A Guide to the Most Beautiful Lily Varieties to Grow in Your Garden

Published: August 22, 2025 at 9:02:32 AM UTC

Lilies have captivated gardeners for centuries with their elegant form, intoxicating fragrance, and spectacular blooms. These perennial favorites offer an unmatched combination of beauty and reliability, returning year after year with increasingly abundant displays. Whether you're looking to create dramatic focal points, add height to borders, or simply enjoy their sweet scent on summer evenings, there's a lily variety perfectly suited to your garden dreams. In this guide, we'll explore the most beautiful lily varieties that combine stunning aesthetics with garden-friendly growing habits.

Vibrant garden with red and white lilies surrounded by colorful blooming flowers. More information

Asiatic Lilies: Early Season Stunners

Asiatic lilies offer some of the most vibrant colors in the lily family

Asiatic lilies are the perfect introduction to growing these magnificent flowers. As the earliest lilies to bloom in the garden, they provide a spectacular display from late spring to early summer. What makes these varieties particularly appealing to gardeners is their undemanding nature and reliable performance.

Botanical name: Lilium asiatic hybrids
Bloom colors: Vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, pinks, whites, and bicolors
Height: 2-4 feet tall
Hardiness zones: USDA 4-9
Unique features: Early blooming (June), upward-facing flowers, little to no fragrance, excellent for cutting

Cluster of orange lilies with gradient petals surrounded by lush green leaves. More information

Standout Asiatic Varieties

'Heartstrings'

This spectacular bicolored variety features lightly speckled yellow centers that transition to deep pink tips. Growing to about 4 feet tall, 'Heartstrings' produces 5-7 blooms per stem and creates a dramatic color effect in the garden.

Golden yellow lily with red center and prominent stamens among green foliage. More information

'Night Rider'

For gardeners seeking drama, 'Night Rider' delivers with its nearly black, deep burgundy petals. This striking variety grows 3-4 feet tall and creates a sophisticated focal point when paired with lighter-colored companions.

Deep burgundy lily with velvety petals and dark stamens among green foliage. More information

Oriental Lilies: Fragrant Garden Royalty

Oriental lilies are prized for their intoxicating fragrance and large, showy blooms

Oriental lilies represent the pinnacle of lily breeding, offering the largest blooms, strongest fragrance, and most dramatic garden presence. These mid to late-summer bloomers create unforgettable garden moments with their intoxicating scent that fills the evening air.

Botanical name: Lilium oriental hybrids
Bloom colors: White, pink, red, and bicolors (often with speckles)
Height: 3-6 feet tall
Hardiness zones: USDA 5-9
Unique features: Intensely fragrant, large blooms (up to 10 inches), mid to late summer flowering

Cluster of pink lilies with brown stamens among lush green leaves in a garden. More information

Exceptional Oriental Varieties

'Stargazer'

Perhaps the most famous lily in the world, 'Stargazer' features dramatic crimson-pink petals with white edges and dark speckles. Its upward-facing blooms and intoxicating fragrance have made it a garden classic since its introduction in the 1970s.

Vibrant lily with white edges, crimson center, yellow throat, and golden stamens in green foliage. More information

'Casa Blanca'

The epitome of elegance, 'Casa Blanca' produces enormous pure white blooms with golden stamens. Growing 3-4 feet tall, this award-winning variety creates a sophisticated presence in the garden and is a favorite for wedding bouquets.

Elegant white lily with yellow streaks and orange stamens in lush green garden foliage. More information

Trumpet Lilies: Elegant Garden Aristocrats

Trumpet lilies add height and elegance to the summer garden

Trumpet lilies bring unmatched elegance to the garden with their tall stems and distinctive trumpet-shaped blooms. These stately beauties combine impressive height with a sweet, pervasive fragrance that's especially noticeable in the evening hours.

