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A Quick Guide To Lilies

Updated: May 4, 2022

A symbol of sophistication and happiness.

Colorful, unique, and fragrant, lilies come in all shapes and sizes and are one of the most recognizable flowers on the market. Their large, bright flowers suit all types of styles, whether classic, rustic, garden-style or contemporary.

There are over 90 different species of lilies to choose from, in nearly every shape and color! Whether somber or celebratory, lilies guarantee to send the right message. A symbol of sophistication and happiness, lilies are commonly used to celebrate multiple special occasions anywhere from weddings and birthdays to holidays and funerals. If you find yourself at a loss for words, simply choose lilies and let the flowers speak for you.


Lily Meanings

In general, lilies symbolize devotion or purity, though the meaning can vary by type of lily and color:

  • Pink: admiration, femininity and compassion

  • White: innocence, purity and modesty

  • Yellow: happiness, friendship and joy

  • Orange: confidence, respect and honor

  • Purple: pride, abundance and ambition

  • Red: passion, love and romance


Five Most Popular Lilies


​ASIATIC

Asiatic hybrids are bred from several different species of lilies. They have 3 to 6 flowers per stem, and the petals are often spotted. Asiatic lilies do not have a fragrance, and their flowers tend to be smaller than some other types of lilies. They come in many different colors, including shades of orange, red, yellow, and creamy white.



​ORIENTAL

If you are looking for fragrance, Oriental lilies are the best option. A fresh bouquet of these can easily perfume an entire room. Oriental lilies come in various shades of pink and purplish red, in addition to white and creamy yellow.



LA HYBRIDS

LA hybrids are a cross between Longiflorum and Asiatic hybrids. These flowers are bigger and bolder than the Asiatics. Plus, they come in a wider range of intense colors. They are also the best choice for customers sensitive to strong odors but looking for long vase life.



LO HYBRIDS

The LO hybrids are a cross between the Longiflorum and an Oriental lily. You get the best of both worlds - huge flowers with bright colors and vibrancy. There’s a big difference in fragrance because they have a much more delicate fragrance.



ORIENPET

Orienpet lilies are a cross between Oriental hybrids and Trumpet lilies, resulting in exciting color patterns. They come in beautiful shades of pink, yellow, red, orange, and white. They are fragrant flowers, with some having a stronger scent than others.


 

Sources:


A Florist’s Guide To Lilies


A Guide to the Colour, Meaning and Symbolism of Lilies


12 Things You Didn’t Know About Lilies


Types of lilies: 8 beautiful choices for the garden


The Most Popular Lilies


How Many Types Of Lilies Are There? (It’s A Lot More Thank You Think)

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