With over 100 species, lilies flowers are some of the most diversely colorful and beautiful blooms around. They also happen to be one of the most popular flowers in the world. Full of cultural symbolism that goes back centuries, lilies are admired and beloved by many. We like them because of their dazzling beauty and amazing, sweet fragrance!
Lily Symbolism
Meanings associated with Lilies vary within different cultures, but commonly, these amazing blooms embody grace, royalty, beauty, and rebirth. As with other flowers, meaning change based on color so when choosing lilies to gift someone, keep the below guidelines in mind.
- White lilies represent purity, virtue, and innocence.
- Pink lilies represent abundance and prosperity.
- Red lilies represent love and passion
- Orange lilies represent confident, wealth, and pride
- Yellow lilies represent joy, thankfulness, and good health
Quick Lily Facts
- Lilies are a flowering plant that grow from bulbs.
- “True Lilies” belong to the genus Lilium.
- When the flowers bloom, they are large, colorful, and often fragrant.
- True Lilies all have 6 petals and 6 stamens with anthers (oblong pods that contain pollen).
- Lilies are common in weddings and wedding bouquets as well as other regal ceremonies.
- Lilies are poisonous to cats, so keep your furry friends away from them.
- There are nine divisions, or categories, of lily types.
- Lilies are known for being one of the longest-lasting cut blooms with a long in-vase lifespan.
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, Elodie Lily, Lollipop)
Turk’s Cap Lily
Division 2: Martagon Hybrid – Dramatic, visually interesting, producing many small dainty downward-facing blossoms. Flowers can be numerous 40-50 per stem and strikingly colored. (Turk’s Cap)
Madonna Lily
Division 3: Candidum Hybrid – famous for the Madonna lily that has a lovely fragrance white flowers and a yellow base. Up to 20 blossoms per stem. (Madonna)
Tiger Lily
Division 4: American Hybrid – Includes hybrids of wild lilies in North America. (Tiger Lily)
Easter Lilies
Division 5: Longiflorum Hybrid – Easter lily and hybrids are with elegant pure white and trumpet-shaped. Bloom during Easter. (Easter Lily)
African Queen Lily
Division 6: Trumpet and Aurelian Hybrids – Tall and elegant with fragrant flowers with stunning trumpet-shaped flowers. Popular Cut Flowers, lush, large trumpet-shaped flowers and heady sweet fragrance. (African Queen)
Stargazer Lily
Division 7: Oriental Hybrid – Known for large, robust, upright flowers. Flowers that fall in this class have large blooms and great scents. Strong, enchanting fragrance. (Stargazer, Casablanca, Acapulco Lily)
Orange LA Hybrid Lily
Division 8: Interdivisional Hybrids – hybrids of the previous seven divisions.
Wild Yellow and Red Lily
Division 9: Species – pure, wild “parents” of the previous 8 hybrids. Wild lilies that are the ancestors to all of the other classes.Natural and delicate beauty. Charming.
ALWAYS & FOREVER BOUQUET
All the Lily Love
Hopefully, by now, you love lilies as much as we do! Their diverse shapes and vibrant colors make them truly special. It is no wonder the lily is one of the most popular flowers in the world and is cherished in most cultures. Brighten someone’s day by sending them a bouquet of fragrant lilies or order them for yourself – you deserve it! Nortons’s Florist has a great selection of just the perfect floral bouquet for any occasion. Check out our selection of lily bouquets and other beautiful floral arrangements now.
