Lily : Flower Facts

Origins

The lily represents pure and virginal love in the Christian faith. Other popular types of lilies are the Oriental lilies, Tiger Lily and Easter lily each and every one of them have their own special characteristics. A member of the Liliaceae family, lilies are fragrant, bulbous, herbaceous perennials that are native to the northern temperate zones. About half of the lily species originate in continental Asia, while the other half are native to Europe, North America and Japan. In ancient times, many cultures considered lilies to be signs of fertility and a pure life, and the flowers were used as offerings to appease the gods. Lilies have been cultivated for over 3000 years. Feng Shui believers hold the lily as an emblem of summer and abundance; to the Chinese, lily means "Forever in love".

There are four main lily categories: longiflorum, Asiatic, Oriental and longiflorum x Asiatic. Longiflorums have a strong, sweet fragrance and feature large, funnel-shaped flowers that are normally white. Asiatic hybrids have smaller flowers and are less fragrant, but they're available in a wide variety of colours. Oriental hybrids are available in fewer colours, but they have larger flowers and stronger fragrances than the Asiatics. Cultivated by crossing longiflorums with Asiatic lilies, the longiflorum x Asiatic category includes mostly apricot- or salmon-coloured varieties that have only a light fragrance.

Flower Availability and Vase Life

Most lily varieties are available all year round. It's best to buy lilies when a few of their lower buds have slightly opened and show some colour. When properly cared for and treated for ethylene sensitivity, cut lilies have a potential vase life of 7-14 days.

Care and Handling

Cut stems and remove lower foliage that will fall below the water line. To avoid difficult stains, remove pollen-bearing anthers before putting them in water.

Florist Design Uses

Lilies are strong form flowers with equally strong lines, so even a few stems in a vase make a dramatic statement.

Colours: White, cream, yellows, reds, pinks, orange and bi-colours.