Lilies (Lilium)

Lilies (Lilium) are a genus of bulbous plants consisting of approximately 75 species in total. All of these species belong to the Lily family and are also known as true lilies.

There are a number of other plants whose names contain the word lily even though they are not members of the Lily family; these plants are known as “not true” lilies.

The vast majority of true lilies occur naturally in the northern hemisphere and play an important role in culture, literature, art, etc.

Real and “not true” lilies

Here on Floraton.com you will find the following articles about lilies (the articles about the “not true” lilies are included for ease of use):

Additional information about growing and caring for lilies can be found in the articles: lily bulbs, daffodil bulbs and lily beetles

Below you will find general information about the plants in the Lily genus. However, please note that the information below only applies to the true lilies.

True lilies

Lilies are perennials that are typically 60-180 cm tall. The flowers are large and often fragrant. Flower colors include: white, yellow, orange, pink, red and violet. There may also be spots or “brush stroke” markings on the flower petals. Flowering occurs in late spring or summer.

Planting and caring for lilies

Many lily species are grown in gardens in temperate to subtropical climates and several species are suitable for cultivation in Denmark. They can also be grown in pots or beds.

Most lilies can be planted in spring as soon as the soil is frost-free. However, some species should be planted in summer or fall. When planting, the lily bulb should be placed 3-20 cm below the surface of the soil – exactly how deep the bulb should be depends on the lily species. However, lily roots have the ability to pull the bulb down to correct its depth and it is therefore better to plant too high than too deep.

The optimal soil conditions vary from species to species. The following rules of thumb apply to most lilies:

• A pH value of 6.5 is fairly safe
• The soil should be well-drained for most species
• Lilies should generally be watered during the growing season

However, keep in mind that individual species may have their own preferences and precautions.

The toxicity of lilies

Some lily species are poisonous. This applies to both true and “not true” lilies. The lily species that should be highlighted for their toxicity can be seen in the table below.

Danish designation	Latin name	Toxic to…
Lily of the valley	Convallaria majalis	Humans, dogs, cats and horses
Trumpet lilies	Lilium longiflorum	Cats and cats
Asiatic lilies	Lilium asiatica	Cats
Fire lilies	Lilium umbellatum	Cats

Diseases and pests

Diseases, fungi and pests can all cause lilies to fail. The most common threats to lilies are:

• Aphids, which can infest lilies
• Stink bugs that can eat the roots of lilies
• Lily beetles – and especially their larvae – that can cause extensive damage to lily stems and leaves
• Mice, squirrels and deer that can damage lilies in general
• Slugs and centipedes, which can eat lily sprouts as well as a lily's leaves and flowers
• Viral diseases as well as fungus (e.g. Botrytis) that can damage multiple parts of a lily or the entire plant

Symbolism

Throughout history, lilies have had numerous symbolic meanings in different civilizations and cultures:

• Greek mythology: In Ancient Greece, lilies were a symbol of motherhood because the Greeks believed that the lily was created from the breast milk of Zeus' wife Hera.

• Christianity: In the Bible, the three petals of the lily symbolized the three virtues; faith, hope and love. In addition, the parts of the lily were also various symbols of the Virgin Mary:
  • The stem of the lily = Mary's believing mind
  • The scent of the lily = Mary's divinity
  • The petals = Mary's purity and virginity
  • The other leaves = Mary's humility

• Esotericism: The lily is found on several different tarot cards and in the symbolic language of tarot, the lily symbolizes purity, innocence and fertility. In addition, it can also represent vulnerability, growth and development. Depending on which tarot cards surround it, it can also indicate new relationships or births.