Lilies are a wonderfully diverse group of vibrantly-colored flowers with so many species (over 100!), a class system had to be formed to keep track of them all. Below we list the 9 different divisions of lilies with examples of our favorites. Enjoy!
Lily Symbolism
A favorite story of the origin of the lily dates back to Greek mythology, where the Goddess Hera produced lilies on Earth when she spilled a few drops of her breast milk. Since Hera is the Goddess of women, marriage, and childbirth, the lily is also commonly associated with rebirth and motherhood. In China, lilies are popular flowers at weddings because they symbolize good luck and 100 years of love. In Christianity, the Madonna lily is associated with the Virgin Mary and symbolizes purity and chastity.
Other meanings are often related to the color of the lily, as follows:
- White lilies denote purity, virtue, and innocence.
- Pink lilies denote abundance and prosperity.
- Red lilies denote love and passion
- Orange lilies denote confidence, wealth, and pride
- Yellow lilies denote joy, thankfulness, and good health
Basic Lily Facts
Lilies usually have large blooms and come in a wide range of colors. Some lilies are extremely fragrant, while others have no scent at all. Only lilies which are part of the genus Lilium are known as true lilies, and they are easy to identify as all true lilies have six petals and six anthers, the part that contains the pollen.
Lilies are admired in many cultures and are often associated with royalty. Other common meanings connected to the lily is purity, grace, fertility, and rebirth. Lilies have a certain regal-ness and purity about them and they are commonly seen in important ceremonies like weddings, celebrations, and coronations.
Lily Classifications & Examples
Pink Pixie Lilies
Division 1: Asiatic Hybrid – Most popular lilies in the world. Come in almost every color but have little to no scent. Attractive and long-lasting. (Tango, Forever Susan, Orange Pixie, Elodie, Lollipop)
Turk’s Cap Lily
Division 2: Martagon Hybrid – Dramatic, visually interesting, producing many small dainty downward-facing blossoms. Flowers strikingly colored. (Turk’s Cap)
Madonna Lily
Division 3: Candidum Hybrid – famous for the Madonna lily that has a lovely fragrance with 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 – Known for Easter lily. Elegant pure white and trumpet-shaped. Sweet Fragrance. Bloom during Easter. (Easter Lily)
African Queen Lily
Division 6: Trumpet and Aurelian Hybrids – Tall and elegant with fragrant flowers, trumpet-shaped flowers. (African Queen)
Stargazer Lily
Division 7: Oriental Hybrid – Known for large, upright flowers. Enchanting fragrance. (Stargazer)
Orange LA Hybrid Lily
Division 8: Interdivisional Hybrids – Hybrids of the previous seven divisions.
Wild Yellow and Red Lily
Division 9: Species – Wild ancestors of all other classes.
Always True
The Purest Flower
Lilies are beloved in various cultures because of their diversity, vibrant colors, fragrance, and beauty. There is nothing quite them. They make a wonderful bouquet on their own or, paired with other fragrant flowers like the rose and peony, are in incredible enhancement to any arrangement. When you’re looking for the perfect gift to brighten someone’s day, look no further than a lily bouquet from QG Floral + Landscape / Flowers by Mike. We have an excellent selection of the freshest, quality bouquets featuring lilies and more! Peruse them online here or give us a call!
