Florist’s Comprehensive Guide to Lily Varieties for Bouquets
Lilies are timeless, versatile blooms that bring elegance, fragrance, and symbolism to any floral arrangement. With hundreds of species and hybrids available, it’s essential for florists to understand their unique traits and uses in bouquet design. This guide explores the most popular lily varieties used in flower arrangements and offers practical design tips for making each variety shine.
1. Asiatic Lilies
Color Range: Bright, saturated hues including orange, yellow, red, pink, and white
Fragrance: Virtually scentless
Bloom Size: Medium to large
Stems per Bunch: Typically 3–5 stems with multiple blooms per stem
Overview: Asiatic lilies are known for their vivid colors, upright blooms, and clean lines. They are the earliest to bloom in the lily family and among the easiest to grow and handle. Because they lack fragrance, they are well-suited for scent-sensitive recipients.
Best Use in Bouquets: Modern, bold, or cheerful everyday arrangements. Great for birthday bouquets, summer centerpieces, or get-well-soon flowers.
Design Tip: Use Asiatic lilies to create structure and impact. Pair with dainty filler flowers like baby’s breath or solidago for balance. Their upright form works well in vertical or triangular bouquet shapes.
2. Oriental Lilies
Color Range: Shades of white, pink, crimson, and bi-colored variations
Fragrance: Very fragrant, sweet and intense
Bloom Size: Large, often 6–8 inches across
Stems per Bunch: Usually 2–4 stems due to size
Overview: Oriental lilies are dramatic, romantic, and strongly scented. They bloom slightly later than Asiatics and have wide petals that curve back gently at the tips. They are a top choice for luxurious bouquets and event arrangements.
Best Use in Bouquets: Wedding bouquets, romantic arrangements, anniversary gifts, and sympathy flowers.
Design Tip: Let Oriental lilies be the star of the bouquet. Their heady scent and large size make them ideal focal flowers. Use fewer stems per arrangement and surround them with soft greens like ruscus or ferns to enhance their beauty without overpowering the composition.
3. Trumpet Lilies
Color Range: White, cream, soft yellow, pink, and lavender tones
Fragrance: Deep, musky, rich scent
Bloom Size: Large, trumpet-shaped
Stems per Bunch: 2–3 stems due to flower size
Overview: These classic, regal lilies resemble musical trumpets, hence the name. With a strong scent and tall stems, they add vertical drama and sophistication to floral designs.
Best Use in Bouquets: Formal arrangements, ceremonial bouquets, and tall centerpieces.
Design Tip: Trumpet lilies are best used in tall vases or cascading bouquets where their natural arch can be appreciated. Add complementary flowers like delphinium or snapdragons to echo their verticality.
4. LA Hybrid Lilies (Longiflorum × Asiatic)
Color Range: Wide spectrum including white, peach, coral, red, pink, and orange
Fragrance: Mild or none
Bloom Size: Medium to large
Stems per Bunch: 3–5 stems
Overview: These hybrids combine the best traits of Longiflorum and Asiatic lilies—long vase life, vivid colors, and sturdy stems. They’re a favorite in the commercial flower trade because they are reliable and affordable.
Best Use in Bouquets: Versatile for everyday bouquets, bridal showers, and corporate events.
Design Tip: LA lilies are incredibly adaptable. Use them in mass arrangements or mix with tulips, daisies, or roses for texture contrast. Because they lack fragrance, they work well in hospital or office settings.
5. Longiflorum Lilies (Often called Easter Lilies)
Color Range: Primarily white
Fragrance: Mild to moderately fragrant
Bloom Size: Medium, tubular shape
Stems per Bunch: 2–3 stems
Overview: These lilies are commonly associated with Easter and religious symbolism, representing purity, virtue, and renewal. Their clean white blooms make them a staple in memorial and ceremonial arrangements.
Best Use in Bouquets: Sympathy bouquets, religious events, baptisms, and Easter arrangements.
Design Tip: White Longiflorum lilies are best highlighted in monochromatic arrangements using soft green foliage and white roses or carnations. For memorial work, pair with silver-toned greenery like dusty miller for an elegant, reverent look.
6. Turk’s Cap Lilies (Lilium martagon)
Color Range: Pink, purple, yellow, and red with spotted petals
Fragrance: Light to moderate scent
Bloom Size: Small to medium, with recurved petals
Stems per Bunch: 3–6 stems depending on bloom size
Overview: These wild-looking lilies feature petals that curve backward and often display speckled patterns. They lend a whimsical, natural aesthetic to floral work and bloom on tall, graceful stalks.
Best Use in Bouquets: Wildflower arrangements, garden-style designs, and rustic or woodland-themed weddings.
Design Tip: Use these lilies to add movement and texture to freeform bouquets. Pair with herbs, grasses, and native blooms for a loose, organic look.
7. Tiger Lilies
Color Range: Vibrant orange with prominent dark spots
Fragrance: Light fragrance
Bloom Size: Large, dramatic blooms
Stems per Bunch: 2–4 stems
Overview: Known for their bright coloration and bold personality, Tiger lilies are showstoppers in summer and fall arrangements. Their petals often arch outward with visible speckling, making them unique and eye-catching.
Best Use in Bouquets: Summer bouquets, tropical-themed events, and outdoor garden arrangements.
Design Tip: Because of their vivid color, Tiger lilies pair well with cool tones like blue delphinium or white stock to temper their intensity. Avoid mixing with too many other bright flowers, or they may clash.
8. Calla Lilies (Not true lilies, but often grouped with them)
Color Range: White, ivory, yellow, burgundy, pink, purple, and even black
Fragrance: Odorless
Bloom Size: Sleek, funnel-shaped blooms
Stems per Bunch: 4–6 stems
Overview: While not true lilies, Calla lilies offer a sculptural, modern look and are popular in weddings and minimalist floral design. They’re long-lasting and available year-round.
Best Use in Bouquets: Bridal bouquets, sleek modern arrangements, and corporate displays.
Design Tip: Use Callas to bring elegance and simplicity. They look stunning in monochromatic arrangements or combined with orchids and anthuriums. Their strong lines pair well with architectural foliage like monstera or aspidistra.
Pro Florist Tips for Designing with Lilies
Pollen Management: Carefully remove anthers (the pollen-bearing part of the stamen) as the blooms open. This prevents staining of petals and clothing and extends the vase life of the bloom.
Vase Life: Lilies can last 7–14 days in a bouquet if conditioned properly. Allow buds to open gradually over time to enjoy a longer blooming display.
Staging: Always stagger lilies in a bouquet—some open, some in bud—to maintain visual interest over days.
Support and Spacing: Because some lilies have large blooms, give them room to breathe. Overcrowding can damage petals and shorten longevity.
Pairing Suggestions:
With roses or orchids for elegance.
With gerbera daisies for a pop of color.
With eucalyptus or ferns for texture and greenery balance.
