Lilies are among the most beloved flowering plants in home gardens, admired for their stunning blooms, wide color palette, and variety of shapes. From bold, upward-facing petals to gently curled, speckled flowers, lilies bring elegance and personality to any outdoor space. Whether you’re building a modern garden bed or aiming for a more naturalistic woodland vibe, there’s a lily that fits your style. In this guide, we’ll walk through 12 popular types of lilies for gardens, highlighting their unique characteristics, blooming times, and growing requirements to help you choose the best ones for your space.
Table of Contents
1. Asiatic Lily
Asiatic lilies are one of the easiest and most vibrant types of lilies for gardens, making them a top choice for both beginners and seasoned gardeners. They bloom early in the season and are known for their wide range of bold colors—ranging from fiery oranges and reds to sunny yellows and soft pastels. Unlike many other lilies, Asiatic varieties are typically unscented, making them perfect for those who want beauty without fragrance. Their sturdy stems and prolific blooms make them ideal for borders, containers, or cut flower arrangements.
Bloom Time
Early to mid-summer
USDA Hardiness Zones
4–9
Scientific Name
Lilium asiatica
Native Region
Asia
Common Colors
Orange, red, yellow, pink, white
2. Oriental Lily
Oriental lilies are showstoppers in the garden, prized for their large, fragrant blooms and exotic beauty. These lilies typically appear later in the season, extending your garden’s flowering period with their deep pink, red, and white blossoms—often speckled or edged with contrasting colors. Their powerful fragrance fills the air, especially in the evening. Ideal for focal points, containers, or cutting gardens, Oriental lilies symbolize prosperity and passion, making them a dramatic and meaningful addition to any garden design.
Bloom Time
Mid to late summer
USDA Hardiness Zones
5–9
Scientific Name
Lilium orientalis
Native Region
Japan, Korea
Common Colors
White, pink, red
3. Trumpet Lily
Trumpet lilies live up to their name with long, elegant, trumpet-shaped flowers that add height and drama to any garden. Known for their rich, sweet fragrance and stately presence, these lilies can grow quite tall and produce an abundance of blooms per stem. They’re often used in wedding arrangements or planted as standalone focal points due to their luxurious look. Their color range includes whites, creams, and soft yellows—perfect for creating a serene, sophisticated palette in the landscape.
Bloom Time
Mid-summer
USDA Hardiness Zones
4–9
Scientific Name
Lilium longiflorum
Native Region
Taiwan, Ryukyu Islands
Common Colors
White, cream, yellow
4. Tiger Lily
Tiger lilies bring wild charm and vibrant color to the garden with their striking orange petals covered in bold black spots. These hardy perennials thrive in various climates and require very little maintenance, making them ideal for naturalized or cottage-style gardens. Their tall stems and abundant blooms make a statement, whether planted alone or among softer-colored flowers. Symbolizing confidence and pride, Tiger lilies are perfect for gardeners looking to make a vibrant, fearless impression in their landscape.
Bloom Time
Mid to late summer
USDA Hardiness Zones
3–9
Scientific Name
Lilium lancifolium
Native Region
East Asia
Common Colors
Orange with black spots
5. Easter Lily
Easter lilies are beloved for their graceful, trumpet-shaped blooms and pure white petals, often associated with spring celebrations and themes of renewal. These lilies are not only symbolic—they’re also incredibly beautiful, making them a favorite for both indoor displays and outdoor spring gardens. Their subtle fragrance and upright form bring a peaceful, spiritual quality to the garden. Though often sold as potted plants around Easter, they thrive outdoors in mild climates and will return year after year with proper care.
Bloom Time
Spring
USDA Hardiness Zones
4–8
Scientific Name
Lilium longiflorum
Native Region
Japan, Taiwan
Common Colors
White
6. Martagon Lily
Martagon lilies bring a fairy-tale quality to shaded or woodland gardens with their distinct, downward-facing blooms and beautifully recurved petals. These lilies are ideal for naturalistic landscapes, where their tall, slender stems and soft, speckled flowers add a gentle, old-world elegance. They’re tolerant of partial shade and cooler climates, blooming reliably year after year with minimal fuss. A favorite among pollinators and gardeners alike, Martagon lilies symbolize endurance and quiet beauty.
