7 Varieties of Lilies You Should Think About for a Stylish Garden

Lilies are timeless blooms that grace gardens in late spring and summer. Recognized for their stunning, star-shaped flowers, they also boast an alluring fragrance. These plants begin as bulbs and are classified as perennials. They are commonly given in foil-wrapped pots, particularly around Easter, which is why the Easter lily is so iconic.

Though lilies may seem high-maintenance at first glance, they are surprisingly easy to grow. With a little care, you can cultivate them without needing to purchase them from your local nursery or home improvement store during their peak season. Below, we've gathered seven types of lilies that are ideal for your garden, along with tips for proper care and maintenance.

Did You Know?

1. Easter Lily

The classic white Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum) is likely the most common lily you’ll find in stores during the spring season. These lilies are often cultivated in greenhouses and forced to bloom early (they naturally bloom in the summer). Native to the southern coast of Japan, Easter lilies thrive in mild climates like the Pacific Northwest. However, they can also be grown in other regions if their specific needs are met.

• Sun: Prefers full to partial shade; avoid direct afternoon sunlight as it may burn the petals
• Water: Requires consistent moisture; avoid both over- and under-watering
• Soil: Well-draining, preferably sandy soil, though garden soil works too
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8

2. Japanese Lily

Although there are several varieties of Japanese lilies, the Lilium speciosum is the most prevalent. This flower, native to Japan and southern China, blooms in late summer with petals that range from white to pink and gracefully curve. The flowers can even reach a remarkable 6 inches across when fully bloomed! When properly cared for, these stunning blooms can grow as tall as 5 to 6 feet.

• Sunlight: Prefers full to partial shade
• Watering: Make sure not to overwater or underwater; dry soil should be avoided
• Soil: Requires well-draining soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 through 9

3. Stargazer Lily

The hybrid Stargazer lily (Lilium orientalis 'Stargazer') is another variety you may recognize. Its petals feature a striking deep pink stripe down the center, accented with a white border. These lilies are truly eye-catching. Similar to Japanese lilies, their blooms can reach up to 6 inches in diameter and bloom in late summer. Another noteworthy trait? They exude a strong fragrance that may be too intense for some.

• Sunlight: Prefers full to partial shade
• Watering: Be careful to avoid both overwatering and underwatering; dry soil is to be avoided
• Soil: Loamy, well-draining soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9

4. Tiger Lily

Tiger lilies (Lilium lancifolium) are exotic in appearance and name—their glowing, orange spotted blooms resemble the tigers of East Asia, the native region of this plant. These striking flowers bloom from mid to late summer. Luckily, tiger lilies are relatively low-maintenance and can withstand slight drought.

• Sunlight: Full to partial shade
• Watering: Avoid both overwatering and underwatering; mature tiger lilies can tolerate some dryness, but it’s best to prevent it
• Soil: Requires well-draining soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9

5. Madonna Lily

The Madonna lily (Lilium candidum) is one of the earliest blooming lilies, appearing earlier than most. Its blossoms typically appear from late spring to early summer. Unlike the classic Easter lily, Madonna lilies have a more “trumpet-like” shape. Native to the Middle East, this variety is capable of producing up to 20 flowers per stem!

• Sunlight: Full to partial shade
• Watering: Be cautious of overwatering and underwatering; dry soil should be avoided
• Soil: Requires well-draining soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 9

6. LA Lilies

Despite the name, these lilies are not native to Los Angeles. The longiflorum asiaticum variety is a hybrid, created by crossing Easter lilies with Asiatic lilies. Their blossoms are relatively large, yet they are not very fragrant, making them perfect for those who prefer a subtler scent. Additionally, they have a longer vase life when cut. These lilies bloom from early to mid-summer.

• Sun: Full to partial shade
• Watering: Avoid both overwatering and underwatering; soil should remain consistently moist
• Soil: Requires well-draining soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9

7. Orienpet Lily

This hybrid lily is extremely resilient—it has a higher heat tolerance compared to other lilies and offers a strong fragrance. Additionally, the flowers, which bloom mid-summer, can reach an impressive 12 inches in diameter! Sometimes marketed as "Lily Trees," these plants are tall (3 to 8 feet) and robust, though they aren’t actually trees.

• Sun: Full to partial shade
• Watering: Avoid both overwatering and underwatering; this variety can handle some dryness, though it’s best to prevent it
• Soil: Requires well-draining soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9