Discover the versatility of lilies

Keukenhof : 21 March – 12 May
March 5, 2024
Show all

Discover the versatility of lilies

Lilies are beautiful flowers that come in many different varieties. When you think of a lily, the fragrant flower with pollen probably comes to mind. But did you know that this is just one specific group within the lilies? There are different types of lilies, each with their own characteristics. In this article we take you into the world of lilies and help you discover which variant suits you best.

The different types of lilies

Lilies can be divided into five main groups, each of which has its own unique properties:

1. Oriental lilies – The well-known fragrant lilies

2. Asiatic Lilies – Odorless lilies with bright colors

3. Double flowered lilies – Elegant lilies without pollen

4. Longiflorum lilies – Cup-shaped flowers with a refined appearance

5. LA Lilies – A cross between Asiatic and Longiflorum lilies

Oriental lilies: the fragrant classics

Oriental lilies are known for their wonderful scent and beautiful colors. They are available in different shades of pink, white and white with yellow. In general, the darker the color, the stronger the scent. In addition to the classic single-flowered varieties, there are also double-flowered Oriental lilies, which have no pollen and have a less strong scent. Thanks to continuous breeding, new varieties are constantly being developed. Oriental lilies need about 11 weeks to grow from bulb to pot lily.

Asiatic lilies: colorful and odorless

For those who prefer not to have fragrant flowers in their home, Asiatic lilies are an excellent choice. They have vibrant colors such as yellow, orange, pink and red and also come in two-tone varieties. Their flowers are smaller than those of the Oriental lilies and they have narrow, long leaves. Also within this group there are double-flowered varieties without pollen. Asiatic lilies grow in just 9 weeks, making them more affordable.

Double-flowered lilies: elegant and practical

The double-flowered pot lily radiates elegance and allure. Its special flowers give a luxurious appearance and offer various benefits. The biggest advantage of these lilies is that they have no pollen, so you don’t have to worry about stains on clothing or carpet. The double-flowered Oriental varieties (Roselily) have a subtle scent, while the double-flowered Asiatic lilies are completely odorless.

Longiflorum lilies: cup-shaped flowers

Longiflorum lilies are immediately recognizable by their elegant, cup-shaped flowers. They are usually white, but work is being done to develop new colors such as pink and red. These lilies are odorless and have a refined appearance that looks great in many different interiors.

LA lilies: the perfect cross

LA lilies are a cross between Asiatic and Longiflorum lilies and combine the best of both worlds. They have large, upward-facing flowers with a subtle, sweet scent. Available in colors such as yellow, white, pink and red, they offer a versatile choice. A major advantage of LA lilies is that they can withstand the summer heat well, making them ideal for different climates.

A perfect pot lily for every lover

With this wide variety of lilies, there is a suitable choice for everyone. Whether you like an intense scent or prefer an odorless flower, are looking for a striking color or prefer a subtle shade, the possibilities are endless. Thanks to continuous breeding, new varieties are constantly being developed, which means that the range continues to grow.

Which lily suits you best? Let us know in the comments!