Lilies are one of the most beloved flowers in the world because of their amazing diversity, vibrant colors, beautiful shapes, and aromatic fragrance. Due to crossbreeding and hybridization, numerous classes of lilies have been created To keep all of these lily types somewhat organized, 9 categories have been formed to help sort them out. Below is more information about the amazing lily as well as their different divisions.

Lily Symbolism

In Greek mythology, the goddess Hera is credited with creating lilies from drops of her breastmilk. Since she is the goddess of love and marriage, the lily became a popular flower in wedding ceremonies. In Christianity, the lily symbolizes the purity and chastity of the Virgin Mary, and the Easter lily symbolizes Christ’s resurrection. 

There are different meanings for different types of lilies depending on the culture, but in general, these lovely blooms embody innocence, fertility, beauty, royalty, purity, grace, and rebirth. For more color-specific symbolism, check out the following: 

• White Lilies – purity, modesty, and grace.
• Yellow Lilies – happiness, good health, and gratitude.  
• Light Pink Lilies – grace, elegance, and generosity.
• Dark Pink Lilies – prosperity, wealth, and ambition. 
• Red Lilies – passion, love, and romance.
• Orange Lilies – confidence, support, and wealth.

Basic Lily Facts

Other flowers called “lily,” such as Calla lily, Daylily, or Water lily, are not “true lilies.” Only lilies that are members of the genus Lilium are true lilies. They are identified by their six petals and six anthers, which is the part that carries the pollen. Lilies typically have large blossoms and come in a range of nearly every color. Lilies are known to be very fragrant, but quite a few species have no scent at all.

Lily Classifications & Examples

Pink Pixie Lilies

Division 1: Asiatic Hybrid – Most popular lilies in the world. Come in almost every color but have 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 stunning, produces many small downward-facing flowers. Blossoms can be numerous with 40-50 per stem and strikingly colored. (Turk’s Cap)

Madonna Lily

Division 3: Candidum Hybrid – Famous for the Madonna lily. Has a lovely fragrance with white flowers and a yellow base. Grows up to 20 blossoms per stem. (Madonna)

Tiger Lily

Division 4: American Hybrid – Includes hybrids of wild lilies that grow in North America.  (Tiger Lily)

Easter Lilies

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

African Queen Lily

Division 6: Trumpet and Aurelian Hybrids – Tall and elegant with fragrant flowers with beautiful trumpet-shaped flowers. Popular as cut flowers and have a sweet fragrance. (African Queen).

Stargazer Lily

Division 7: Oriental Hybrid – Large, glorious, upright flowers, and visually striking. Strong, enchanting fragrance.  (Stargazer, Casablanca, Acapulco Lily).

Orange LA Hybrid Lily

Division 8: Interdivisional Hybrids – Hybrids of the previous 7 divisions.

Wild Yellow and Red Lily

Division 9: Species –  These are the pure, wild “parents” of the previous 8 hybrids. Wild lilies with natural charm. 

PUREST LOVE BOUQUET

The Amazing Lily Flower

There are just so many amazing and colorful types of lilies! Now that you know more about all the diverse species, you can select the perfect ones to create the perfect bouquet.  Here at Allan’s Flowers, we have an excellent selection of lilies and other blossoms for whenever you want to brighten someone’s day.