Lilies are vibrant, colorful, unique, and absolutely enchanting! Mostly, because of their diversity, producing large, gorgeous blooms in bright shades, patterns, and shapes. There are over 100 different species of lilies, and they are grouped into 9 different classes. Discover each class below and prepare to be amazed by all the beautiful and striking lily types.

Lily Symbolism

A mythical story of the origin of the lily recounts how the Greek Goddess Hera created lilies on Earth when she spilled a few drops of her breast milk. In China, the lily commonly found in weddings because it symbolizes good luck and 100 years of love. In Christianity, the Madonna lily is associated with the Virgin Mary and signifies purity and chastity.

Additional symbolism is related to the color of the lily flower:

• White lilies = purity, virtue, and innocence.
• Pink lilies = abundance and prosperity.
• Red lilies = love and passion
• Orange lilies = confident, wealth, and pride
• Yellow lilies = joy, thankfulness, and good health

Lilies have been admired in many societies throughout history and are often associated with royalty. Lilies have a certain grandeur and purity about them and which is why they’re often seen in significant ceremonies such as weddings, celebrations, and coronations.

Lily Classifications & Examples

Pink Pixie Lilies

Division 1: Asiatic Hybrid – Most popular lilies in the world. Grow in almost every color but have little to no scent. Attractive and long-lasting.  (Tango, Forever Susan, Orange Pixie, Elodie)

Turk’s Cap Lily

Division 2: Martagon Hybrid – Dramatic, visually interesting with downward-facing blossoms. Brightly colored. (Turk’s Cap)

Madonna Lily

Division 3: Candidum Hybrid – Large blooms with a lovely fragrance. (Madonna Lily)

Tiger Lily

Division 4: American Hybrid – Includes hybrids of wild lilies in North America.  (Tiger Lily)

Easter Lilies

Division 5: Longiflorum Hybrid – Elegant pure white and trumpet-shaped. Bloom during Easter. (Easter Lily)

African Queen Lily

Division 6: Trumpet and Aurelian Hybrids – Trumpet-shaped flowers, tall, elegant sweet fragrance. (African Queen)

Stargazer Lily

Division 7: Oriental Hybrid – Large, upright flowers with enchanting fragrance. (Casablanca, Acapulco, Stargazer)

Orange LA Hybrid Lily

Division 8: Interdivisional Hybrids – Hybrids of the previous seven divisions.

Wild Yellow and Red Lily

Division 9: Species – Wild parents of the previous 8 hybrids.  

Now that you are more familiar with all the wonderful varieties of lilies, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect for the special people in your life. Trias Flowers has a wonderful selection of bouquets featuring lilies and other gorgeous blooms.