Types of Lilies and How to
Care for Them
Lilies are known for their vibrant colors in the summer garden. There are several main categories of lilies. University of Memphis Director of Landscape Joellen Dimond describes each of the basic categories and then talks about how to grow lilies.
Types of Lilies
1. Asiatic Lilies
- Description: Asiatic lilies are known for their wide range of colors and compact size, typically growing between three to four feet tall.
- Growing Zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones three to nine.
- Characteristics: These lilies bloom early in the summer and are widely available at garden centers.
2. Oriental Lilies
- Description: Oriental lilies bloom later than Asiatic lilies, generally in June and July. They are known for their larger, fragrant flowers, with popular varieties like Casa Blanca and Stargazer.
- Height: Oriental lilies can reach heights of four to six feet.
- Growing Zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones three to nine.
3. Trumpet Lilies (Aurelian)
- Description: Trumpet lilies, such as the famous Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum), feature trumpet-shaped flowers and are known for their fragrance. They bloom later in summer, around June. As a side note: Easter lilies that bloom at Easter are forced by growers. If you plant Easter lilies in your yard, they will bloom naturally around June.
- Growing Zones: Trumpet lilies are perennial in USDA hardiness zones five to eleven.
- Height: Typically three to six feet tall, with some varieties taller.
4. Orienpet Lilies
- Description: Orienpet lilies are hybrids of Oriental and trumpet lilies, combining the best traits of each. They are vigorous plants with large, fragrant flowers that have a waxy sheen.
- Height: Orienpets can grow between four to eight feet tall.
- Growing Zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones three to nine.
5. Tiger Lilies
- Description: Although not true lilies, tiger lilies (genus tigrinum Splendens) are often mistaken for lilies due to their appearance. They have orange petals with black spots and are resilient and flower prolifically. They bloom from July to August. Tiger lilies are deer resistant.
- Height: Tiger lilies reach heights of three to four feet.
- Growing Zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones three to nine.
Caring for Lilies
- Planting: Lilies prefer well-drained soil with a neutral pH (around 6.8 to 7). Plant bulbs three to five inches deep: deeper in colder climates and looser soils, shallower in warmer climates and heavier soils
- Watering: Once established, lilies are drought-tolerant and do not require frequent watering. Avoid planting in constantly wet or poorly drained soil.
- Maintenance: Removing spent flowers allows the plant to use the energy for next year’s blooms instead of seed creation. Divide overcrowded clumps every three to four years in fall or early spring to maintain plant health and vigor.
- Pest and Disease Management: Watch for aphids, which can spread lily mosaic virus. If aphids are present, take measures to control them, but no control is necessary if there are no aphids. Voles may also be a concern, as they can damage lily bulbs in winter. If vols are a problem, remove mulch in the fall to discourage them because there is nowhere to hide.
- Seasonal Care: Mulch can be applied in colder climates to protect bulbs over the winter. Spring and fall are ideal times to plant lily bulbs, ensuring they have adequate time to establish roots before extreme temperatures.
Related Videos:
Lily Basics
Pineapple Lily
Related Resources:
Selecting Lilies for Your Garden
Production of Hybrid Lilies as Potted Plants
Types of Lilies
1. Asiatic Lilies
- Description: Asiatic lilies are known for their wide range of colors and compact size, typically growing between three to four feet tall.
- Growing Zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones three to nine.
- Characteristics: These lilies bloom early in the summer and are widely available at garden centers.
2. Oriental Lilies
- Description: Oriental lilies bloom later than Asiatic lilies, generally in June and July. They are known for their larger, fragrant flowers, with popular varieties like Casa Blanca and Stargazer.
- Height: Oriental lilies can reach heights of four to six feet.
- Growing Zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones three to nine.
3. Trumpet Lilies (Aurelian)
- Description: Trumpet lilies, such as the famous Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum), feature trumpet-shaped flowers and are known for their fragrance. They bloom later in summer, around June. As a side note: Easter lilies that bloom at Easter are forced by growers. If you plant Easter lilies in your yard, they will bloom naturally around June.
- Growing Zones: Trumpet lilies are perennial in USDA hardiness zones five to eleven.
- Height: Typically three to six feet tall, with some varieties taller.
4. Orienpet Lilies
- Description: Orienpet lilies are hybrids of Oriental and trumpet lilies, combining the best traits of each. They are vigorous plants with large, fragrant flowers that have a waxy sheen.
- Height: Orienpets can grow between four to eight feet tall.
- Growing Zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones three to nine.
5. Tiger Lilies
- Description: Although not true lilies, tiger lilies (genus tigrinum Splendens) are often mistaken for lilies due to their appearance. They have orange petals with black spots and are resilient and flower prolifically. They bloom from July to August. Tiger lilies are deer resistant.
- Height: Tiger lilies reach heights of three to four feet.
- Growing Zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones three to nine.
Caring for Lilies
- Planting: Lilies prefer well-drained soil with a neutral pH (around 6.8 to 7). Plant bulbs three to five inches deep: deeper in colder climates and looser soils, shallower in warmer climates and heavier soils
- Watering: Once established, lilies are drought-tolerant and do not require frequent watering. Avoid planting in constantly wet or poorly drained soil.
- Maintenance: Removing spent flowers allows the plant to use the energy for next year’s blooms instead of seed creation. Divide overcrowded clumps every three to four years in fall or early spring to maintain plant health and vigor.
- Pest and Disease Management: Watch for aphids, which can spread lily mosaic virus. If aphids are present, take measures to control them, but no control is necessary if there are no aphids. Voles may also be a concern, as they can damage lily bulbs in winter. If vols are a problem, remove mulch in the fall to discourage them because there is nowhere to hide.
- Seasonal Care: Mulch can be applied in colder climates to protect bulbs over the winter. Spring and fall are ideal times to plant lily bulbs, ensuring they have adequate time to establish roots before extreme temperatures.
Related Videos:
Lily Basics
Pineapple Lily
Related Resources:
Selecting Lilies for Your Garden
Production of Hybrid Lilies as Potted Plants