balance of beauty and practicality. These lilies are known for their durability, thriving in a variety of garden conditions while producing large, showy blooms in a wide range of hues, from soft pastels to bold oranges, yellows, and reds. Their sturdy stems and long-lasting flowers make them ideal for both garden displays and cut arrangements. Blooming in early to midsummer, LA Hybrid Lilies bring a fresh burst of color to garden beds, garden borders, or floral  containers. They are a harmonious addition to spaces meant for relaxation or celebration. Easy to grow and requiring minimal care, these lilies are a popular choice for gardeners of all levels.

  • When they bloom: Early to mid-summer
  • Scientific name: Lilium x hybridum
  • Hardiness zone: 4-9
  • Colors they come in: White, pink, orange, yellow
  • Native growing area: Hybrid origin

10. Wood Lily

The Wood Lily, a true wildflower, is treasured for its simplicity and vibrant charm. Its bright orange petals are often accented with darker markings near the center making them stand out against greens. Unlike cultivated lilies, the Wood Lily thrives in its natural habitat, making it a symbol of unassuming beauty. Blooming in midsummer, this lily grows upright on slender stems, typically producing one to three flowers per plant. It does best in well-drained soil and sunny locations, requiring minimal care to maintain its natural appeal. Its unpretentious nature and striking appearance make it a favorite among nature enthusiasts and gardeners looking to create a more organic, untamed aesthetic. The Wood Lily embodies the spirit of unfiltered beauty in its simplest and most striking form.

  • When they bloom: Mid-summer
  • Scientific name: Lilium philadelphicum
  • Hardiness zone: 3-6
  • Colors they come in: Orange
  • Native growing area: North America

11. Stargazer Lily

Stargazer Lilies, a modern hybrid, are celebrated for their upward-facing blooms and bold, dramatic appearance. Their large petals, most often seen in shades of deep pink with white edges and speckled centers, create a display that draws attention. Known for their rich fragrance, these lilies are a popular choice for gardens and floral arrangements. Symbolizing ambition and success, Stargazer Lilies are frequently included in bouquets meant to mark milestones, achievements, and joyful occasions. Blooming in midsummer, they thrive in sunny locations and are relatively easy to care for, making them a great option for gardeners of all skill levels. Their vibrant colors and strong stems make them a standout addition to flower beds, borders, or cut arrangements.

  • When they bloom: Mid to late summer
  • Scientific name: Lilium orientalis 'Stargazer'
  • Hardiness zone: 4-9
  • Colors they come in: Pink, white
  • Native growing area: Hybrid origin

12. Red Lily

Red Lilies are celebrated for their intense hues that bring energy and warmth to any garden. With their red petals often accented by darker streaks or speckles, they create a visual impact that instantly grabs your attention. These lilies symbolize passion and courage, making them a meaningful addition to bouquets and floral arrangements for special occasions. Blooming in early to midsummer, Red Lilies are versatile plants that thrive in sunny spots. Their sturdy stems and long-lasting flowers make them ideal for garden borders, mixed flower beds, or as focal points in landscape designs. Easy to care for and full of vibrant color, Red Lilies embody strength and vitality, making them a standout choice for gardeners and flower enthusiasts.

  • When they bloom: Mid to late summer
  • Scientific name: Lilium
  • Hardiness zone: 4-9
  • Colors they come in: Red
  • Native growing area: Asia, Europe

Order a Fresh Lily Bouquet Today

Bring the beauty of lilies into your space with a curated lily bouquet designed and crafted by us. Whether you prefer the sweet scent of Oriental lilies or the vivid hues of the Asiatic variety, we’ve got you covered. Browse our collection today and add a touch of elegance to your life.

FAQs

What are the most common types of lilies?

Some of the most common lilies include Asiatic, Oriental, and Tiger lilies. These varieties are popular for their vibrant colors, distinct fragrances, and ease of growth.

What’s the difference between a lily and a daylily?

True lilies grow from bulbs and have a single stem with multiple flowers, while daylilies grow from tuberous roots and feature grass-like foliage. Daylily blooms last only a day— hence their name!

What’s the difference between a lily and a calla lily?

Although both are admired for their stunning aesthetic, calla lilies are not true lilies. They belong to the Araceae family and have a different structure and growing requirements compared to true lilies.