Lilies are one of the most colorful, unique, and diverse flowers around. With over 100 lily species in existence, a classification system was created to sort them. This applies to just “true,” those which are a part of the Lilium genus. True lilies are easy to spot because they all have 2 common characteristics, six petals and six anthers (the oval sacks containing pollen). Read on to discover the nine divisions of lilies and the stunning beauty of all of them.

Lily Symbolism

The origin story of the lily comes from Greek mythology, where the Goddess Hera spilled a few drops of her breast milk and when they fell to Earth, lilies were created. Hera is the Goddess of women, marriage, and childbirth, and as the lily is linked to her, this flower is popular in weddings. In China, for example, the lily is commonplace in weddings because it symbolizes good luck and 100 years of love.

Additional lily symbolism related to the color of the bloom:

• 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 revered in many cultures throughout history and is often associated with royalty. In Christianity, the lily, especially the Madonna lily, is associated with the Virgin Mary and represents her purity and chastity. Other themes the lily is linked to are purity, grace, fertility, and rebirth.

Lily Classifications & Examples

Pink Pixie Lilies

Division 1: Asiatic Hybrid – Most popular lilies in the world. Come in almost every color, little to no scent.  (Tango, Forever Susan, Pink Pixie, Elodie)

Turk’s Cap Lily

Division 2: Martagon Hybrid – Dramatic 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.  

WAIKIKI

There is nothing else like lilies with their grandeur, vibrancy, unique shapes, and fabulous fragrance. Now that you are more familiar with the different types of lilies, you’ll have no trouble finding one that is perfect for the special people in your life. Toblers Flowers has a wonderful selection of bouquets featuring lilies and other gorgeous blooms. Find the perfect gift here when you want to brighten someone’s day.