Colorful, fragrant, and delightful, lilies come in all shapes and sizes and are one of the most popular flowers in the world. These amazing blooms are full of surprises as there are over 100 different species. We list them here so you can check out all 9 divisions of glorious lilies and pick your favorites.
Basic Lily Facts
“True Lilies” are members of the genus Lilium. They are identified by their six petals and six anthers (sack that contains the pollen). Generally, lilies are tall plants with flowers in the shape of trumpets, bells, or bowls. Many think of lilies to be very fragrant, but there are some varieties with no scent at all. Lilies come in nearly every color on the spectrum and some have variegated patterns, spots, freckles, or dark patches – all of which contribute to their endless diversity and appeal.
Lily Symbolism
In Greek mythology, the lily symbolizes Hera, who is the Greek Goddess of Love and Marriage. According to the myth, drops of her breastmilk fell to earth created fields of lilies. In Christianity, the lily is associated with the Virgin Mary as a symbol of her purity and chastity, while the Easter lily a symbol of Christ’s resurrection.
Due to the vast variety and colors, there are different meanings for different types of lilies. In general, though, these amazing blooms embody purity, fertility, beauty, royalty, sophistication, grace, and rebirth.
Lily Classifications & Examples
Pink Pixie Lilies
Division 1: Asiatic Hybrid – Most popular lilies in the world. Come in a variety of colors but have little to no scent. (Tango, Forever Susan, Pink Pixie Lily)
Turk’s Cap Lily
Division 2: Martagon Hybrid – Small and dainty downward-facing blossoms. Vibrantly colored. (Turk’s Cap)
Madonna Lily
Division 3: Candidum Hybrid – Famous for the Madonna lily that has a lovely fragrance, white flowers, with a yellow base. . (Madonna)
Tiger Lily
Division 4: American Hybrid – Includes hybrids of wild lilies in North America. (Tiger Lily)
Easter Lilies
Division 5: Longiflorum Hybrid – Elegant pure white petals and trumpet-shaped. Sweet fragrance. Bloom during Easter. (Easter Lily)
African Queen Lily
Division 6: Trumpet and Aurelian Hybrids – Popular cut flowers, lush, large trumpet-shaped flowers with strong, sweet fragrance. (African Queen)
Stargazer Lily
Division 7: Oriental Hybrid – Large blooms, colorful, strong fragrance. (Stargazer, Casablanca, Acapulco Lily)
Orange LA Hybrid Lily
Division 8: Interdivisional Hybrids – Hybrids of the previous seven divisions.
Wild Yellow and Red Lily
Division 9: Species – Wild, natural ancestors of all previous species.
SECRET GARDEN
The Purest Flower
So colorful, so amazing, so diverse and beautiful. It’s no wonder the lily is so prominent in history and various cultures. Known as a pure flower, the lily is often seen in wedding ceremonies and other prestigious events. Brighten someone’s day or pick some up for yourself to enjoy the wonderful fragrance and beauty of lilies. Here at WildFlower, we have a great selection of floral arrangements with lilies and many other gorgeous blooms to choose from…. peruse our selection now!
