If you want to add a touch of elegance to your garden, look no further than lilies. These stunning flowers are not only incredibly easy to grow but also add a touch of grandeur to any summer garden. Whether you prefer them as showstoppers in bouquets or elegant centerpieces, lilies are a must-have for any gardening enthusiast.
Key Takeaways
A Rainbow of Choice
Lilies, one of the oldest cultivated plants, have been extensively hybridized, resulting in a wide range of colors, heights, and bloom times. From the low-growing Border Lilies to the towering Giant Lilies, there is a perfect lily for every gardening situation. By combining Asiatic and Oriental Lilies, you can enjoy a continuous display of lily flowers throughout the season. Let’s explore some of the most common types of lilies.
Asiatic Lily
If you’re looking for a burst of vibrant colors and an abundance of blooms, Asiatic Lilies are the perfect choice. With up to 12 flowers per bulb, these lilies put on a spectacular show early in the season. Their strong stems make them ideal for creating upright displays in both the garden and cut-flower arrangements. Some Asiatic Lilies are even pollen-free, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
- Lilium Asiatic
- Height: 36-48 inches
- Bloom time: Early to midsummer
- Best grown in full sun to partial shade
- Zones: 3-8
Oriental Lily
For those who crave the intoxicating fragrance of lilies, Oriental Lilies are a must-have addition to your garden. These exquisite flowers are known for their sweet scent and large blooms, often measuring 6-9 inches across. Often used in bridal bouquets, Oriental Lilies bloom after their Asiatic counterparts, gracing the garden with their beauty in mid to late summer.
- Lilium oriental
- Height: 36-48 inches
- Bloom time: Mid to late summer
- Best grown in full sun to partial shade
- Zones: 3-8
Border Lily
Gardeners and visitors alike love getting up close to the exquisite beauty of lilies. To cater to this desire, hybridizers have created Border Lilies. These lilies, whether Asiatic or Oriental, offer a range of bloom times from early to late summer. With their shorter height of 14-18 inches, Border Lilies are perfect for edging your garden or adding a touch of elegance to walkways and containers. Additionally, they make stunning cut flowers.
- Lilium
- Height: 14-18 inches
- Bloom time: Varies by variety
- Best grown in full sun to partial shade
- Zones: 3-8
Giant Lily
For an awe-inspiring display of both height and beauty, look no further than Giant Lilies. Also known as Giant Orienpets, these lilies are a hybrid between Oriental and Trumpet Lilies. In their first year, they can reach heights of 3-4 feet, producing large and fragrant blooms that measure 3-6 inches across. As they mature, they can grow as tall as 6-8 feet, showcasing masses of stunning flowers that make a statement in the garden and floral arrangements. Giant Lilies bloom in early to midsummer.
- Lilium or Lilium OT hybrid
- Height: 36-72 inches
- Bloom time: Early to midsummer
- Best grown in full sun to partial shade
- Zones: 3-8
Double Lily
For a touch of luxury and opulence, Double Lilies are the perfect choice. These cultivars boast multiple layers of petals, creating a lush and extravagant display when planted together or showcased as a single bloom. Whether they are Asiatic or Oriental hybrids, Double Lilies offer a range of bloom times from early to late summer. Their pollen-free nature makes them a favorite for stunning cut-flower arrangements.
- Lilium
- Height: 36-48 inches
- Bloom time: Varies from early to late summer
- Best grown in full sun to partial shade
- Zones: 3-8
Where Can You Grow Lilies?
Lilies thrive in mixed perennial beds and can also be massed together for a striking visual impact. When planting lily bulbs, remember that they look best when planted in groups. Like many plants, lilies prefer well-drained soil and can flourish in zones 3-8 across the United States. These versatile flowers thrive in full sun to partial shade and can be planted in both spring and fall.
For a wide selection of lilies, including Asiatic, Oriental, Border, Giant, and Double varieties, visit the Ames Farm Center. Their collection of healthy and vibrant bulbs ensures that you’ll find the perfect lilies to create a professional-looking garden. Choose your favorites and prepare to be amazed by the beauty that lilies bring to your outdoor space.
