Florist Guide to Lily Varieties for Flower Arrangements
Lilies are a staple in floral arrangements due to their elegant shapes, vibrant colors, and symbolic meanings, such as purity, renewal, and passion. This guide provides florists with detailed information on the most commonly used lily varieties in arrangements, including their characteristics, care tips, and design applications. The focus is on true lilies (genus Lilium) and closely related varieties popular in the floral industry.
1. Oriental Lilies (Lilium orientalis)
Characteristics
Appearance: Large, star-shaped blooms with recurved petals, often featuring prominent speckles or contrasting markings.
Colors: White, pink, red, and bicolors (e.g., white with pink edges).
Fragrance: Strong, sweet, and exotic, making them a focal point in arrangements.
Bloom Size: 6–10 inches in diameter.
Stem Length: 2–4 feet.
Popular Cultivars: ‘Stargazer’ (pink with white edges), ‘Casa Blanca’ (pure white), ‘Muscadet’ (white with pink speckles).
Season: Summer to early fall (available year-round through greenhouse cultivation).
Care Tips
Vase Life: 7–14 days with proper care.
Watering: Keep water fresh and change every 2 days. Use floral preservative to extend life.
Handling: Remove anthers to prevent pollen stains on petals or clothing. Handle gently to avoid bruising delicate petals.
Temperature: Store at 35–40°F (2–4°C) to maintain freshness before arranging.
Ethylene Sensitivity: Moderate. Keep away from ripening fruit or wilting flowers.
Design Applications
Best Use: Focal flowers in bridal bouquets, centerpieces, and sympathy arrangements due to their size and fragrance.
Pairings: Combine with roses, eucalyptus, or baby’s breath for texture contrast. Their bold presence complements softer blooms.
Style: Ideal for romantic, elegant, or dramatic arrangements.
2. Asiatic Lilies (Lilium asiaticum)
Characteristics
Appearance: Smaller, upward-facing blooms with smooth petals, lacking the recurved shape of Orientals.
Colors: Wide range including yellow, orange, red, pink, and white. Often solid colors without speckles.
Fragrance: Little to no fragrance, making them suitable for sensitive clients.
Bloom Size: 4–6 inches in diameter.
Stem Length: 1–3 feet.
Popular Cultivars: ‘Forever Susan’ (orange with black markings), ‘Matrix’ (bright orange), ‘Tiny Ghost’ (dwarf, purple-red).
Season: Early to mid-summer (available year-round via forcing).
Care Tips
Vase Life: 7–10 days.
Watering: Maintain consistent moisture; avoid overwatering to prevent stem rot.
Handling: Stems are sturdier than Orientals but still require careful cutting at a 45° angle to maximize water uptake.
Temperature: Store at 35–40°F (2–4°C).
Ethylene Sensitivity: Low, making them more durable in mixed arrangements.
Design Applications
Best Use: Versatile for everyday arrangements, garden-style bouquets, or mixed floral designs.
Pairings: Works well with daisies, carnations, or greenery like ferns for a vibrant, casual look.
Style: Suits cheerful, colorful, or budget-friendly arrangements.
3. Longiflorum Lilies (Lilium longiflorum)
Characteristics
Appearance: Trumpet-shaped blooms with slightly flared petals, elegant and elongated.
Colors: Primarily white, occasionally soft pink or cream.
Fragrance: Mild, pleasant fragrance, less intense than Orientals.
Bloom Size: 5–7 inches long.
Stem Length: 2–3 feet.
Popular Cultivars: ‘White Heaven’, ‘Snow Queen’.
Season: Spring to early summer (often forced for Easter).
Care Tips
Vase Life: 10–14 days.
Watering: Use floral preservative and change water every 2–3 days.
Handling: Remove lower leaves to prevent submersion in water, which can cause rot.
Temperature: Store at 35–40°F (2–4°C).
Ethylene Sensitivity: Moderate; avoid exposure to ethylene sources.
Design Applications
Best Use: Classic choice for weddings, funerals, and religious events due to their white color and purity symbolism.
