Lilies are a favorite among many flower lovers because of their elegance, fragrance, and amazing variety. They come in an astounding number of varieties, colors, shapes, and sizes. Due to years of crossbreeding and hybridization, over 100 colorful species have lilies have been grown. To keep all the different types of lilies organized, 9 categories have been established, which are listed below. Ready to dive into the wonderful world of lilies? Then keep reading!

Lily Symbolism

In Greek mythology, the Goddess Hera, who is the Greek Goddess of Love and Marriage, created lilies when drops of her breastmilk fell to Earth. In Christianity, the lily, in particular, the “Madonna Lily” is associated with the Virgin Mary as a symbol of her purity and chastity. These associations are why the lily is so popular in wedding ceremonies and bouquets.  

Generally, the lily is considered a flower that embodies purity, fertility, beauty, royalty, grace, and rebirth. There are also a number of other meanings based on the color of the lily.  

• White Lily – symbolizes purity, innocence, modesty, and grace.
• Yellow Lily – symbolizes happiness, good health, gratitude, and healing.  
• Light Pink Lily – symbolizes elegance, femininity,  and generosity.
• Dark Pink Lily – symbolizes prosperity, abundance, and ambition. 
• Red Lily – symbolizes passion, desire, and romance.
• Orange Lily – symbolizes confidence, encouragement, and wealth.

Basic Lily Facts

Lilies are members of a flowering plant in the Lilium genus. These are considered “true lilies.” Other flowers with “lily” in their names, such as Calla lily, Daylily, or Water lily are not true lilies and belong to a different genus. A true lily is easy to identify as they all have two characteristics in common – six petals, and six anthers (the sack that holds the pollen). They usually have large blooms and grow in a wide range of colors. Some lilies are extremely fragrant, while others have no scent at all.

Lily Classifications & Examples

Pink Pixie Lilies

Division 1: Asiatic Hybrid – Most popular lilies in the world. Come in almost every color but have little to no scent. Attractive and long-lasting.  (Tango, Forever Susan, Orange Pixie Lily).

Turk’s Cap Lily

Division 2: Martagon Hybrid – Dramatic, visually interesting, produces small, dainty downward-facing blossoms. Flowers can be up to 50 per stem and strikingly colored. (Turk’s Cap).

Madonna Lily

Division 3: Candidum Hybrid – Lovely fragrance, large white flowers, and a yellow base.  Up to 20 blossoms per stem. (Madonna Lily).

Tiger Lily

Division 4: American Hybrid – Includes hybrids of wild lilies in North America. (Tiger Lily).

Easter Lilies

Division 5: Longiflorum Hybrid – Famous for Easter lily, elegant, pure white, and trumpet-shaped. Bloom during Easter. (Easter Lily).

African Queen Lily

Division 6: Trumpet and Aurelian Hybrids – Tall and elegant, fragrant, with trumpet-shaped flowers. (African Queen).

Stargazer Lily

Division 7: Oriental Hybrid – Known for colorful, large, upright flowers. Large blooms and great scents. (Stargazer, Casablanca, Acapulco Lily).

Orange LA Hybrid Lily

Division 8: Interdivisional Hybrids – Includes hybrids of the previous seven divisions.

Wild Yellow and Red Lily

Division 9: Species – Parents of the previous 8 hybrids. Pure, natural, and beautiful. 

GRAND FRAGRANCE

Now that you have explored the wonderful world of lilies, you are more aware of their amazing diversity and striking beauty. There’s one for everyone special person in your life! Here at Boyd’s Flowers, we have an excellent selection of lilies and other flowers to choose from for whenever you want to brighten someone’s day.