Lilies are perennial plants that belong to the Liliaceae family. They have large, showy, and often fragrant flowers that come in a range of colors, shapes, and sizes. Lilies are native to several different continents and can thrive in a variety of climates.
While lilies come in hundreds of species and hybrids, they can be grouped into nine main categories: Asiatic, Oriental, Martagon, American, Longiflorum, Aurelian, Candidum, Interdivisional, and Species. Each category has its own unique features and requirements, but they all share some common traits, such as having six petals and six stamens, and producing bulbs that store food and water.
Read on to learn more about each of the nine divisions of lilies, including what they look (and smell) like, when they bloom, where they come from, and more.
1. Asiatic lilies
Asiatic lilies are prolific bloomers, producing flowers in a wide range of colors, from white to yellow, pink, red, orange, and purple. Some have spots, stripes, or speckles on their petals, whereas others are solid or bicolor. The flowers of Asiatic lilies are upward, outward, or downward facing and between 4 to 6 inches in diameter. They grow 2 to 5 feet tall and have slender stems and narrow leaves. Asiatic lilies do not have a strong fragrance, making them ideal for people who are sensitive to scents.
USDA hardiness zones: 4-9
Bloom time: Early to mid summer
Native regions: Asia, including parts of China, Japan, Korea, and Siberia
Fragrance: Subtle and delicate
Prime example: “Enchantment” lily
2. Oriental lilies
Oriental lilies are known as the most fragrant and glamorous of all lilies. They produce large, star-shaped flowers that can grow to 10 inches in diameter and come in shades of white, pink, red, and purple, often with contrasting spots or streaks on their petals. Oriental lilies have outward- or downward-facing flowers that are usually recurved at the tips. They grow 3 to 6 feet tall and have sturdy stems and broad leaves.
USDA hardiness zones: 5-9
Bloom time: Mid to late summer
Native regions: Eastern Asia, specifically Japan, Korea, and parts of China.
Fragrance: Strong and sweet
Prime example: “Stargazer” lily
3. Martagon lilies
The exotic-looking martagon lilies produce small, turk's cap-shaped flowers that can be up to 3 inches in diameter. They come in shades of white, yellow, pink, red, purple, and brown, often with spots or freckles on their petals. Martagon lilies have downward-facing flowers that are strongly recurved at the tips. They grow 2 to 6 feet tall and have slender stems and whorled leaves. They are popular as woodland and shade garden plants but not as cut flowers or potted plants.
USDA hardiness zones: 3-9
Bloom time: Early to mid summer
Native regions: Europe and parts of Asia
Fragrance: Faint and spicy
Prime example: “Turk’s cap” lily
4. American lilies
American lilies are colorful and diverse, producing medium to large star-shaped flowers that can grow to 8 inches in diameter. They come in shades of white, yellow, orange, red, and pink, often with spots, stripes, or blotches on their petals. American lilies have upward-, outward-, or downward-facing flowers that are usually flat or slightly recurved. They grow 3 to 8 feet tall and have sturdy stems and lance-shaped leaves. They are popular as garden plants but not as cut flowers or potted plants.
USDA hardiness zones: 4-9
Bloom time: Mid to late summer
Native regions: North America
Fragrance: Mild and fruity
Prime example: Humboldt’s lily
5. Longiflorum lilies
The long, trumpet-shaped flowers of the Longiflorum lily can reach 10 inches in length. They come in shades of white, cream, or pale yellow, often with a green or yellow throat. Longiflorum lilies have outward- or downward-facing flowers that are usually straight or slightly curved. They grow 2 to 4 feet tall and have sturdy stems and glossy leaves.
Also known as: Easter lilies
USDA hardiness zones: 5-9
Bloom time: Mid spring to early summer
Native regions: Southern islands of Japan, particularly in the Ryukyu Islands
Fragrance: Mild and sweet
Prime example: “Nellie White” lily
6. Aurelian lilies
Aurelian lilies are the showstoppers of the lily world, producing huge, trumpet-shaped flowers that can reach 15 inches in length. They come in shades of white, yellow, orange, and pink, often with a darker or lighter throat or edge. Aurelian lilies have outward or downward facing flowers that are usually straight or slightly curved. They grow 5 to 10 feet tall and have sturdy stems and narrow leaves.
Also known as: Trumpet lilies
USDA hardiness zones: 5-9
Bloom time: Mid to late summer
Native regions: Eastern Asia, specifically areas of Korea and Japan
Fragrance: Mild and pleasant
Prime example: “Golden Splendor” lily
7. Candidum lilies
Rich with history, Candidum lilies have been used as symbols of purity and innocence for centuries. They produce medium to large trumpet-shaped flowers that can grow up to 6 inches in diameter and come in shades of white, cream, or pale yellow, often with a pink or purple flush on the outside. Candidum lilies have outward- or downward-facing flowers that are usually straight or slightly curved. They grow 2 to 4 feet tall and have slender stems and gray-green leaves.
Also known as: Madonna lilies
USDA hardiness zones: 6-9
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Native regions: Mediterranean, particularly the eastern part
Fragrance: Strong and spicy
8. Interdivisional lilies
Interdivisional lilies are hybrid lilies that are produced by cross-pollinating lilies from different divisions of the genus Lilium, either manually or naturally. Combining the best traits of two or more types of flowers, the resulting hybrids are known for their diverse and stunning colors, shapes, and fragrances. Interdivisional lilies are popular among gardeners and florists for their beauty and versatility.
Also known as: Hybrid lilies
USDA hardiness zones: 3-9 (varies by species)
Bloom time: Spring to late summer (varies by species)
Native regions: North America, Europe, and Asia (varies by species)
Fragrance: Varies by species
Prime example: LA Hybrid lily
9. Species lilies
Species lilies are the wild ancestors of all the hybrid lilies and have not been modified by human intervention. They produce small to medium star-shaped or turk's cap-shaped flowers that can be up to 4 inches in diameter. They come in various colors, shapes, and patterns, depending on the species. Species lilies have upward-, outward-, or downward-facing flowers that are usually flat or recurved. They grow 1 to 6 feet tall and have slender stems and narrow leaves.
Also known as: Wild lilies or native lilies
USDA hardiness zones: 3-9 (varies by species)
Bloom time: Early to late summer, depending on species
Native regions: North America, Europe, and Asia
Fragrance: Ranges from sweet to spicy to unpleasant, depending on species
Prime example: “Tiger” lily
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