11 Types of Lilies Blooming in Gardens Around the World

By: Elena Tralwyn  | 
Easter lily
Lily flowers range from a this white to vibrant shades of pink, yellow, and orange. takakophoto / Shutterstock

Lilies are beloved for their showy blooms and sweet fragrance, making them a staple in flower arrangements, gardens, and potted plants.

There are many types of lilies, each with unique traits, bloom times, and growing conditions. From classic Easter lilies to vibrant tiger lilies, these flowering plants are a favorite among gardeners and flower enthusiasts.

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Here are some of the most well-known lily species and hybrids, including their key features and ideal habitats.

1. Asiatic Lilies

Asiatic lilies
Asiatic lilies. Saeedatun / Shutterstock

Asiatic lilies are among the earliest to bloom, with upright, bright orange, red, yellow, or pink flowers. These lilies are not particularly fragrant but offer a wide range of colors and are winter hardy.

They grow well in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Known scientifically as Lilium Asiatic hybrids, they thrive in hardiness zones 3 to 8.

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2. Oriental Lilies

Oriental lilies
Oriental lilies. PeopleImages.com - Yuri A / Shutterstock

Oriental lilies bloom in mid to late summer and are famous for their fragrant flowers and large, star-shaped blooms with curved petals. Colors range from pure white to deep pink. These lilies grow tall and make a striking statement in borders or floral displays.

Lilium oriental hybrids are best in zones 5 to 9.

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3. Trumpet Lilies

Trumpet lilies
Trumpet lilies. Walter Erhardt / Shutterstock

Trumpet lilies, including the regal lily (Lilium regale), are known for their large, trumpet-shaped flowers and sweet fragrance. Blooming in early to mid-summer, they resemble Oriental lilies but have sturdier stems and a slightly earlier bloom period.

This variety is best grown in full sun with well-drained soil.

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4. Easter Lilies

Easter lilies
Easter lilies. Mariia Romanyk / Shutterstock

Easter lilies, or Lilium longiflorum, are popular during springtime and religious holidays for their pure white flowers and spiritual symbolism. These lilies have a classic trumpet shape and do well in pots or garden beds.

They thrive in hardiness zones 4 to 8.

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5. Tiger Lily

Tiger Lilies
Tiger Lilies. Mariia Romanyk / Shutterstock

The tiger lily (Lilium lancifolium) is famous for its vibrant orange petals with dark spots. These downward-facing flowers bloom in mid- to late summer and have recurved petals.

Hardy and easy to grow, tiger lilies are often used in naturalized areas and tolerate various soil conditions. They do best in hardiness zones 3 to 9.

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6. Martagon Lilies

Martagon lilies
Martagon lilies. ANGHI / Shutterstock

Martagon lilies (Lilium martagon) feature nodding flowers with recurved petals and are suited for woodland gardens and partial shade.

These lilies bloom in early summer and are great for spring planting. Their slender stems and whorled leaves make them distinct. They grow well in zones 3 to 8.

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7. Canada Lily

Canada lilies
Canada lilies. Martin J. Calabrese / Shutterstock

Native to North America, the Canada lily (Lilium canadense) grows tall with nodding, bell-shaped blooms in orange, yellow, or red.

These lilies thrive in moist soil and partial shade, making them ideal for wildflower gardens. They are hardy in zones 3 to 8.

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8. Madonna Lily

Madonna lilies
Madonna lilies. Mariia Romanyk / Shutterstock

The Madonna lily (Lilium candidum) is an ancient European species known for its pure white flowers and strong fragrance.

These lilies prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Blooming in early summer, they are winter-hardy and suited to zones 5 to 9.

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9. Turk's Cap Lilies

Turk’s cap lilies
Turk’s cap lilies. Mark Byer / Shutterstock

Turk’s cap lilies (Lilium superbum or Lilium michiganense) have recurved petals resembling a turban. These tall lilies produce clusters of bright orange blooms and thrive in woodland settings or moist meadows.

They are typically found in zones 4 to 8.

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10. Orienpet Lilies

Orienpet lilies
Orienpet lilies. Tracy Immordino / Shutterstock

A hybrid between Oriental and trumpet lilies, Orienpet lilies combine the best traits of both: large, fragrant blooms and sturdy growth.

These lilies bloom in mid to late summer and are perfect for gardeners seeking dramatic height and scent, suitable for zones 4 to 9.

11. Leopard Lily

Leopard lily
Leopard lily. Yee Star / Shutterstock

Sometimes considered as a tiger lily, the leopard lily (Lilium pardalinum) is native to western North America. It features spotted, bright orange petals and thrives in moist, shaded areas.

These lilies bloom in summer and are hardy in zones 5 to 9.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.

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