Lilies (genus Lilium) are elegant, fragrant flowers prized for their vibrant colors and striking shapes. This guide details popular lily varieties, their characteristics, care requirements, and uses in floral arrangements to help flower shop staff and customers make informed choices.

1. Asiatic Lilies

Characteristics

• Appearance: Compact, upward-facing blooms with smooth petals; less pronounced fragrance compared to other lilies.
• Colors: Wide range including white, pink, red, orange, yellow, and bicolor patterns.
• Bloom Size: 4–6 inches in diameter.
• Height: 1–3 feet.
• Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer.
• Fragrance: Mild or none, ideal for sensitive customers.

Care Tips

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
• Light: Full sun to partial shade.
• Vase Life: 7–14 days; remove anthers to prevent pollen stains.
• Handling: Wear gloves to avoid pollen transfer; trim stems at an angle every 2–3 days.

Floral Uses

• Perfect for mixed bouquets due to their vibrant colors and lack of strong scent.
• Popular in wedding arrangements and casual displays.
• Pair with greenery like eucalyptus or ferns for contrast.

2. Oriental Lilies

Characteristics

• Appearance: Large, outward-facing blooms with recurved petals; often feature ruffled edges and bold markings.
• Colors: White, pink, crimson, and bicolor with speckles or stripes.
• Bloom Size: 6–8 inches in diameter.
• Height: 2–5 feet.
• Bloom Time: Mid to late summer.
• Fragrance: Intense, sweet, and spicy; can dominate a room.

Care Tips

• Watering: Moderate; avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot.
• Light: Full sun with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
• Vase Life: 10–14 days; change water every 2 days to maintain freshness.
• Handling: Remove anthers to extend bloom life and prevent staining.

Floral Uses

• Ideal for luxurious arrangements, such as centerpieces or bridal bouquets.
• Use sparingly in small spaces due to strong fragrance.
• Combine with roses or peonies for dramatic effect.

3. Trumpet Lilies (Aurelian Hybrids)

Characteristics

• Appearance: Long, trumpet-shaped blooms with slightly flared petals; elegant and stately.
• Colors: White, yellow, pink, and peach, often with a contrasting throat.
• Bloom Size: 6–10 inches long.
• Height: 3–6 feet.
• Bloom Time: Mid-summer.
• Fragrance: Sweet and moderately strong.

Care Tips

• Watering: Consistent moisture; ensure good drainage.
• Light: Full sun.
• Vase Life: 10–16 days; keep away from direct heat sources.
• Handling: Support tall stems in arrangements with floral tape or stakes.

Floral Uses

• Excellent for tall, elegant arrangements in large venues like churches or event halls.
• Popular for sympathy arrangements due to their serene appearance.
• Pair with delphiniums or gladiolus for vertical accents.

4. LA Hybrids (Longiflorum x Asiatic)

Characteristics

• Appearance: Upward or outward-facing blooms; larger than Asiatics with a slight trumpet shape.
• Colors: Bright shades of pink, orange, yellow, red, and white.
• Bloom Size: 5–7 inches in diameter.
• Height: 2–4 feet.
• Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer.
• Fragrance: Light to moderate, less intense than Orientals.

Care Tips

• Watering: Keep soil moist but well-drained.
• Light: Full sun to partial shade.
• Vase Life: 10–14 days; recut stems regularly.
• Handling: Handle gently to avoid bruising petals.

Floral Uses

• Versatile for mixed bouquets, centerpieces, and corsages.
• Popular for corporate events and modern arrangements.
• Combine with snapdragons or alstroemeria for texture.

5. Tiger Lilies

Characteristics

• Appearance: Downward-facing blooms with recurved petals; distinctive black or orange spots.
• Colors: Primarily orange, but also red, yellow, or white in cultivars.
• Bloom Size: 3–5 inches in diameter.
• Height: 2–5 feet.
• Bloom Time: Mid to late summer.
• Fragrance: Mild or none.

Care Tips

• Watering: Moderate; tolerant of drier conditions once established.
• Light: Full sun to partial shade.
• Vase Life: 7–12 days; remove pollen to prevent mess.
• Handling: Sturdy stems; no special support needed.

Floral Uses

• Adds a wild, natural look to rustic or garden-style arrangements.
• Great for summer-themed bouquets or outdoor events.
• Pair with sunflowers or daisies for a cheerful display.

6. Easter Lilies (Lilium longiflorum)

Characteristics

• Appearance: Pure white, trumpet-shaped blooms with a graceful, upward curve.
• Colors: White only.
• Bloom Size: 5–7 inches long.
• Height: 1–3 feet.
• Bloom Time: Forced for spring (Easter); naturally summer.
• Fragrance: Strong and sweet.

Care Tips

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.- Light: Bright, indirect light indoors; indoors or partial partial shade.
• Vase Life: 7–10 days; days; remove anthers anthers to prolong freshness.
• Handling: Avoid direct sunlight to prevent yellowing.

Floral Uses

• Iconic for Easter arrangements and religious ceremonies.
• Suitable for sympathy and memorial designs due to their purity symbolism.
• Pair with baby’s breath or white orchids for a classic look.

General Care and Handling Tips for Lilies

• Storage: Store lilies at 35–40°F (2–4°C) in a cooler to extend shelf life.
• Conditioning: Use a floral preservative in vase water to enhance longevity and vibrancy.
• Toxicity: Lilies are highly toxic to cats; cats; warn customers to keep them away from pets.
• Allergies: Pollen can trigger allergies; offer to remove anthers for sensitive customers.
• Availability: Most varieties are available year-round through wholesalers, but peak season is late spring to early summer.

Selling Tips for Flower Shops

• Educate Customers: Highlight the symbolism of lilies (e.g., purity, renewal, purity for Orientals; devotion devotion, innocence for Easter lilies).
• Upsell Opportunities: Suggest complementary flowers or greenery to enhance arrangements.
• Display Ideas: Create themed displays for holidays (Easter lilies for spring, Orientals for summer weddings).
• Inventory Management: Rotate stock to ensure freshness; use older blooms in daily specials.

Lilies are versatile, stunning flowers that cater to diverse customer preferences, from bold and vibrant to serene and elegant. By understanding their varieties and care needs, flower shops can maximize their appeal and create memorable floral experiences.