Lilies are well known for their beauty and lovely fragrance. Almost everyone is quite familiar with this stunning beauty, as you can find them in nearly every social event. But do you know there are different types of lily flowers?
For many years, lilies have been a popular flower among gardeners due to their beautiful colors and easy maintenance. These strong, slender plants raise their bright, elegant blooms high, adorning flowerbeds, and emit a light fragrance.
Although you might have seen several plants having ‘Lily’ in their name, most of them aren’t true lilies. The genus Lilium has over 2000 varieties which are classified into nine divisions.
It’s nearly impossible to pick just one from these lily varieties with their numerous colors and lovely fragrances. Well, we’ve compiled a list of the best lily varieties so that you can choose the perfect match for your garden! Ready? Let’s go!
Different Types of Lily Flowers
Lilies are classified into 9 divisions and distinguished by their unique characteristics. These divisions include Asiatic Hybrid, Oriental, Trumpet, Candidum, Martagon, American Hybrid, Longiflorum, Interdivisional hybrid( Orienpet & LA Hybrid), and Species Lilies. The list below contains the different types of lilies, each of which belongs to a division.
1. Amoenum
- Scientific Name: Lilium amoenum
- Division: Asiatic
- Size: 6-12 inches
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade or full sun
- Plant Zone: 7-9
Don’t pass up the opportunity to see the Amoenum Lily. It is an incredibly rare lily that is naturally found in a few valleys in China and Eastern Asia. Beautiful pink, purple, or magenta flowers on the amoenum lily open in the shape of a cup.
Higher altitudes are better for this lily’s growth. It’s extremely uncommon, so keep any bulbs or plants you find in a pot for the best results. It’s best if you have as much control as you can over the environment around such a rare beauty.
2. Black Out
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Black Out’
- Division: Asiatic
- Size: 2-3 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Plant Zone: 4-8
You might assume that this plant is dark, given its name, “Blackout Lily.” But it’s a rich crimson red, and it’s among the different types of lily flowers. The development of any other color and the presence of speckles in the plant are extremely rare.
In addition, the blackout lily grows in bunches, with several blooms on a single stalk, unlike most lilies. The multiple stalks of a single plant may make it appear as though there are several different bulbs. This lily complements lighter flowers because of its distinctive darker color.
3. Black Spider
- Scientific Name: Lilium’ Black Spider’
- Division: Asiatic
- Size: 2-3 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 4-8
It is obvious how this plant got its name just by looking at it. A deep purple, nearly black flower center entraps pale yellow petals. Some varieties have black spots covering the yellow area, creating the impression that a spider has landed on the yellow flower.
Moreover, the most common way to recognize them is as a flower with both black and white petals. If you prune Black Spider lilies after blooming, they’ll self-seed. The more you prune them, the more these lilies will spread throughout your garden, giving you a wide area of Black Spider lilies to attract attention. It also has a delightful fragrance.
4. Brindisi
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Brindisi’
- Division: Asiatic
- Size: 3-4 feet
- Sun Exposure: Mid to full sun
- Plant Zone: 5-9
This is also among the different types of lily flowers that you can plant in your garden. This lily distinguishes itself from the others with solid pale pink petals and a darker pink center. Instead of having spots or a different color rim, it is a lovely pink that becomes darker as you get closer to the flower’s center.
In addition, these flowers are one of the low-maintenance lily varieties, thriving in less mineral-rich soil and requiring only sunlight and water to grow. Thus, they might return after winter, depending on how severe or chilly the weather is. However, if they don’t, you can easily replant them.
5. Brunello
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Brunello’
- Division: Asiatic
- Size: 2-3 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial sun
- Plant Zone: 4-8
This orange-flowered lily is popular among the different types of lily flowers for its color and toughness. These lilies can live for years and come back summer after summer as long as they receive enough water and sunlight.
Furthermore, brunello lilies produce a lot of pollen and attract bees and butterflies, which makes them ideal for butterfly gardens. You can use them to add color to your garden but do expect bugs and butterflies in your yard!
6. Cappuccino
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Cappuccino’
- Division: Asiatic
- Size: 3-4 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
- Plant Zone: 3-10
The cappuccino lily was named for its creamy white edges and deep brown center. However, some varieties have deep purple centers and pure white edges. Their flowers are often larger than most lily types.
