The lily is a tall, elegant flower with large, often fragrant trumpet-shaped blooms. True lilies grow from bulbs and are prized in gardens and bouquets alike — but they’re often confused with daylilies, which are a different plant entirely.
Lily at a glance
- Botanical name: Lilium
- Family: Liliaceae
- Bloom season: summer
- Symbolism: purity, devotion, and rebirth
About the lily
True lilies (genus Lilium) grow from scaly bulbs and bear their showy flowers on tall, leafy stems. They come in a huge range of colors and forms, from the pure white Easter lily to the freckled tiger lily. Daylilies (Hemerocallis), despite the name, are not true lilies and grow quite differently.
Lily meaning and symbolism
The lily symbolizes purity, innocence, devotion, and rebirth, which is why white lilies feature in both weddings and funerals. See our lily meaning guide for color meanings.
Types of lily
Popular varieties worth knowing:
- Asiatic — early, colorful, and easy, but unscented
- Oriental — large, intensely fragrant blooms
- Trumpet — tall with long, elegant trumpet flowers
- Tiger lily — orange, black-spotted, and hardy
- Easter lily — classic white trumpet
- Martagon — small, downward-facing ‘Turk’s cap’ blooms
How to grow and care for lily
A few essentials keep this flower thriving:
- Plant bulbs in autumn or spring in full sun with well-drained soil
- Keep the roots cool and shaded while the flowers reach for light
- Water regularly during the growing season
- Stake tall varieties to support heavy blooms
- Note: true lilies are highly toxic to cats
Lily FAQs
What is the difference between a lily and a daylily?
True lilies (Lilium) grow from bulbs with flowers along a tall stem, and each bloom lasts several days. Daylilies (Hemerocallis) grow from tuberous roots, and each flower lasts only a day.
Are lilies toxic to cats?
Yes. True lilies are extremely toxic to cats; even small amounts of pollen or a nibbled leaf can cause fatal kidney failure. Keep them out of homes with cats.
When do lilies bloom?
Most lilies bloom in summer, with Asiatic types flowering earliest and Oriental types later, so a mix can provide blooms for much of the season.
Explore more
Browse more flower profiles, learn about flower meanings, or find your birth flower.