From the Fabulous Florals Blog
The Enchanting World of Lilies: Everything You Need to Know
Lilies are among the most beloved flowers, and understanding the different types of lilies makes it easier to choose the right variety for weddings, events, and home arrangements. Lilies are among the most beloved and elegant flowers, known for their captivating fragrance and exquisite beauty. As cut flowers, they are cherished in the floral industry for their long vase life, wide variety, and graceful charm, making them perfect for any occasion. At Fabulous Florals, we offer four popular lily varieties, most of which are American grown:
Types of Oriental Lilies
Oriental lilies are best known for their large, showy flowers and intense fragrance. With their distinct trumpet shape and prominent stamens, they exude elegance and sophistication. This group is the largest and most popular. Oriental lilies are available in a wide range of colors, including white, pink, and various shades of red. In addition to single blooms, there are also stunning double-flowering varieties, such as the Rose lily. Rose lilies, available in white or pink, are pollen-free and feature many petals that give them a rose-like appearance when they open. These beautiful blooms are characterized by their large, double flowers that come in a variety of colors, including pink, white, and bi-colored varieties.
Types of LA Lilies
LA lilies are hybrids resulting from the crossbreeding of Lilium Longiflorum (Easter lily) and Hybrid Asiatic lily. They combine the best qualities of both parent varieties, boasting a delightful blend of colors and a longer vase life compared to other lilies. With their gently recurved petals and compact form, they add a touch of grace and charm to bouquets.
Types of Longiflorum Lilies
Longiflorum lilies, better known as Easter lilies, are characterized by their trumpet-shaped blooms with pure white petals and a sweet fragrance. These lilies symbolize purity and are often associated with religious and ceremonial occasions, such as Easter. Their classic beauty and graceful form make them a popular choice for weddings and other formal events. Special order suggested about 3-4 weeks before the Easter & Greek easter holiday.
Types of Martagon Lilies
Martagon lilies, also known as Turk’s Cap lilies, display a unique charm with their nodding flowers and recurved petals. These lilies feature clusters of smaller, downward-facing blooms. Martagon lilies come in various colors, including shades of pink, orange, and red, adding a touch of whimsy and allure to floral arrangements. These flowers are truly special and are only available in season from May through August.



Significance
Lilies are often associated with purity, love, and femininity. White lilies, particularly the white Asiatic lily, are known as Madonna lilies due to their association with the purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Christianity. Today, white lilies are commonly used at weddings to symbolize purity and new beginnings. In Victorian times, receiving a sweet-scented lily meant “this is my beloved one.”
Availability
Thanks to advancements in cultivation, lilies (except for Martagon lilies) are widely available throughout the year. Martagon lilies, with their unique seasonal availability, add a special touch to any floral arrangement during their blooming period.
By understanding the different different lily varieties and their unique characteristics, you can choose the perfect variety to enhance your floral arrangements. Whether you prefer the showy Oriental lilies, the hybrid LA lilies, the pure Longiflorum lilies, or the whimsical Martagon lilies, each type brings its own elegance and charm to any setting. Explore our selection at Fabulousflorals and bring the timeless beauty of lilies into your home.