In addition, these flowers require little maintenance and have been genetically altered to flourish for many years in your gardens. You will get years of hardy blooms if you purchase cappuccino bulbs.
7. Cernuum
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Cernuum’
- Division: Asiatic
- Size: 1-2 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Plant Zone: 3-9
Cernuum is among the different types of lily flowers and is native to China, Russia, and Korea. Its petals spread out so widely that they curl behind the flower and touch again on the opposite side.
Furthermore, these flowers are stunningly pink, with several blooms per stalk and an amazing petal arrangement. They thrive in colder climates and can remain in a northern garden for several years without being wintered.
8. Chalcedonian
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Chalcedonicum’
- Division: Orienpet
- Size: 1-3 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
- Plant Zone: 4-9
The chalcedony lily is a rare but stunning flower. It is widely used by gardeners in the Middle East. However, because this flower is so vulnerable to viruses and molds, it is challenging to maintain.
Also, this lily is scarlet from the tips of its stamen to the tips of the petals. If you find bulbs, plant them where they won’t be crushed by surrounding vegetation. You improve your chances of seeing this lovely bloom by ensuring they have enough space to grow.
9. Black Beauty
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Black Beauty’
- Division: Orienpet
- Size: 4-6 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 4-9
If you want the most flowers for your money, black beauty won’t disappoint. This plant is also among the different types of lily flowers. It will probably produce at least 50 flowers per head and occasionally even up to 100 or 150 flowers!
In addition, the enormous bulbs support the bulky cluster of buds and flowers. Each flower has dark crimson outer petals and a lime green, distinct star in the center. In addition, this flower is among the few orienpet hybrids that can tolerate alkaline soil.
10. Scheherazade
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Scheherazade’
- Division: Orienpet
- Size: 4-7ft
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Plant Zone: 5-9
This beautiful flower is among the different types of lily flowers. It can grow up to 7 feet tall, with great flower spikes covered in blooms. The flowers have a rich crimson color with a subtle cream border.
This creates a beautiful halo effect around each bloom as the sun shines through the garden. The big, dark anthers are a feature in and of themselves, extending several inches from the main flower.
11. Columbia
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Columbianum’
- Division: Orienpet
- Size: 1-3 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
- Plant Zone: 3-9
The columbia lily is a charming little flower with drooping blooms that is native to the mountains and valleys of the upper Northwest. Each petal curls completely back, almost touching the stem, to allow the plant to receive as much sunlight as possible.
Furthermore, the columbia lily has yellow petals with brown spots. Due to this, it is frequently mistaken for the Asian-born Tiger Lily. Despite being close cousins, the two flowers are not the same and grow in different ways.
12. Flashpoint
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Flashpoint’
- Division: Orienpet
- Size: 3-4 feet
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade to full sun
- Plant Zone: 5-9
The flashpoint is also among the different types of lily flowers on this list. They have long, thin petals that open wide to the sun. The center is deep pink, with a quickly fading pale pink rim. Gardeners can successfully grow flashpoint lilies, especially as border plants.
Moreover, these flowers can keep deer out of the rest of your garden because they are resistant to deer. Flashpoint lilies have a wonderful fragrance that will fill your home or garden. They are also among the more fragrant lilies that are readily available.
13. Gluhwein
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Gluhwein’
- Division: Orienpet
- Size: 3-4 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Plant Zone: 5-9
This lily is among the popular types of lily flowers. They can grow more than 100 flowers per plant when grown from a bulb. This makes them very well-liked in the world of cut flowers due to their prolific growing habits.
In addition, the flowers have a pendant-like half-droop, which allows them to produce this many blooms. The gluhwein lilies are just so lovely. White petals encircle the petals, which fade from pink to a yellow or orange center. Both gardens and cut bouquets of these lilies are quite popular.
14. Forza Red
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Forza Red’
- Division: LA Hybrid
- Size: 3-4feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Plant Zone: 5-9
The Italian word for power is Forza, and this LA Hybrid certainly lives up to its name with its opulent, deep red blooms. It’s among the different types of lily flowers with a uniform, shimmering maroon.
Moreover, the plant’s impressively large blooms result from its L. longiflorum ancestry. It should come as no surprise that “Forza Red.” It is no surprise that “Forza Red” is a very well-liked flower among florists.
