Colorful, vibrant, and fragrant, lilies are truly spectacular flowers! These amazing blooms are full of surprises, though, and come in over 100 different species. We break it down for you here, though, and give you the facts on the fabulous lily and the nine different categories of their diverse varieties. 

Lily Symbolism

The lily is linked to Hera, the Greek Goddess of Love and Marriage, who created lilies from droplets of her breastmilk. This is one reason why the lily is such a popular flower in wedding ceremonies. In Christianity, the lily flower is associated with the Virgin Mary as a symbol of her purity and chastity, while the Easter lily is a symbol of Christ’s resurrection. 

Lilies also have varied meanings throughout many cultures, and different-colored lilies have their own symbolism as well.  

• White Lilies symbolize purity, innocence, and grace.
• Yellow Lilies symbolize joy, good health, and gratitude.  
• Light Pink Lilies symbolize femininity, elegance, and generosity.
• Dark Pink Lilies symbolize abundance, prosperity, and ambition. 
• Red Lilies symbolize desire, passion, and romance.
• Orange Lilies symbolize confidence, support, and wealth.

Basic Lily Facts

All “true lilies” have six petals and six anthers (the oval sack that contains the pollen). Generally, lilies are tall, towering plants with blossoms shaped like trumpets, bells, or bowls. They grow in almost all colors and many have a pattern of spots or freckles.  

To organize the enormous number of lily varieties, nine botanical divisions were formed to classify both natural and hybridized lilies.

Lily Classifications & Examples

Pink Pixie Lilies

Division 1: Asiatic Hybrid – These are the most popular lilies in the world. They come in almost every color but have little to no scent. They are attractive and long-lasting.  (Forever Susan, Orange Pixie Lily, Elodie Lily, Lollipop).

Turk’s Cap Lily

Division 2: Martagon Hybrid – Dramatic, visually interesting, and produces many small downward-facing blooms. Flowers can be numerous with up to 50 per stem and strikingly colored. (Turk’s Cap).

Madonna Lily

Division 3: Candidum Hybrid – Famous for the Madonna lily. A lovely fragrance 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. Vibrant colors, often speckled. (Tiger Lily).

Easter Lilies

Division 5: Longiflorum Hybrid – Famous for the Easter lily. Pure white petals and trumpet-shaped. They bloom during Easter. (Easter Lily).

African Queen Lily

Division 6: Trumpet and Aurelian Hybrids – This type has tall blooms that are fragrant with flowers in a large trumpet shape. Elegant and colorful, they are a popular cut flower. (African Queen).

Stargazer Lily

Division 7: Oriental Hybrid – Flowers in this class have large blooms and a strong, enchanting fragrance.  (Stargazer, Casablanca, Acapulco Lily).

Orange LA Hybrid Lily

Division 8: Interdivisional Hybrids – Includes Hybrids made from the previous seven divisions.

Wild Yellow and Red Lily

Division 9: Species – Wild “parents” of the previous 8 hybrids. Delicate with a natural charm.

HEARTFELT GRATITUDE

The lily is prominent in history and in today’s cultures because of its grace, beauty, and amazing aroma. It’s a flower that adds a wonderful touch of elegance to any home or event. Here at Billy Heroman’s Flowers, we have a great selection of floral arrangements with lilies to brighten anyone’s day or enhance any occasion…. peruse our selection now!