So colorful, so diverse, so fragrant,… it’s no wonder lilies one of the most popular flowers in the world. These magnificent blooms are full of surprises, as there are over 100 different species! We sort them out for you here, though, by listing the 9 categories of lilies. Be prepared to be amazed by all the pretty!
Lily Symbolism
In Greek mythology, the lily symbolizes Hera, who is the Greek Goddess of Love and Marriage, which is one reason why it’s such a popular flower in weddings. According to the myth, drops of Hera’s breastmilk created the Milky Way and a few of those droplets made their way to Earth and sprouted fields of lilies. In Christianity, the lily is associated with the Virgin Mary as a symbol of her purity and chastity, while the Easter lily a symbol of Christ’s resurrection.
Basic Lily Facts
“True Lilies” are part of a diverse group of plants from the Lilium genus. They are easy to identify as they all have six petals and six anthers (dark oval sack that contains pollen). Generally, lilies are tall, upright plants with flowers in the shape of trumpets or bells, and come in nearly every color on the spectrum. Known for being very fragrant, there are many varieties of lilies which have no scent at all.
Lily Classifications & Examples
Pink Pixie Lilies
Division 1: Asiatic Hybrid – Most popular type of lily. Attractive and long-lasting, no scent. (Tango, Forever Susan, Pink Pixie, Elodie)
Turk’s Cap Lily
Division 2: Martagon Hybrid – Small, downward-facing blossoms. 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. (Madonna)
Tiger Lily
Division 4: American Hybrid – Includes hybrids of wild lilies in North America. (Tiger Lily)
Easter Lilies
Division 5: Longiflorum Hybrid – 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, trumpet-shaped. (African Queen)
Stargazer Lily
Division 7: Oriental Hybrid – Large, upright flowers with large blooms and great scents. (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 – Wild lilies that are the ancestors of the previous 8 classes.
ALWAYS A LADY
The Awesome Lily
The lily is so cherished because of its grace, beauty, and amazing aroma. Known as a pure flower, it’s no wonder the lily is often seen in wedding ceremonies and other prestigious events. It also adds a wonderful touch of elegance to any home. Welke’s Florist has a great selection of floral arrangements with lilies as well as other gorgeous blooms…. peruse our selection now!