15. Heartstrings
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Heartstrings’
- Division: LA Hybrid
- Size: 3-4ft
- Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
- Plant Zone: 3-9
The delicate, pale yellow flower center of ‘Heartstrings’ gives way to a bright pink petal tip. Heartstrings will provide you with an abundance of fragrant blooms for several weeks in early summer if you place them in a location with plenty of sun and well-drained (but never dry) soil.
16. Kellogg’s
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Kelloggii’
- Division: American Hybrid
- Size: 4-6 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
- Plant Zone: 8-10
This plant is also among the different types of lily flowers. Kellogg’s lily is a true American giant; it can reach heights of six feet and is native to the California redwoods, where it blends in smoothly. This lily can grow up to 27 blooms per stalk and can withstand mild winters.
The appearance of this lily is striking, and not just because it is tall. The flower is dominated by the stamen, which has especially long, red tips. These prominent stamen, which is pale pink with magenta dots, are revealed when the petals curl back.
17. Acapulco
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Acapulco’
- Division: Oriental
- Size: 2-3 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
- Plant Zone: 4-8
Acapulco lilies are strong, beautiful flowers that, with proper care, can last up to ten years. This plant is particularly showy and thrives in a garden with other flowers. It has vibrant pink petals that can be up to four inches wide.
Moreover, the Acapulco lily was bred to survive and be resilient. It can survive exposure to weed killer, chemicals, and pollution. Take extra care of your blooms for the longest life possible because this plant is somewhat delicate when it comes to insects.
18. Casa Blanca
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Casa Blanca’
- Division: Oriental
- Size: 3-4 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial sun
- Plant Zone: 4-9
Consider the casa blanca lily if you want a dazzlingly white, unique shaped flower. It’s also among the different types of lily flowers. Pure white blossoms and reddish-brown anthers bloom from these wavy petals, creating a striking contrast that attracts many people.
Due to their bright color and distinctive shape, casa blanca lilies are incredibly common in gardens. They are typical components of moon gardens or all-white floral arrangements and have appeared in many bridal bouquets. These flowers are beautiful and deserve all the adoration they receive.
19. African Queen
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘African Queen’
- Division: Trumpet
- Size: 3-4feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial sun
- Plant Zone: 3-9
African queen is the true queen of flowers, being one of the biggest and most fragrant lilies available. It smells wonderful from the time it develops buds until the last petal falls. The African queen lily lives up to its regal name.
Furthermore, the vibrant blooms, which can reach a width of eight inches and grow on top of four-foot flowers, are so tall that they are almost as tall as some of their gardeners. This regal bloom, which blooms in the middle to late summer, will spruce up your garden as the days start to get chilly.
20. Bolander’s
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Bolanderi’
- Division: Trumpet
- Size: 1-3feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
- Plant Zone: 7-11
Bolander’s lily is also among the different types of lily flowers and is native to the mountainous regions of the Western United States. It is a stunning perennial with numerous dark red flowers that grow from a lone, naked stem. The center is mainly yellow with dark brown specks.
Although this lily is lovely and easy to care for, it is a relatively uncommon bulb. If you’re lucky enough to find some, remember that it thrives in dry environments and shouldn’t be overwatered!
21. Arabian Knight
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Arabian Knight’
- Division: Martagon
- Size: 3-6feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Plant Zone: 3-7
Martagon lilies are a fascinating type of lily. They droop downward, allowing more flowers to open up on the stem. Each season, these lilies can produce up to 25 blooms per stem.
Their deep red colors, which are outlined in gold, make them a stunning addition to any garden. Even though the petals are facing downward, you can still see every shade of this miniature work of art.
22. Canada
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Canadense’
- Division: Species
- Size: 3-8feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
- Plant Zone: 1-8
The Canada lily is also among the different types of lily flowers. It can grow to be a small flower or a huge, towering plant depending on the conditions. When properly cared for, Canada lilies can reach heights of eight feet and can yield up to 20 flowers.
In addition, their flowers have bright orange centers with red edges. The most common variations are red and orange, although some have yellow petals and brown centers. These flowers are easy to grow in a northern garden.
