True Lilies: A Guide to Lilium Species and Hybrids

When is a lily not a lily? Surprisingly often. Many plants we call lilies—canna lily, lily of the Nile, daylily, calla lily—aren't true lilies at all. They belong to entirely different genera. True lilies grow from bulbs and have impressive, often intricate flowers. Check the plant tag: true lilies have Lilium in the botanical name. Many boast vivid colors and exotic markings—spots, splotches, brushstrokes—making them exuberant garden additions.

Caution: All parts of the lily plant are toxic to cats. Use extreme caution when planting.

Plant Profile

• Botanical name: Lilium spp.
• Common names: Easter lily, Oriental lily, Asiatic lily, hybrid lily
• Water: Medium to high
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Mature size: 2–6 feet tall, depending on variety
• Benefits: Showy, often fragrant flowers
• Seasonal interest: Spring and summer blooms; some varieties bloom later
• When to plant: Spring or fall, depending on species
• Cautions: Toxic to cats

Distinguishing Traits

Lilies are tall perennials with large blooms in pink, purple, white, orange, yellow, and red. Flowers can have spots, splotches, brushstroke markings, and different-colored throats. Varieties range up to 6 feet for the back of borders, or smaller types to blend with other flowering plants. Excellent varieties to try: 'Electric', 'Altari', 'Acapulco', 'Tyrol'.

How to Use Them

Lilies combine well with many flowering perennials and suit traditional, formal, or cottage-style gardens. Use in containers, as houseplants, in mixed beds and borders, or as focal specimens.

Container tip: Fertilize more often—slow-release fertilizer works well.

Pests and Diseases

All that exotic beauty comes with vulnerabilities. Watch for:

• Aphids, red lily beetles, slugs, snails
• Damage from voles, deer, groundhogs, rabbits
• Gray mold (in wet weather), powdery mildew, bulb rot

Use slug/snail bait and insecticidal spray for beetles and aphids—apply carefully to preserve beneficial insects. Prevent powdery mildew with adequate spacing for air circulation. With extra care, these showy, fragrant flowers return for years.

Planting Notes

Lily bulbs are typically planted in fall. Spring-planted Easter lilies may not rebloom for a year or more.

• Plant bulbs at least 3 inches deep (check specific recommendations).
• Choose a sunny site with well-drained soil to prevent bulb rot.
• Most lilies like "shady feet, sunny heads"—mulch the base to keep roots cool, or plant low-growing companions to shade the roots.
• Morning sun with afternoon shade also works. Stake taller lilies to prevent stem breakage.

Popular Lily Types

• Asiatic: Early bloomers, broadest color range, includes most unscented lilies. Try 'Royal Sunset' or 'Blackout'.
• Oriental: Difficult to grow; large late-summer flowers, heavy scent. Prefer acidic soil and moist, temperate summers. Try 'Flying Circus', 'Hot Spot', 'Enjoy'.
• Trumpet & Aurelian: Easy to grow, late-summer bloomers, nicely scented. Often need staking due to height. Try 'Madame Butterfly', 'Midnight', 'Summer Palace'.
• Orientpet (Orienpet): American hybrids crossing Oriental and trumpet lilies. Bold colors, disease resistant, heat tolerant but not full sun. Try 'Baruta', 'Anastasia'.