10 Different Types of Lily Plants and Bulbs for a Great Garden Bloom
Gardens are where nature sings, and lilies are one of its best melodies. Whether you’re bewitched by the exotic beauty of Asiatic lilies or mesmerized by the trumpet lilies’ majesty, you can’t deny that these blooming wonders are a marvel to behold. They make excellent cut flowers, add color to your garden, and are relatively easy to care for. These bright flowers suit all types of occasions. If you’re looking for showy flowers and the best lily varieties, you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s dive into the world of these beautiful flowers and explore the different types of lilies, including the enchanting types of lily plants.
Asiatic Lilies
Unveiling the Charm of Asiatic Lilies
Asiatic lilies are a feast for the eyes, sporting bright flowers that suit all types. Their blooms burst into life in early summer. Their vibrant colors are a visual treat, from sunny yellow flowers to fiery orange flowers. As members of the lily family, Asiatic lilies are also loved for their undemanding nature, making them an excellent pick for beginner gardeners. These lilies and flowers make for an excellent gift for that special someone in your life.
Cultivation Guide for Asiatic Lilies
Planting asiatic lily bulbs is a piece of cake. They are best planted in well-draining soil in a sunny spot. They’re among the types of lilies that are very hardy plants and bloom abundantly with 4 to 20 flowers per stem, a delightful spectacle for any garden enthusiast. Just water the bulbs regularly, and they will reward you with an enchanting bloom display. If you prefer a more hands-off approach, these are the perfect lilies for your garden.
Martagon Lilies
Appreciating the Graceful Martagon Lilies
Martagon lilies, also known as Turk’s Cap lilies, are among the old-world charms of the lily plant types. With their small, downward-facing blooms and whimsically whorled leaves, they bring a unique elegance to any garden setting. The flowers per stem can number up to 50. These lilies are available in an impressive display of diverse colors, typically in shades of pink, orange, white, and even deep burgundy; almost all types are as beautiful as the other. It’s no wonder martagon lilies are often a favorite among garden enthusiasts!
Cultivating Martagon Lilies Successfully
Now, growing martagon lilies is a bit of a garden adventure, but entirely worth the effort. These lilies prefer shady spots and cool, well-drained soil. Unlike most lilies, these lilies are best planted in the fall, which helps their bulbs establish before the winter sets in. Keep the soil consistently moist, but never soggy, as they are not fans of overly wet conditions. It may take a bit of time for martagon lilies to settle in, but once they do, they’re a long-lasting, reliable addition to your garden that brings a special kind of beauty year after year.
Oriental Lilies
The Fragrant Beauty of Oriental Lilies
These oriental lilies with trumpet size flowers are the stars of the lily world. They are renowned for their enormous blossoms, which are either white or red, as well as their alluring scent. Oriental lilies are a particularly lovely cut flower to bring their appeal and fragrance indoors since, unlike most lilies, they have a potent, overpowering aroma that permeates the entire room.
Growing and Caring for Oriental Lilies
Oriental lilies are easy to care for, thriving in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Just like Asiatic lilies, this species of lilies also require regular watering. It’s important to remember that they’re not fans of lime, so a lime-free soil mix will keep them happiest. Whether you use these popular types of lilies for planting indoors or outside, in your garden, you’ll end up with stunning and fragrant flowers.
Trumpet Lilies
The Majesty of Trumpet Lilies
Trumpet lilies, with their large trumpet-shaped flowers, command attention. Trumpet lilies come in large sizes, sometimes reaching up to 6 feet, and their flowers per stem can be more than 20. They have a subtle sweet fragrance that adds to their allure, and they come in a variety of colors, from pure white to bright pink and soft pastels.
Tips for Growing Trumpet Lilies
Trumpet lilies, like most lilies, enjoy a sunny location with well-draining soil. They’re best planted in a sheltered spot to protect them from strong winds, given their height. To encourage a good display of lily blooms in mid to late summer, keep them well-watered but avoid waterlogged soil. With proper care, these lilies can grow into an impressive display that is bound to turn heads.
Canada Lilies
An Introduction to Canada Lilies
Canada lilies, often considered wild lilies, are North American natives that boast of strikingly beautiful lily blooms. They bear clusters of bell-shaped, orange flowers with speckles inside, reminiscent of the pattern found on tiger lilies. They’re also a part of the lily family known for their nodding lily flowers that grow at the top of tall stalks. Experience the allure of Canadian lilies as they grace your garden with their vibrant and captivating lily flower displays.
Growing Canada Lilies Successfully
Canada lilies, like other lilies, prefer well-draining soil. They enjoy both sunny and partially shaded spots in your garden. These lilies are among the types that are very hardy plants and can tolerate colder climates better than other varieties of lilies. They might be a bit rare to find in the usual garden centers, but once you’ve got them, their unique beauty makes them worth the effort.