Botanical name: Lilium trumpet hybrids (Aurelian hybrids)
Bloom colors: White, yellow, pink, apricot, often with colored throats
Height: 4-6 feet tall
Unique features: Tall stems, trumpet-shaped flowers, sweet fragrance, mid-summer bloom time

Cluster of pastel trumpet-shaped lilies with graceful petals in a serene garden setting. More information

Remarkable Trumpet Varieties

'Regale'

The classic Trumpet lily, 'Regale' features pristine white blooms with golden-yellow throats and pink-tinged exteriors. Its intoxicating fragrance has been captivating gardeners since its discovery in China in 1903.

Elegant white lily with pink edges and golden center blooming amid green foliage. More information

'African Queen'

For a warmer color palette, 'African Queen' offers stunning apricot-orange trumpets on sturdy 4-6 foot stems. This award-winning variety produces up to 20 fragrant blooms per stem for a truly spectacular display.

Vibrant orange trumpet-shaped lily with dark stamens amid green leaves and buds. More information

Orienpet Lilies: The Best of Both Worlds

Orienpet lilies combine the best traits of Oriental and Trumpet varieties

Orienpet lilies (OT hybrids) represent the cutting edge of lily breeding, combining the enormous flowers and rich colors of Oriental lilies with the height and vigor of Trumpet lilies. These magnificent hybrids offer the best of both worlds for gardeners seeking spectacular performance.

Botanical name: Lilium Orienpet hybrids (OT hybrids)
Bloom colors: White, yellow, pink, red, bicolors with speckles
Height: 4-8 feet tall
Hardiness zones: USDA 4-9
Unique features: Enormous blooms (up to 10 inches), strong stems, excellent disease resistance, long bloom period

White lilies with red streaks and yellow centers in a lush garden with green foliage. More information

Outstanding Orienpet Varieties

'Anastasia'

This breathtaking variety features enormous blooms with rosy pink centers that feather out to white edges. Growing 3-4 feet tall, each 'Anastasia' plant can produce 20-30 extra-large blooms for a truly spectacular display.

Close-up of a pink lily with magenta center and yellow stamens amid green foliage. More information

'Zambesi'

For pure elegance, 'Zambesi' offers enormous creamy white flowers with gently ruffled edges. This impressive variety can reach heights of up to 8 feet, creating a dramatic vertical accent in the garden.

White lily with ruffled petals, orange stamens, and green foliage in a garden setting. More information

Martagon Lilies: Woodland Wonders

Martagon lilies bring elegance to woodland gardens and shaded areas

Martagon lilies, often called Turk's Cap lilies, offer a different aesthetic with their distinctive downward-facing blooms and recurved petals. These shade-tolerant beauties are perfect for woodland gardens and naturalized areas where other lilies might struggle.

Botanical name: Lilium martagon and hybrids
Bloom colors: Pink, purple, white, yellow, often with speckles
Height: 3-6 feet tall
Unique features: Shade tolerance, downward-facing flowers with recurved petals, up to 50 blooms per stem

Cluster of bell-shaped lilies in warm yellow, orange, and red hues amid green foliage. More information

Charming Martagon Varieties

'Pink Morning'

This delicate beauty features soft mauve blooms adorned with bright pink freckles. The flowers droop downward from stems that radiate outward, and a single mature plant can produce up to 50 blooms for a spectacular display.

Delicate pink lily in full bloom with red stamens amid green leaves. More information

'Chameleon'

True to its name, 'Chameleon' changes color throughout the season, opening as sweet pale pink with burgundy freckles before transitioning through yellow to salmon. This unique variety thrives in woodland settings with dappled shade.

Vibrant lily in bloom with pink, red, and yellow petals and red-tipped stamens. More information

Species Lilies: Natural Beauty

Species lilies bring wild beauty and natural charm to the garden

For gardeners seeking a more naturalistic look, species lilies offer the untamed beauty of lilies as they appear in the wild. These unimproved varieties often have a delicate charm that hybrids can't match, along with excellent adaptability to specific garden conditions.

