Get to grips with the diversity of the lily family
The lily can be used in many different ways, from arranging in a vase at home, to being the perfect choice for weddings and other special occasions. Lilies are one of the oldest bulb plants known to man and have been found in ancient writings and pictures dating from 2000BC – 1500BC.
Lilies can vary substantially in colour and shape. The size of their flowers, for example, ranges from 7cm to no less than 25cm across. Some lilies face outward and are slightly pendulous, some have recurved petals, and their flowers can be trumpet, bowl or star shaped.
Lilies are classified into the following groups:
Asiatics
These trumpet-shaped flowers can reach a diameter of 15cm, and the plants can actually grow to a height of 3m. Each stem bears 4 – 8 flowers that can be white, yellow, pink, red or orange, but which have no fragrance. Their rather sparse leaves are a deep green.
Lilium Asiatic Hybrids
Not surprisingly, these flowers are favourites for weddings, no doubt due to their gorgeous colours. LA Hybrids are known for their thick stems and lush foliage, and their flowers are more upright than those of the Orientals. These flowers are particularly beautiful as a focal point in the middle of a bouquet.
Orientals
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