Bloom Time
Early to mid-summer
USDA Hardiness Zones
3–8
Scientific Name
Lilium martagon
Native Region
Europe, Asia
Common Colors
Purple, pink, yellow, orange
7. Calla Lily
Calla lilies, while not true members of the lily family, are celebrated for their sleek, sculptural blooms and refined presence in both gardens and bouquets. Their elegant, curved petals come in a wide spectrum of colors—from classic white to bold burgundy and vibrant yellow—making them a versatile choice for formal or modern gardens. These plants thrive in warmer climates or containers, where their minimalist style complements both structured and natural designs. Symbolizing purity and beauty, Calla lilies are a striking yet low-maintenance addition to your outdoor space.
Bloom Time
Late spring to early summer
USDA Hardiness Zones
8–10
Scientific Name
Zantedeschia
Native Region
Southern Africa
Common Colors
White, yellow, pink, purple, red
8. Turk’s Cap Lily
Turk’s Cap lilies stand out with their dramatically recurved petals, resembling a traditional Turkish cap. Their vivid, speckled blooms in warm hues—like orange, red, and deep gold—bring a bold, naturalistic feel to any garden. These lilies are favorites in woodland settings where their tall stems support multiple blooms, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds with ease. Hardy and resilient, Turk’s Cap lilies thrive in well-drained soil and partly shaded conditions, making them an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add vertical interest and movement to their planting beds.
Bloom Time
Mid-summer
USDA Hardiness Zones
4–8
Scientific Name
Lilium superbum
Native Region
Eastern United States
Common Colors
Orange, red
9. LA Hybrid Lily
LA Hybrid lilies are the perfect blend of beauty and resilience, combining the vibrant colors of Asiatic lilies with the gentle fragrance of Longiflorum varieties. These hybrids offer large, long-lasting blooms on sturdy stems, making them ideal for both garden beds and fresh-cut arrangements. Their color palette ranges from delicate pastels to bold oranges and reds, allowing you to match them with nearly any garden style. Easy to grow and tolerant of a wide range of conditions, LA Hybrid lilies are a practical yet striking addition to any landscape.
Bloom Time
Early to mid-summer
USDA Hardiness Zones
4–9
Scientific Name
Lilium × hybridum
Native Region
Hybrid origin
Common Colors
White, pink, orange, yellow
10. Wood Lily
The Wood lily is a true wildflower, admired for its bold, upright blooms and fiery orange-red petals often marked with dark centers. Unlike other lilies that grow in clusters, the Wood lily usually features one to three striking flowers per stem, making it a subtle but powerful visual accent in prairie or woodland gardens. It thrives in sunny, well-drained areas and is highly adaptable, making it perfect for low-maintenance, naturalistic plantings. This North American native symbolizes unrefined beauty and resilience, offering a wild touch to more curated garden beds.
Bloom Time
Mid-summer
USDA Hardiness Zones
3–6
Scientific Name
Lilium philadelphicum
Native Region
North America
Common Colors
Orange
11. Stargazer Lily
Stargazer lilies are one of the most iconic and beloved types of lilies for gardens, thanks to their large, upward-facing blooms and intoxicating fragrance. Their deep pink petals with white edges and dark speckles create a bold, luxurious look that makes them a favorite for special occasions and garden centerpieces. These lilies are easy to grow in full sun and reward gardeners with weeks of stunning blooms in the summer. Symbolizing ambition and success, Stargazers bring visual drama and meaning to any outdoor space or floral arrangement.
Bloom Time
Mid to late summer
USDA Hardiness Zones
4–9
Scientific Name
Lilium orientalis ‘Stargazer’
Native Region
Hybrid origin
Common Colors
Pink with white and red accents
12. Red Lily
Red lilies are a striking choice for any garden, known for their vivid, fiery blooms that symbolize love, passion, and courage. While “red lily” can refer to several species and hybrids, they all share a common trait: rich red petals, often with dark markings or speckles that add depth and drama. These lilies perform well in sunny beds and borders, where their intense color stands out against green foliage or softer-toned companions. They’re perfect for creating focal points or weaving emotion into your garden’s design.
Bloom Time
Mid to late summer
USDA Hardiness Zones
4–9
Scientific Name
Lilium (various species and hybrids)
Native Region
Asia, Europe
Common Colors
Red, crimson, maroon
Conclusion
Lilies bring elegance, color, and meaning to gardens of all styles, from wild and natural to formal and structured. With so many stunning types of lilies for gardens—from the bold Tiger Lily to the refined Calla or fragrant Stargazer—there’s a variety for every gardener’s taste, climate, and experience level. Whether you’re planting for beauty, symbolism, or pollinators, lilies offer a low-maintenance yet high-impact way to elevate your outdoor space.
Choose your favorites, give them the right conditions, and enjoy a summer filled with showstopping blooms that return year after year.