Colorful, mysterious, and bold, lilies appear in all shapes and sizes and are among the most popular flowers in the world. These magical blossoms are full of surprises, though. There are over 100 different species of lilies and their colors, patterns, and shapes are as diverse as anything you’ll ever see. We’re laying it out here for you by listing the 9 classes of lilies and showing you some of the most impressive varieties.
Lily Symbolism
In Greek mythology, lilies are created when the Goddess Hera spills a few droplets of breastmilk on the ground. In Christianity, the lily is associated with the Virgin Mary as a symbol of her purity and innocence, while the Easter lily symbolizes Christ’s resurrection.
Other meaning are generally based on the color of the flowers, which are as follows:
- White Lilies mean purity, innocence, modesty, and grace.
- Yellow Lilies mean happiness, good health, gratitude, and healing.
- Light Pink Lilies mean elegance, femininity, and generosity.
- Dark Pink Lilies mean prosperity, abundance, and ambition.
- Red Lilies mean passion, desire, and romance.
- Orange Lilies mean confidence, encouragement, and wealth.
Basic Lily Facts
“True Lilies” are members of the genus Lilium. All true lilies have 6 petals and 6 stamens. Typically, lilies are tall, upright plants with blossoms in the shape of trumpets or bells. Lilies come in almost all colors, except for blue, and many have variegated patterns, freckles, or dark patches, which lends to their endless diversity and appeal.
While lilies are known to be very fragrant, there are some that have no scent at all. To organize the numerous array of lily varieties, nine botanical divisions were created.
Lily Classifications & Examples
Pink Pixie Lilies
Division 1: Asiatic Hybrid – The most popular type of lily. They grow in almost every color but have no scent. Attractive and long-lasting. (Tango, Forever Susan, Orange Pixie Lily, Lollipop).
Turk’s Cap Lily
Division 2: Martagon Hybrid – Dramatic and visually interesting. They produce small dainty downward-facing blossoms. Flowers can be numerous with 40-50 per stem and strikingly colored. (Turk’s Cap).
Madonna Lily
Division 3: Candidum Hybrid – Known for the Madonna lily. Large white flowers with a yellow base and a lovely fragrance. Up to 20 blossoms per stem. (Madonna).
Tiger Lily
Division 4: American Hybrid – Large, colorful, and striking. Includes hybrids of wild lilies in North America. (Tiger Lily).
Easter Lilies
Division 5: Longiflorum Hybrid – Easter lily and other hybrids pure white, trumpet-shaped blossoms. Bloom during Easter. (Easter Lily).
African Queen Lily
Division 6: Trumpet and Aurelian Hybrids – Tall and graceful. Fragrant with large trumpet-shaped flowers. Popular cut flowers because they are long-lasting. (African Queen).
Stargazer Lily
Division 7: Oriental Hybrid – Robust, colorful, upright flowers. Large blooms and great scents. (Stargazer, Casablanca, Acapulco Lily).
Orange LA Hybrid Lily
Division 8: Interdivisional Hybrids – This includes hybrids of the previous seven divisions. Popular varieties are LA hybrids and OT hybrids.
Wild Yellow and Red Lily
Division 9: Species – Wild “parents” of the previous 8 hybrids. A natural and delicate beauty.
CASABLANCA SIMPLICITY
The Awesome Lily
Prominent in history and past cultures because of its grace, beauty, and amazing aroma, lilies are considered a pure flower. It is no surprise it is often featured in weddings and other prestigious events. Lilies add a wonderful touch of elegance to any home. Bagoy’s Florist has a great selection of floral arrangements with lilies and other beautiful blooms…. peruse our selection now!
