A Guide to Lily Colors and Their Meanings

lilie-farben
Lilien blühen in verschiedenen Farben.

Lilies have been a staple in our gardens for centuries, and it’s easy to see why. These stunning flowers have symbolized everything from purity and hope to dignity and grace. A big part of their charm comes from the incredible variety of colors they offer. Whether you’re looking for something classic or a real showstopper, there’s a lily out there for you.

White Lilies

White lilies hold a special place in history and heraldry, but they’re also a top pick for home gardeners. There’s just something so elegant about a crisp white bloom. If you’re looking for that classic look, check out these popular hybrids:

  • ‘White Elegance’: A pure, clean white.
  • ‘White American’: Classic white.
  • ‘Siberia’: A brilliant, snowy white.
  • ‘Mister Ed’: Another beautiful pure white option.
  • ‘Album’: White with a subtle greenish tint; it’s known for a long blooming season.
  • ‘Starling Star’: A creamy white with soft yellow undertones.

Yellow Lilies

Yellow lilies are a bit harder to find than the white varieties, but they are worth the hunt! They look fantastic when paired with purple or red flowers. Here are a few favorites:

  • ‘Citronella’: A bright lemon yellow with plenty of flower clusters.
  • ‘Yellow Country’: A rich, deep yellow.
  • ‘Royal Gold’: A stunning golden-yellow hue.

Orange Lilies

If you want to add some fiery warmth to your flower beds, orange lilies are the way to go. Some great varieties include:

  • ‘Monte Negro’: A deep, intense orange.
  • ‘Apeldoorn’: A vibrant orange-red.
  • ‘Fire King’: Another gorgeous deep orange.

Pink Lilies

Pink lilies are incredibly romantic and look wonderful when planted alongside white varieties. You can usually find these beauties at your local nursery:

  • ‘Trance’: A delicate light pink.
  • ‘Stargazer’: Pink petals with a bright, light-colored edge (a total garden classic!).
  • ‘Miss Lucy’: A light pink, double-petaled variety.
  • ‘Elegant Lady’: A lovely pink with a very strong, sweet fragrance.

Red and Purple Lilies

If you love bold colors, you’re in luck—there are tons of red and purple varieties to choose from. Here’s a quick shortlist of some standouts:

  • ‘Imperial Crimson’: A deep, moody crimson.
  • ‘Cupido’: A true red.
  • ‘Sphinx’: A rich, dark red.
  • ‘Nobility’: A stunning ruby red.
  • ‘Rodeo’: A fragrant lilac-purple.
  • ‘Black Beauty’: A deep, regal purple.
  • ‘Grand Paradiso’: A bold, deep red.

Bicolor Lilies

Then we have the bicolors—the real divas of the lily world! Because their patterns are so striking, they can sometimes clash with solid-colored flowers. They usually look best when planted as a standalone feature where they can really shine:

  • ‘Barcelona’: Orange-red with a sunny yellow center.
  • ‘Journey’s End’: Rosy red with crisp white edges.
  • ‘Muscadet’: White with a soft, delicate red center.
  • ‘Imperial Silver’: White with bold vermilion spots.
  • ‘Robert Swanson’: Purple with bright yellow margins.
  • ‘Orange Triumph’: Orange-yellow with dramatic black speckles.
  • ‘Nettys Pride’: Deep purple with striking white tips.