23. Tiny Bee
- Scientific Name: Lilium’Tiny Bee’
- Division: Dwarf
- Size: 6-12 inches
- Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
- Plant Zone: 2-9
This lily is just as cute as it sounds, with a few tiny yellow flowers emerging from a dwarf lily plant. The plant gets its name from the bright yellow of its petals, which are contrasted by their dark brown or black centers and speckling.
In addition, the tiny bee lily does well in a pot or a garden, just like other dwarf lilies. However, if you plant it outside, be cautious that stronger flowers or lilies won’t swallow it up.
24. Madonna
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Candidum’
- Division: Candidum
- Size: 4-5 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial sun
- Plant Zone: 6-9
Of all the different types of lily flowers, the classic white madonna lily has the longest history. Her innocent, white blooms have been grown for both decoration and food since before the advent of Christianity.
Your madonna lily should not need much of your attention if she is in a sunny spot and has well-drained soil beneath her feet.
In addition, this lily isn’t particularly picky about soil PH either, so a little lime in the soil won’t stop them from growing strongly.
The flowers have broad, bulky, crisp white petals, occasionally giving way to a light green center. The anthers are a bright yellow color.
Finally, the best advice for growing Madonna lilies is to plant the bulbs a little shallower than usual. Additionally, plant them far from other lilies as they are susceptible to viruses from infected plants.
25. White American
- Scientific Name: Lilium longiflorum ‘White American’
- Division: Longiflorum
- Size: 32-40 inches
- Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
- Plant Zone: 5-8
This is a long, white-petaled lily, just like the other longiflorum types. The White American Lily has a long, thin stem, trumpet-shaped blooms, and bright yellow anthers that make it easy to identify.
Since longiflorum lilies have a Biblical significance and a long history that is reflected in their lovely and pure flowers, it is common to see them in churches in the spring.
26. Wood
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Philadelphicum’
- Division: American
- Size: 1-3feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
- Plant Zone: 4-7
The wood lily is a unique American among the different types of lily flowers. This flower has several variants across the nation, which is why it’s important for gardeners and breeders to purchase wood lily bulbs as close to home as possible.
In addition, this hardy little flower blooms in the Midwest’s forests and woodlands, and it has bright orange petals with dark purple spots. The darker colors are more prevalent at the flower’s edge, and the undersides of the petals are a paler orange.
27. Tiny Todd
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Tiny Todd’
- Division: Asiatic
- Size: 18-24 inches
- Sun Exposure: Partial shade or full sun
- Plant Zone: 5-8
Contrary to its name, the tiny todd lily has large, open flowers for its size and can produce nearly ten blooms at once. The plants can grow in a pot and are dwarves.
Although Tiny Todd has a delicate appearance, it is a tough lily that, if planted in the right zone, can self-seed and return every year. These flowers do well in either full sun or partial shade but will thrive as long as they receive enough water and sunlight throughout the day.
28. Sulfur
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Sulphureum’
- Division: Trumpet
- Size: 3-4 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
- Plant Zone: 6-10
The Sulfur lily is native to Japan and is among the different types of lily flowers. It is widely sold and has been adapted to gardens worldwide due to how easily it grows. The sulfur lily gets its name from its pale yellow color, which appears to glow from within.
Moreover, this lily, like many trumpet lilies, has exceptionally long petals that gather around the plant’s stamen to form a trumpet-shaped cone. It can withstand severe winters, but it lives longer if winterized or resides in a warmer climate.
29. Souvenir
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Souvenir’
- Division: Oriental
- Size: 18-20 inches
- Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
- Plant Zone: 3-9
Although souvenir lilies are tall plants, they are actually dwarf lilies. The tiny flowers grow at the top of long stems that have many leaves. These lilies fit in well with plants and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, making them excellent indoor options.
Although the stems are long, the flowers completely cover the plant’s top. Like many other oriental lilies, they have a bowl-like shape and are light purple. The flowers’ color turns a very light shade of purple as it approaches the center. With the proper pruning, souvenir lilies can also self-seed and replant.
30. Prince Henri
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Henrici’
- Division: Asiatic
- Size: 4-5 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
- Plant Zone: 4-8
This rare plant is also among the different types of lily flowers. It’s a stunning bloom from eastern Asia, with white petals in the shape of stars that open to reveal a deep purple center.
