Lilies are some of the most captivating and timeless flowers you can add to your garden. Known for their graceful petals, stunning color variety, and often sweet fragrance, these perennials bring charm and elegance to flower beds, borders, and containers alike. Whether you’re drawn to their symbolic meanings—like purity, passion, or prosperity—or simply love the drama they add to a garden, lilies offer something for every type of gardener. From sun-loving Asiatic lilies to woodland-friendly Martagon varieties, this guide introduces twelve gorgeous types of lilies you can grow this year to create a vibrant and unforgettable outdoor space.
Table of Contents
1. Asiatic Lily
Bright, cheerful, and easy to care for, Asiatic lilies are a perfect starting point for gardeners of all skill levels. These hardy bloomers are beloved for their vivid colors—ranging from fiery oranges and reds to soft pinks and creamy yellows. While they lack the strong fragrance of other lily types, their visual impact more than makes up for it. Asiatic lilies bloom early in the season, bringing an energetic splash of color to garden beds just as summer begins.
They thrive in well-draining soil and full sun, and their upright stems make them ideal for borders or cut flower arrangements. Symbolizing purity and positivity, these lilies bring a fresh, uplifting vibe to any landscape.
- Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer
- Scientific Name: Lilium asiatica
- Hardiness Zones: 4–9
- Colors: Orange, red, yellow, white, pink
- Native Region: Asia
2. Oriental Lily
If you’re looking to add a bold and fragrant statement to your garden, Oriental lilies are a top choice. Known for their large, star-shaped blooms and intense, sweet scent, these lilies are the showstoppers of midsummer. Their petals often feature rich colors like white, deep pink, or red, sometimes accented with speckles or soft gradients that add to their dramatic appeal.
Beyond beauty, Oriental lilies carry symbolic meanings of passion and prosperity, making them a favorite in romantic gardens or celebratory floral arrangements. They grow best in well-drained soil with good sunlight, and their tall stems make them perfect for the back of garden beds or as a stunning standalone feature.
- Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
- Scientific Name: Lilium orientalis
- Hardiness Zones: 5–9
- Colors: White, pink, red
- Native Region: Japan, Korea
3. Trumpet Lily
With their long, funnel-shaped blooms and rich fragrance, Trumpet lilies bring a sense of classic elegance to any garden. These stately flowers often appear in soft whites, creamy yellows, and gentle pastels, creating a serene and celebratory atmosphere wherever they grow. Their blossoms can reach impressive sizes, standing tall on sturdy stems that make them ideal for focal points or cutting gardens.
Often associated with joy and celebration, Trumpet lilies are a popular choice for summer events and weddings. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and once established, they reward gardeners with a generous mid-summer display that’s as aromatic as it is beautiful.
- Bloom Time: Mid-summer
- Scientific Name: Lilium longiflorum
- Hardiness Zones: 4–9
- Colors: White, cream, yellow
- Native Region: Taiwan, Ryukyu Islands
4. Tiger Lily
Few flowers make a statement quite like the Tiger lily. With its fiery orange petals dotted in dark spots, this variety adds a wild, exotic flair to any garden. Its dramatic appearance is matched by its resilience—Tiger lilies are among the hardiest of all lilies, thriving in a wide range of climates and soil types with minimal care.
These summer bloomers symbolize pride and confidence, making them a perfect fit for gardeners who want something eye-catching and energetic. Tall and vigorous, Tiger lilies produce multiple blooms on each stem and look striking when planted in groups along borders or open garden spaces. They’re also favorites for attracting butterflies and adding contrast to softer, pastel blooms.
- Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
- Scientific Name: Lilium lancifolium
- Hardiness Zones: 3–9
- Colors: Orange with black spots
- Native Region: East Asia
5. Easter Lily
Elegant and meaningful, the Easter lily is a timeless favorite known for its pristine white blooms and trumpet-shaped flowers. Often associated with purity, hope, and renewal, this lily holds deep spiritual significance and is widely featured in spring celebrations and religious ceremonies.
Its gentle fragrance and clean, classic appearance make it a beautiful addition to both indoor and outdoor spaces. While traditionally grown as a potted plant during the Easter season, Easter lilies also perform well in gardens, especially in sunny areas with well-drained soil. Their mid-sized form and early bloom time make them an ideal companion for other spring perennials.
- Bloom Time: Spring
- Scientific Name: Lilium longiflorum
- Hardiness Zones: 4–8
- Colors: White
- Native Region: Japan, Taiwan
6. Martagon Lily
For a touch of woodland whimsy, Martagon lilies are a must-have. These lilies stand out with their nodding, downward-facing blooms and gracefully recurved petals, giving them a delicate, old-world charm. Unlike many other lilies, Martagons thrive in partial shade and are perfect for naturalized settings, cottage gardens, or mixed borders with ferns and hostas.
Despite their soft, romantic look, these lilies are surprisingly hardy and low-maintenance. They bloom in early to mid-summer and often carry subtle speckles and a range of gentle hues from dusty pink to warm orange. Their tall stems hold multiple flowers, making them as showy as they are refined.
- Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer
- Scientific Name: Lilium martagon
- Hardiness Zones: 3–8
- Colors: Purple, pink, yellow, orange
- Native Region: Europe, Asia
7. Calla Lily
Though not technically true lilies, Calla lilies have earned their place in many gardens thanks to their sculptural beauty and graceful curves. These plants produce sleek, trumpet-like blooms that rise from lush green foliage, offering a modern yet timeless appeal. Their wide color range—from pure white to deep burgundy—makes them a versatile choice for both minimalist and bold garden designs.
Calla lilies symbolize beauty, purity, and transformation. They grow best in warm climates or containers that can be moved indoors during colder months. Requiring only moderate care, these elegant flowers bloom in late spring to early summer and are especially popular for weddings and floral arrangements.
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
- Scientific Name: Zantedeschia
- Hardiness Zones: 8–10
- Colors: White, yellow, pink, purple, red
- Native Region: Southern Africa
8. Turk’s Cap Lily
With their dramatic recurved petals and speckled interiors, Turk’s Cap lilies bring a wild, untamed beauty to the garden. These striking blooms are named for their turban-like shape and are a favorite for naturalistic landscapes and woodland borders. Their bright orange and red hues attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds, adding both movement and life to your outdoor space.
Turk’s Cap lilies bloom in midsummer on tall, upright stems that can carry multiple flowers, making them ideal for creating vertical interest. They’re hardy, low-maintenance, and thrive in well-drained soil with partial to full sun exposure. Symbolizing strength and endurance, these lilies are as tough as they are beautiful.
- Bloom Time: Mid-summer
- Scientific Name: Lilium superbum
- Hardiness Zones: 4–8
- Colors: Orange, red
- Native Region: Eastern United States
9. LA Hybrid Lily
For gardeners who want the best of both worlds—beauty and resilience—LA Hybrid lilies are a top contender. These hybrids are a cross between the showy Asiatic lilies and the trumpet-shaped Longiflorum varieties, combining vivid colors with a subtle, pleasant fragrance. They’re admired for their large, upward-facing blooms and strong stems, making them excellent for cut flower arrangements as well as garden beds.
LA Hybrid lilies bloom early in the summer and thrive in a wide range of conditions, from full sun to partial shade. Their impressive durability and low-maintenance nature make them a favorite among beginners and seasoned gardeners alike. Expect a stunning palette of whites, yellows, pinks, and oranges that bring your borders and containers to life.
- Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer
- Scientific Name: Lilium x hybridum
- Hardiness Zones: 4–9
- Colors: White, pink, orange, yellow
- Native Region: Hybrid origin
10. Wood Lily
Simple yet striking, the Wood lily is a native wildflower that brings natural charm to sunny gardens and meadows. Its upright, open-faced orange blooms often feature darker markings near the center, creating a beautiful contrast against green foliage. Unlike many cultivated lilies, the Wood lily grows in undisturbed habitats and is well-suited for gardeners who prefer a more organic, low-maintenance landscape.
This lily thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, blooming in mid-summer with one to three flowers per stem. Though modest in size, the Wood lily offers strong visual impact and is beloved by pollinators, especially butterflies. It’s a wonderful choice for prairie-style gardens, wildflower borders, or anyone looking to support native species.
- Bloom Time: Mid-summer
- Scientific Name: Lilium philadelphicum
- Hardiness Zones: 3–6
- Colors: Orange
- Native Region: North America
11. Stargazer Lily
Few flowers are as bold and unforgettable as the Stargazer lily. Known for its upward-facing blooms and intense fragrance, this modern hybrid has become a favorite in both gardens and floral arrangements. Its large petals—usually deep pink with white edges and speckled centers—create a vibrant, showy display that instantly draws attention.
Stargazer lilies symbolize ambition and celebration, making them a perfect fit for marking milestones or adding flair to summer borders. They thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil and are relatively easy to grow, even for beginners. Whether planted in groups or showcased as a focal point, these lilies offer stunning color and a luxurious scent that lingers in the air.
- Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
- Scientific Name: Lilium orientalis ‘Stargazer’
- Hardiness Zones: 4–9
- Colors: Pink, white
- Native Region: Hybrid origin
12. Red Lily
Vibrant and full of intensity, the Red lily adds a fiery touch to any garden. Its deep crimson petals—sometimes accented with darker streaks or speckles—make it one of the most eye-catching flowers in a summer border. Beyond its visual appeal, the red lily carries strong symbolism, often representing passion, courage, and strength.
These lilies thrive in sunny locations and well-drained soil, blooming from early to mid-summer. Their sturdy stems and long-lasting flowers make them excellent for cut bouquets or dramatic planting schemes. Whether used to create contrast or as a bold centerpiece, Red lilies deliver both color and emotion to any outdoor space.
- Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
- Scientific Name: Lilium
- Hardiness Zones: 4–9
- Colors: Red
- Native Region: Asia, Europe
Conclusion
With so many stunning types of lilies to choose from, there’s truly something for every garden style and skill level. Whether you’re drawn to the soft elegance of Martagon lilies, the vibrant colors of Asiatic and Red lilies, or the fragrance of Oriental and Stargazer varieties, these flowers are sure to bring beauty, meaning, and seasonal color to your outdoor space.
By choosing the right lilies for your climate and design goals, you can enjoy months of spectacular blooms and a garden that’s both low-maintenance and high-impact. Don’t be afraid to mix different types for a dynamic, layered look—or let one bold variety steal the spotlight.