Lilies are amazing! It’s why they are one of the most popular flowers in the world. If you’re not familiar with the many different varieties of lilies, then you’ve come to the right place! An incredibly diverse species, lilies come in a vast array of colors, shapes, and sizes, and have an incredible scent as well. To help sort out all the many different types of lilies, 9 classes of lilies were established. Check them out below and be prepared to fall in love with this dazzling flower!

Lily Meaning

In Greek mythology, the lily symbolizes Hera, who is the Greek Goddess of Love and Marriage which is why it is a popular flower in marriages. Since the Medieval and Renaissance times, the lily has been associated with the Virgin Mary as a symbol of her purity and chastity, while the Easter lily symbolizes Christ’s resurrection. 

Typically, lilies personify purity, fertility, beauty, royalty, and rebirth. For more color-specific symbolism, the following applies.

• White Lilies = purity, modesty, and grace.
• Yellow Lilies = happiness, gratitude, and healing.  
• Light Pink Lilies = elegance, kindness,  and generosity.
• Dark Pink Lilies = prosperity, affluence, and energy. 
• Red Lilies = passion, love, and romance.
• Orange Lilies = confidence, comfort, and prosperity.

Basic Lily Facts

True lilies are members of the genus Lilium and are easily identifiable due to two characteristics all true lilies have – six petals and six stamens. Lilies generally have large blooms and come in nearly every color. Some lilies are extremely fragrant, while others have no scent at all.

Lily Classifications & Examples

Pink Pixie Lilies

Division 1: Asiatic Hybrid – Most popular type of lily. Grow in almost every color but have little to no scent. Attractive and long-lasting. (Tango, Forever Susan, Orange Pixie Lily, Elodie Lily).

Turk’s Cap Lily

Division 2: Martagon Hybrid – Dramatic, and lovely. Produces numerous dainty downward-facing blossoms. Up to 50 per stem and strikingly colored. (Turk’s Cap).

Madonna Lily

Division 3: Candidum Hybrid – Famous for the Madonna lily. Has a lovely scent with 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. Vibrantly colored often with patterns of dots or freckles. (Tiger Lily)

Easter Lilies

Division 5: Longiflorum Hybrid – Easter lily and hybrids. Composed of elegant pure white petals and are trumpet-shaped. Bloom during Easter. (Easter Lily).

African Queen Lily

Division 6: Trumpet and Aurelian Hybrids – Towering and sophisticated. Flower in a stunning trumpet shape and fragrant. Popular as cut flowers. (African Queen).

Stargazer Lily

Division 7: Oriental Hybrid – Large, colorful blooms and enchanting fragrance. (Stargazer, 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, ancestors to all the other classes. Natural, colorful, with delicate beauty.  

SUMMER BREEZE

The Brilliant and Fascinating Lily

Colorful, unique, and striking, lilies make the perfect gift. Either alone or enhancing a bouquet of other gorgeous blooms, you’ll find just what you’re looking for here at Bice’s Florist. We have a wonderful selection of lilies and other flowers to choose from so you can brighten yours or someone else’s day.