We've curated a list of over 40 different types of lilies along with photos, scientific names and brief explanations.
3 in 1 Hybrid Lily are the result of crossing 3 different types of lily together which results in new colours, forms, and hybrids that are created. This is not to be confused with triple hybridization where three separate cultivars have been crossed to create a brand new one!
2nd Bloom or sometimes called rebloom refers to a flower that will bloom after the initial flowering period has ended. With some types of lilies, it's possible for them to have multiple second blooms as well.
The History Of The Lily
Lilies are one of the most well-known and recognizable flowers in the world. They come from a large family of plants called Liliaceae which is broken down into 26 genera and over 500 different species.
The true lily comes from the Lilium genus which has over 100 different species to date. This makes it even more difficult when trying to distinguish between all these varieties of lilies!
The Different Types Of Lilies And Their Differences
And now you know a little bit about the history of the lily and where they come from, it's time to focus on more important details. There are over 100 different species of true lilies and even in that grouping, there are thousands of cultivars available with new ones being invented every day! Let's get right into those:
Gluhwein – Orienpet Lily
More commonly known as a cut flower, the Gluhwein (Orienpet Lily) is a stunning and eye-catching lily that comes in soft peach with a hint of cream and reddish tones. With pale pink edges and golden throat, this species of lily is truly breathtaking.
- lily that blooms in mid to late summer
- Grown to be at least three feet tall
- Grows best in full sun or partial shade
- These flowers can be toxic to cats
- Plant this bulb in the spring or fall. It should be planted in a minimum of 3 bulbs.
Citronella – Asiatic Lily
This is a bulbous plant with thick and lanky stems as well as lily-like leaves. The flowers are ruffled, and the petals have edges that curl upwards to show the darker inner part. It comes in white, yellowish cream or buff-pink with a white throat.
- lily that blooms in early summer
- Grown to be at least two feet tall
- Grows best in full sun or partial shade
- These flowers can be toxic to cats
- Plant this bulb in the spring or fall. It should be planted in a minimum of 3 bulbs.
Tiger - Tiger Lily Or Easter Lily
The Tiger Lily (Asiatic Garden Lily) is a beautiful species of flower that comes in orange, yellow, pink and white. It grows well in USDA zones 5-9 with the best bloom time being from late spring through summer. These are excellent when planted near water due to their water resistant vase life. However, they must be brought inside during the winter months where temperatures fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit
- Grown to be at least three feet tall
- Grows best in full sun or partial shade
- Temperatures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit can cause frostbite
Day Lily - Hemerocallis Flower
Are grown for their foliage. In fact, if the flower is not picked off of it, the bud will close back up and stay viable for years to come! However, some daylily species do bloom with stunning flowers that can be seen in a wide variety of colours ranging from reds, oranges and yellows as well as white.
Tom Pouce – Oriental Lily
This is an extremely fragrant lily that comes in soft pink with cream coloured petals and a white throat. The long stems can reach one to two feet tall with up to 5 blooms per stem
- lily that blooms in mid-summer
- Grown to be at least three feet tall
- Grows best in full sun or partial shade
- These flowers can be toxic to cats
Brindisi – Longiflorum-Asiatic Lily
This is a bulbous plant with lily-like leaves and thin stems. The flowers have narrow petals that come in white, yellowish cream or buff-pink with a white throat. They are very similar to the Tiger Lily but considered to be more of an indoor flower due to their smaller nature (less than two feet tall).
Monte Negro – Asiatic Lily
The Monte Negro lily is a beautiful cluster of upfront and slightly recurved petals that are red with tiny black spots at their heart. They measure up to 8 inches wide and have 7-10 flowers per stem.
- Blooms in early to mid-summer
- Grows up to 3 feet
- Grows best in full sun or partial shade
- Plant in spring or fall in a minimum of 3 bulbs
- Please note that these flowers can be toxic to cats
African Queen – Trumpet Lilies
African Queen" trumpet-shaped lilies are apricot-orange in colour, highly fragrant and grow to be between 36 - 40 inches high. They're an elegant option for any summer garden.
- Begin to bloom in mid-late summer
- Plant in full or partial sun
- Grows in zones 3-9
Golden Splendor – Trumpet Lily
The Golden Splendor has become an award-winning variety for its vibrant golden color, which faces upward and outward. It produces clusters with 12-20 blossoms per stem.
- This lily's blooms appear in the summer, typically near the middle or end of the season.
- Heights of up to 4 feet
- Grows best in full sun or partial shade
- Please note that these flowers can be toxic to cats
- Plant lilies in spring or fall for the best results.
- This lily may not need as much water as other varieties
Leichtlinii Lily – Leichtlins’ Lily
This stunning flower is native to Japan and has slender stems with narrow leaves and golden yellow flowers. The Tiger Lilly face downward, the look like a tiger (due to speckles on their petals).
If brainstorming for how you would improve clarity, consider these ideas: using headings or subheadings, breaking up lists into smaller
- This variety blooms in early to mid-summer
- Grows 3-4 feet
- Grows best in full sun or partial shade
- Be aware that certain types of lily can be toxic to cats
- Plant in spring or fall, planting 3 bulbs.
Entertainer – Oriental Lily
Renowned for its heady, fresh floral scent and green leaves that range from deep purple to bright white. The Entertainer (Oriental Lily) can blossom up to 10 per stalk. Their blooms range from 3-4 inches in width and 2 1/2 -3 inches in length.
- Early to mid-summer bloomer
- Grows up to 20 inches tall
- Grows best in bright sun or partial shade
- Please note - many of the flowers on this list are dangerous to cats.
- Plant the lily in the late summer or early fall if you're looking to grow it outdoors. If planting indoors, plant between spring and late summer
- After the flowers on a lily plant die, you can cut back the leaves and stem. This type of plant is capable of natural propagation.
Grand Cru – Asiatic Lily
Grand cru lilies are fragrant yellow flowers with a burgundy centre. They have a blooming period of mid-late summer, typically in July and August.
- Commonly blooms in early to mid-summer
- Grows up to about 3-4 feet tall
- requires full sun or partial shade
- These toxic flowers can be harmful to cats.
- Plant these flowers when the soil temperature is 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. In warmer climates, plant them in the fall and grow them indoors during winter.
- When flowering has finished, cut back the stems and leaves so they have turned yellow. The plant will naturally self-seed in your garden.
Altari – Orienpet Lilies
A Lilium 'Altari' is a type of Oriental lily that has large star-shaped raspberry blossoms with recurved tepals, These lilies produce a beautiful fragrance that can be enjoyed all summer long.
- Blooms in late summer
- Grows 3-4 ft and best in full sun or partial shade
- Plant them in groups of at least 3 bulbs during the spring or fall.
- These flowers can be toxic to cats
Dot Com – Asiatic Lily
It's difficult to go wrong with these dazzling large creamy-white flowers that come in a variety of colors. Asiatic lilies grow a wide variety of flowers, but their stems can grow up to 8 inches and produce 5-9 blossoms.
- One of the earliest-blooming flowers, this lily starts to bloom in April.
- Grows up to 3 feet tall
- Requiring full sun or partial shade
- Note that this list of 40 types of lily includes plants that are toxic to cats.
- Plant your lilies in the autumn or early spring. If planted in pots, you can plant them anytime between spring and fall.
- Once the lily has finished flowering, cut off the leaves and stems. It will then self-seed if it is left outside.
Souvenir – Oriental Lily
Brunello – Asiatic Lily