Pairings: Pair with white roses, orchids, or greenery for sophisticated monochromatic designs.
Style: Perfect for formal, minimalist, or traditional arrangements.
4. LA Hybrid Lilies (Lilium Longiflorum x Asiatic)
Characteristics
Appearance: Combines the trumpet shape of Longiflorum with the vibrant colors of Asiatics.
Colors: Orange, yellow, pink, red, and white, often with subtle speckles.
Fragrance: Light to moderate fragrance, less overpowering than Orientals.
Bloom Size: 5–7 inches in diameter.
Stem Length: 2–4 feet.
Popular Cultivars: ‘Royal Sunset’ (pink and yellow blend), ‘Eyeliner’ (white with dark edges).
Season: Summer (available year-round with forcing).
Care Tips
Vase Life: 8–12 days.
Watering: Keep water clean and use preservative to enhance longevity.
Handling: Stems are robust, but avoid overcrowding in arrangements to prevent petal damage.
Temperature: Store at 35–40°F (2–4°C).
Ethylene Sensitivity: Low to moderate.
Design Applications
Best Use: Adds a modern twist to mixed bouquets, event decor, or corporate arrangements.
Pairings: Complements snapdragons, alstroemeria, or greenery like ruscus for balanced designs.
Style: Versatile for contemporary or transitional styles.
5. Calla Lilies (Zantedeschia aethiopica)
Characteristics
Appearance: Not true lilies but often included in arrangements for their sleek, funnel-shaped spathes.
Colors: White, pink, purple, yellow, and black varieties.
Fragrance: Minimal to none.
Bloom Size: 3–6 inches long.
Stem Length: 1–2 feet.
Popular Cultivars: ‘Crystal Blush’ (soft pink), ‘Black Star’ (deep purple), ‘Picasso’ (white with purple center).
Season: Spring to summer (available year-round).
Care Tips
Vase Life: 7–10 days.
Watering: Keep stems submerged in shallow water to avoid rot in the thick stems.
Handling: Cut stems under water to prevent air bubbles. Handle carefully to avoid bruising spathes.
Temperature: Store at 40–45°F (4–7°C).
Ethylene Sensitivity: Low.
Design Applications
Best Use: Popular in bridal bouquets, boutonnieres, and modern centerpieces for their sleek form.
Pairings: Pairs well with orchids, anthuriums, or tropical foliage for exotic designs.
Style: Ideal for modern, minimalist, or tropical arrangements.
General Tips for Working with Lilies
Pollen Removal: Always remove anthers from lilies to prevent staining and prolong bloom life, as pollen can be toxic to other flowers.
Toxicity: Lilies are highly toxic to cats. Warn clients with pets and avoid using in pet-friendly environments.
Conditioning: Condition lilies by placing them in cool water with floral preservative for 4–6 hours before arranging.
Mixing Varieties: Combine different lily types (e.g., Oriental and Asiatic) for varied texture and color while maintaining a cohesive look.
Storage: Store lilies upright in buckets to prevent bending of stems or blooms.
Design Inspiration
Wedding Bouquets: Use white Longiflorum or Calla lilies for timeless elegance, paired with soft greenery or lace accents.
Sympathy Arrangements: Oriental or Longiflorum lilies convey serenity and respect, often paired with white roses or chrysanthemums.
Event Centerpieces: Mix vibrant Asiatic or LA Hybrid lilies with bold foliage for eye-catching displays at corporate or festive events.
Modern Designs: Calla lilies in monochromatic or tropical arrangements create sleek, contemporary looks for upscale events.
Sourcing and Availability
Wholesale: Lilies are widely available through floral wholesalers year-round, with peak quality during their natural seasons.
Local Growers: Check with local farms for seasonal lilies, especially Asiatics and Orientals, to support sustainability.
Forcing: Many lilies are forced for year-round availability, but quality may vary outside natural blooming periods.
This guide equips florists with the knowledge to select, care for, and design with the most popular lily varieties, ensuring stunning and long-lasting arrangements for any occasion.
