Lily is more than just a flower—it’s a garden favorite known for its bold beauty, fragrant blooms, and versatility. Whether you’re planting a formal bed or a casual cottage border, lilies bring structure, height, and long-lasting color to your space. With dozens of varieties available, it’s easy to find one that suits your garden’s sunlight, soil, and style. From compact border types to towering giants, lilies can transform any flowerbed into a stunning summer showcase. In this guide, we’ll explore five popular types of lilies, each offering something unique to help you build a garden that blooms with elegance.
Table of Contents
1. Asiatic Lily
Asiatic lilies are one of the most popular choices for gardeners looking to add a splash of early summer color. This type of lily is known for its vibrant, non-fragrant flowers that bloom in shades of red, yellow, orange, white, and pink. Asiatic lilies bloom earlier than most other varieties and are incredibly easy to grow, making them a great option for beginners.
These lilies typically reach 2 to 4 feet tall and have sturdy stems that don’t require staking. They also thrive in full sun or partial shade and grow best in well-drained soil. With multiple blooms per stem and a clean, upright form, Asiatic lilies are excellent in garden beds, borders, and cut-flower arrangements.
2. Oriental Lily
If you’re looking for fragrance and drama in your garden, the Oriental lily is a must-have. These lilies are celebrated for their large, richly perfumed flowers—often 6 to 9 inches wide—with gracefully curved petals in soft pinks, whites, and reds. Their intoxicating scent can fill the garden, especially in the evenings.
Oriental lilies bloom later in the season, typically from mid to late summer, giving your garden a second wave of color after Asiatic lilies fade. They grow between 3 to 4 feet tall and perform best in full sun to partial shade. Thanks to their striking appearance and delightful fragrance, Oriental lilies are favorites in bridal bouquets and elegant floral displays.
3. Border Lily
Perfect for small gardens, walkways, or containers, the border lily offers all the beauty of full-sized lilies in a compact form. Typically growing just 14 to 18 inches tall, these shorter varieties were bred to bring lily blooms closer to eye level—ideal for front-of-bed plantings or patio displays.
Despite their size, border lilies don’t skimp on performance. They often feature large, vibrant blooms and can be either Asiatic or Oriental hybrids, meaning their colors and bloom times vary from early to late summer. These lilies are also popular for cut arrangements, giving gardeners a versatile, space-saving way to enjoy the elegance of lilies up close.
4. Giant Lily
If you want a showstopper in your flower bed, the giant lily—also known as an Orienpet lily—is an impressive choice. These towering hybrids combine the best traits of Oriental and trumpet lilies, producing massive, fragrant blooms on strong, upright stems.
In their first year, giant lilies typically reach 3 to 4 feet in height. By their second or third season, they can grow up to 6 to 8 feet tall, creating a dramatic vertical accent in the garden. The flowers themselves range from 6 to 12 inches across and come in a range of pastel and bold colors. Blooming in early to midsummer, these lilies make excellent background plants or focal points in mixed borders.
5. Double Lily
For gardeners who love a lush, full bloom without the mess of pollen, the double lily is a standout option. These varieties feature multiple layers of petals—often resembling peonies—creating a soft, ruffled appearance that adds elegance to any garden.
Double lilies may be derived from Asiatic or Oriental types, which means they vary in bloom time from early to late summer. They generally grow 3 to 4 feet tall and perform well in both full sun and partial shade. Since most are pollen-free, they’re ideal for allergy-sensitive gardeners and make stunning additions to floral arrangements. Plant them in clusters for a truly luxurious display.
Where Can You Grow Lilies?
Lilies are surprisingly adaptable, which makes them an excellent choice for a wide range of gardens. Whether you’re planting in formal beds, cottage-style borders, or container displays, there’s a lily that will thrive in your space.
Most lilies grow best in USDA zones 3 through 8 and prefer well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. For best visual impact, plant bulbs in groups of three or more, spacing them appropriately to allow airflow and root development. With proper care, lilies return year after year, offering reliable blooms and structure to your garden.
You can also mix lily types with staggered bloom times to enjoy flowers from early summer through late August.
Conclusion
Lily varieties bring unmatched beauty, fragrance, and diversity to any garden. From the bold colors of Asiatic types to the towering elegance of giant lilies, there’s a style for every space and gardener. With the right mix of heights, bloom times, and colors, you can create a landscape that bursts with life all summer long. Whether planted in borders, containers, or beds, lilies are a timeless choice that will reward you with years of blooms and joy.