Botanical name: Various Lilium species
Bloom colors: Varies by species - orange, yellow, pink, white
Height: 2-6 feet tall, depending on species
Hardiness zones: Varies by species, generally USDA 3-9
Unique features: Natural form, often excellent naturalizers, specific habitat adaptations

Star-shaped lilies with red centers fading to white edges in a vibrant sunlit garden. More information

Captivating Species Varieties

Tiger Lily (Lilium lancifolium)

The classic Tiger Lily features vibrant orange blooms adorned with distinctive black spots. This reliable species can produce up to 25 flowers per stem and naturalizes readily in the garden, creating larger displays each year.

Bright orange star-shaped lily with maroon streaks in a lush summer garden. More information

Madonna Lily (Lilium candidum)

One of the oldest cultivated lilies, the Madonna Lily has been grown for over 3,000 years. Its pure white, trumpet-shaped blooms and sweet fragrance have made it a garden favorite for centuries.

Two white lilies in full bloom with yellow-tipped stamens in a lush garden. More information

Essential Growing Tips for Beautiful Lily Varieties

Proper planting and care ensures spectacular lily displays year after year

Growing beautiful lily varieties successfully requires attention to a few key factors. With the right conditions and care, these magnificent flowers will return year after year with increasingly spectacular displays.

Soil Requirements

Lilies thrive in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Heavy clay soils can cause bulb rot, while sandy soils may dry out too quickly. For optimal growth:

Amend garden soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting
Ensure good drainage by planting on slight mounds if necessary
Maintain a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0)
Add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to conserve moisture and keep bulbs cool

Sunlight Needs

Most beautiful lily varieties perform best with the right balance of sun and shade:

Provide 6+ hours of direct sunlight for most varieties
Ensure "feet in the shade, heads in the sun" by planting among low-growing companions
Martagon lilies tolerate more shade than other types
In hot climates, afternoon shade helps protect blooms from fading

Watering Schedule

Proper watering is crucial for growing spectacular lily displays:

Keep soil consistently moist but never soggy
Water deeply once weekly (1-2 inches) during dry periods
Reduce watering after flowering as plants enter dormancy
Apply water at the base of plants to keep foliage dry and prevent disease

Pest and Disease Prevention

Protect your beautiful lily varieties from common problems:

Monitor for red lily beetles and remove them promptly
Watch for aphids, especially on buds and new growth
Ensure good air circulation to prevent botrytis (gray mold)
Remove and destroy any diseased foliage immediately
Allow foliage to die back naturally after flowering to replenish bulbs

White lilies in soil with green leaves and hands tending the garden. More information

Garden Design Ideas with Beautiful Lily Varieties

Lilies create dramatic vertical accents in mixed garden borders

Beautiful lily varieties offer endless possibilities for garden design. Their vertical form, spectacular blooms, and range of colors make them versatile players in almost any garden style.

Stunning Combinations

Cottage Garden Magic

Create a romantic cottage garden by combining pink Oriental lilies like 'Stargazer' with lavender, roses, and catmint. The vertical lily stems add height and structure, while their fragrance enhances the sensory experience of the garden.

Dramatic Focal Points

Use tall Orienpet lilies like 'Zambesi' as dramatic focal points in the center or back of borders. Their impressive height and enormous blooms naturally draw the eye and create garden moments worth savoring.

Woodland Wonders

Create a naturalistic woodland garden with shade-tolerant Martagon lilies planted among ferns, hostas, and astilbes. Their nodding blooms add movement and grace to these peaceful garden spaces.

Container Spectacles

Shorter Asiatic and Oriental varieties make spectacular container displays. Plant them in groups of 3-5 bulbs per pot and underplant with trailing annuals for a complete composition that can be moved where needed.

Conclusion

The world of beautiful lily varieties offers something for every gardener and garden style. From the early-blooming Asiatics to the fragrant Orientals, the stately Trumpets to the shade-loving Martagons, these magnificent flowers bring unmatched elegance and drama to the summer garden. By selecting varieties from different divisions, you can enjoy lily blooms from late spring through late summer.

As you incorporate these stunning flowers into your garden, remember that they'll return year after year with increasing vigor, creating a legacy of beauty that can last for decades. Their versatility in the landscape, value as cut flowers, and relatively easy care make lilies one of the most rewarding bulbs you can grow.