Although the Prince Henri lily hasn’t been widely cultivated, you might be able to find some bulbs at specialized nurseries in Europe or Asia.
31. Pink Perfection
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Pink Perfection
- Division: Trumpet
- Size: 4-6 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
- Plant Zone: 1-8
This stunning and hardy lily has the perfect name: Pink Perfection. It was created through crossbreeding in the 1950s to be stunningly pink and fragrant. This lily has bright pink petals all the way around, and the scent and appearance are right out of a fairy tale. The gardeners who created it did a fantastic job.
Furthermore, the pink perfection has a very high tolerance for drought and can survive with very little water as a result of genetic crossbreeding. A gardener who struggles to get to the garden on time in hotter climates will appreciate this very much.
32. Panhandle
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Iridollae’
- Division: American
- Size: 1-2 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
- Plant Zone: 7-9
The panhandle is a rare specie among the different types of lily flowers. It is quite easy to reproduce once it is located. However, even the most seasoned gardener, finding a bulb or panhandle lily plant is an amazing achievement.
Furthermore, the panhandle lily has pointed petals that arc away from the stamen. The petals start out with a lovely shade of bright pink at the ends before fading to a center that is yellow with brown specks.
33. Orange Pixie
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Orange Pixie’
- Division: Dwarf
- Size: 12-16 inches
- Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
- Plant Zone: 3-8
The Orange Pixie Lily, along with many other dwarf lilies, is the ideal plant for the front or middle of a bed. This lily will flourish and produce vibrant orange blooms for several seasons in a row if it receives enough water and sunlight.
In addition, the orange pixie lily is a showy flower explicitly bred for show. Even though it’s a small plant, the orange, and coral blooms add a splash of vibrant color to a garden, and it can grow up to four inches wide.
34. Nanum
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Nanum’
- Division: Asiatic
- Size: 6-12 inches
- Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
- Plant Zone: High altitude
This small plant is also among the different types of lily flowers. It has a deep purple center and light purple flower petals. Also, it opens in the morning to receive lots of sunlight.
Besides, if you don’t reside in a high-altitude area, you shouldn’t try to grow this plant. The nanum lily can bloom alongside other wildflowers, given the right atmospheric conditions, but it is primarily a wildflower and doesn’t always thrive in captivity.
35. Monte Negro
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Monte Negro’
- Division: Asiatic
- Size: 2-3 feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Plant zone: 4-8
The Monte Negro is one of the darkest lilies, with a deep crimson bloom and darker red spots near the bloom’s center. Another unusual feature of the stamen is its red color. The flowers represent the luxury and independence of the city in Spain for which the Monte Negro was named.
In addition, they are effective border plants due to their vibrant color. The lighter, less robust colors of other lilies and flowers can contrast well with their early to midsummer blooms. The deep red color and distinctive shape of Monte Negro lilies make them a wonderful valentine’s day gift.
36. Mona Lisa
- Scientific Name: Lilium’ Mona Lisa’
- Division: Oriental
- Size: 16-18 inches
- Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
- Plant Zone: 3-9
The Mona Lisa is also among the different types of lily flowers. It is a true study in pink, with light pink petals, dark pink stripes, and even darker maroon speckles.
Even though the Mona Lisa is not a particularly large lily plant, it can put on a show in the final weeks of summer. You can have a fragrant, lovely flowerbed for several weeks of the year if you pair this lily with a similarly vibrant plant.
37. Manitoba Morning
- Scientific Name: Lilium ‘Manitoba Morning’
- Division: Martagon
- Size: 3-4feet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun or partial shade
- Plant Zone: 3-7
If you’re used to upright, sun-facing lilies, the Manitoba morning lily may surprise you. These blooms droop toward the ground and face down rather than toward the sun. Their flowers can have up to four dozen blooms per plant, and the petals curve away from the stamen and back toward the sky.
Furthermore, these freckled plants have a distinctive color and appearance. Their flowers have pink and orange colors that can occasionally turn purple. Manitoba morning lilies have dark spots on each petal, giving the entire blossom a spotted appearance.
Conclusion
Whichever flower you choose, you’ll find one among the different types of lily flowers to plant in your garden. You can order lilies online and enjoy the cut flowers throughout the year if you don’t have a garden. Thanks for reading!
