A Family of Remarkable Diversity
One of the reasons lilies are so beloved is the sheer range of forms and habits they offer. Each group brings something distinct:
Asiatic Hybrids
- Earliest to flower, often from late June
- Vibrant colours: oranges, reds, yellows, pinks
- Usually unscented, making them ideal for those who prefer colour without perfume
- Compact varieties suit pots and smaller borders
Oriental Hybrids
- Large, luxurious blooms with rich fragrance
- Thrive in containers and slightly acidic soils
- Flower later, often July–August, extending the season
- Classic whites and pinks, plus dramatic modern bicolours
Trumpet & Aurelian Lilies
- Tall, architectural, and wonderfully scented
- Long, flared flowers that glow in evening light
- Excellent for the back of borders or cutting gardens
Longiflorum & LA Hybrids
- Elegant, elongated trumpets
- Strong stems and reliable performance in UK conditions
- LA hybrids combine the best of Longiflorum and Asiatic traits: bold colour, good form, and improved durability
OT (Orienpet) Hybrids
- A favourite for gardeners wanting height and drama
- Huge flowers, powerful scent, and impressive vigour
- Ideal for creating a “wow” moment in mixed borders
Planting Lilies for Long-Term Success
Lilies are surprisingly forgiving, but a few simple principles make all the difference:
Soil & Site
- Prefer full sun or light shade
- Need free-draining soil — add grit if yours is heavy
- In pots, use a deep container and a gritty, peat-free mix
Depth & Spacing
- Plant bulbs around 15cm deep
- Taller varieties benefit from being planted slightly deeper for stability
- Space bulbs 20–30cm apart depending on variety
Feeding & Watering
- Keep soil moist but never waterlogged
- Feed regularly during growth with a balanced or high-potash fertiliser
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture and keep roots cool
Protection from Lily Beetle
- Check plants regularly from spring onwards
- Remove adults and larvae by hand
- Encourage birds and beneficial insects by avoiding harsh chemicals
Designing with Lilies
Lilies are natural scene-stealers, but they also play beautifully with others.
In Borders
- Pair with salvias, nepeta, astrantia, alchemilla, phlox, or ornamental grasses
- Use tall lilies to rise above lower perennials and create vertical rhythm
- Plant in groups of three or five for impact
In Containers
- Choose deep pots for stability
- Underplant with trailing lobelia, violas, or heuchera for colour at the base
- Combine Oriental lilies with shade-tolerant companions for a lush, layered look
For Cutting
- Harvest when the first bud is just opening
- Remove stamens to prolong vase life and prevent pollen stains
- Many varieties last over a week indoors
Scent: A Garden Experience in Itself
Fragrance is one of the great pleasures of growing lilies.
- Oriental, Trumpet, and OT hybrids offer the richest perfume
- Plant near seating areas, paths, or doorways to enjoy evening scent
- For fragrance-sensitive gardeners, choose Asiatic or LA hybrids, which are generally unscented
Seasonal Planning
Lilies offer a long flowering window when you mix groups:
| Lily Group | Typical UK Flowering Time |
| Asiatic | Late June – early July |
| LA Hybrids | Early–mid July |
| Oriental | Mid July – August |
| OT Hybrids | Late July – August |
| Trumpet/Aurelian | July – August |
Staggering varieties ensures colour and scent for up to eight weeks.
Looking Ahead to This Year’s Collection
This season brings a blend of timeless favourites and exciting new introductions. Expect:
- Bold modern bicolours
- Towering OT hybrids for dramatic borders
- Compact, container-friendly Orientals
- Reliable LA hybrids for gardeners who want colour without fuss
Whether you’re refreshing a border, filling patio pots, or creating a cutting patch, lilies offer unmatched elegance and a return on investment that grows year after year.