Orienpet Lilies
Understanding the Hybrid Orienpet Lilies
Oriental lilies are show-stoppers in the world of lilies. They’re known for their large flowers, often white flowers or red flowers, and their intoxicating fragrance. Oriental lilies make a captivating sight and a delightful addition to any garden. Additionally, their enticing aroma makes them an excellent choice as cut flowers, allowing you to enjoy their charm and fragrance indoors.
Tips for Cultivating Orienpet Lilies
These hybrid lilies can grow up to 8 feet tall and are easy to care for. Like other lily varieties, they enjoy a sunny location with well-drained soil. One important thing to keep in mind is their height, so it’s advisable to plant them in a sheltered spot or stake the taller varieties to protect them from the wind.
LA Hybrid Lilies
The Uniqueness of LA Hybrid Lilies
LA Hybrid lilies are a cross between Asiatic and Longiflorum (Easter) lilies. They share the hardiness and a wide range of colors of Asiatic lilies along with the large, typically white flowers of Longiflorum lilies. These hybrids are a favorite among many because of their robust nature and long-lasting blooms.
How to Plant LA Hybrid Lilies
When it comes to planting LA Hybrid lily bulbs, similar rules apply as with other lilies. Plant the bulbs in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, will keep these lilies happy. They’re not overly fussy, and with the right care, they’ll give your garden a vibrant burst of color.
Easter Lilies
The Significance of Easter Lilies
Easter lilies, with their beautiful white flowers, are synonymous with Easter celebrations. This classic lily blooms in mid to late spring, typically around Easter, symbolizing purity and rebirth. They’re not just for church decorations, though. You can grow these lilies in your garden and enjoy their beauty and fragrance every spring.
Cultivating Beautiful Easter Lilies
Easter lilies enjoy a sunny to partially shaded spot with well-draining soil. When planting Easter lily bulbs, place them about 6 inches deep and 12 inches apart to allow enough room for growth. They also prefer slightly acidic soil. Water them regularly but avoid waterlogging the soil, as this could lead to bulb rot.
Pixie Lilies
Delighting in the Compact Pixie Lilies
Pixie lilies are dwarf varieties of the lily family, making them ideal for small spaces or container gardening. Despite their smaller size, they don’t compromise on the beauty of their blooms. With a myriad of colors available, from radiant yellows to stunning reds, these small lilies can make a big impact.
Growing Tips for Pixie Lilies
Similar to other lilies, Pixie lilies enjoy sunny spots and well-draining soil. Due to their smaller size, they can be an excellent choice for containers. Regular watering, without overwatering, is essential for these lilies. Plant the bulbs in early spring or fall, and soon, you will see your Pixie lilies flourishing with vibrant blooms.
Fire Lilies
Marvel at the Fiery Beauty of Fire Lilies
Fire lilies, also known as tiger lilies, flaunt fiery red flowers that are truly a sight to behold. This particular lily species adds a pop of bright color to your garden, living up to its name with blossoms that resemble a blazing flame. Aside from their striking appearance, fire lilies are also known for being robust and easy to care for.
Growing and Caring for Fire Lilies
Fire lilies thrive best in full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. Plant the bulbs 3 inches deep and approximately 12 inches apart to give them plenty of room to grow. Water them regularly but be careful not to overwater. These hardy plants are resistant to most pests and diseases, ensuring a healthy, vibrant garden.
FAQs on Different Types of Lily Plants
There are many types of lilies, including Asiatic, Oriental, Trumpet, Canada, Orienpet, LA Hybrid, Easter, Tiger, and Pixie lilies. Each variety has unique features and care requirements.
Most lilies prefer a sunny location with well-drained soil. Regular watering is essential, but avoid overwatering as this could cause bulb rot. Some lilies may need staking to protect them from wind due to their height.
Fall or the first few weeks of spring are the ideal times to plant lily bulbs. Early spring planting offers the bulbs a solid start for the growing season, while planting in the fall allows the bulbs to establish their roots before winter.
Not all lilies have a fragrance. While Oriental and Trumpet lilies are known for their strong fragrance, Asiatic lilies generally do not have a scent.
Lilies are relatively easy to grow, making them a great choice for beginner gardeners. As long as they’re planted in a sunny location with well-draining soil and watered regularly, lilies can thrive and produce beautiful blooms.
Conclusion
And there you have it, a whirlwind tour of the wonderful world of lilies! From the big and bold Trumpet lilies to the demure and dainty Pixie lilies, there’s a lily to suit every garden. And remember, each of these lilies, whether it’s the exotic Oriental lilies or the hearty Canada lilies, each comes with its own unique charm. In the end, whatever type of lily you choose to plant, you can be sure to expect a spectacular show of blossoms that add color and beauty to your surroundings. Explore the various types of lily plants and discover the endless possibilities they offer.