Lilies are an incredibly diverse group of beautifully unique and vibrantly-colored flowers. They have both small and large blooms and amazing scents or no scent at all. With over 100 types of lily species, a classification system was formed to organize them. A member of the Lilium genus, all “true lilies” have two common characteristics, which are six petals and six anthers (the oval sacks containing pollen). After that, colors, shapes, sizes, scents, and patterns are all immensely varied.
Lily Symbolism
The origin of the lily comes from a Greek myth and the Goddess Hera, who created lilies on Earth when she spilled a few drops of her breast milk. Hera is the Goddess of women, marriage, and childbirth, so the lily has become associated with weddings and new arrivals. In China, the lily is a popular flower in weddings because it symbolizes good luck and 100 years of love. In Christianity, lilies, especially the Madonna lily, are associated with the Virgin Mary and signify purity and innocence.
Additional lily symbolism is related to its color:
- White lilies represent purity, virtue, and innocence.
- Pink lilies represent abundance and prosperity.
- Red lilies represent love and passion
- Orange lilies represent confident, wealth, and pride
- Yellow lilies represent joy, thankfulness, and good health
Lilies have been honored in many cultures throughout history and are often associated with royalty. Lilies have a certain regal-ness and grandeur about them which makes them a common feature 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 an 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.
LULU’S CHOICE
So many to choose from! No doubt you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect lily for the loved ones in ou life. Here at The Blossom Shop, we have an excellent selection of bouquets featuring lilies and many other gorgeous blooms. Find the perfect gift here whenever you want to brighten your, or someone else’s, day.
