Everything You Need to Know About Lilies

With stunning blooms, bold fragrances and vivid colours, lilies of all shapes and sizes have been stealing the show for as long as we can remember. 

A sturdy flower with a highly recognisable pistil centre, the lily is the name given to flowering plants from the Liliaceae family. Lilies are long-lasting and come in a vast variety of shades, making them a popular choice for arrangements for the most special occasions or the smallest day to day bouquets. 

We love working with lilies and find their versatility and adaptability ideal for inspiring elegant and opulent creations. 

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The History of Lilies

Lilies have a long and rich history which can be traced back to hundreds of years ago. Lilies feature extensively in both Roman and Greek mythology. 

Lilies in mythology and culture

In Ancient Greece it was believed that the lily was formed from the breastmilk of Zeus’s wife, Hera. In Roman mythology Venus became jealous of the purity and beauty of the white lily and so tainted it with the pistil which grows from the core. 

In Christianity, lilies have long been seen as a symbol of purity and chastity and are often associated with the Virgin Mary, as well as the resurrection of Christ.

White lilies have long been a symbol of elegance and glamour and have appeared in cultural conversations throughout history. Shakespeare declared the lily to be his favourite flower and they have been the subject of numerous poems and paintings. 

From apparently adorning the dressing room of Jennifer Lopez, to featuring in state funerals and royal events, lilies remain firmly at the forefront when it comes to flowers in the 21st century. 

Where Lilies are from 

Lilies grow mainly in temperate and tropical areas. They can be naturally found in landscapes as diverse as forests, mountains and marshlands.

They are cultivated in many countries and can now be found growing across Europe, North America and Asia. The flower is native to the Northern Hemisphere. 

What do the colours of lilies mean and represent?

Although the simple white lily is probably the most famous, this beautiful flower actually comes in a wide range of colours and shades. Let’s take a look at some of the colours you can choose from and what the different shades represent: 

White Lily Meaning

The white lily is one of the most iconic flowers in the world today. It has a diverse symbolism behind it and is just as commonly found at weddings as it is at funerals.

Many people believe that the white lily is symbolic of purity and innocence - it’s often seen in religious art work as a symbol of the Virgin Mary. However, it is also often seen as representing grief and death - lilies are a popular flower to send as a sympathy bouquet to someone who has lost a friend or family member. 

Yellow Lily Meaning

Often given as a thank you gift or as a sign of gratitude, the brightly coloured yellow lilies are also symbolic of friendship. 

Yellow lilies add an excellent pop of colour and can boost a bouquet or arrangement to appear happy, bright and full of life. 

Pink Lily Meaning

Stargazer lilies are often found in a vibrant pink colour with a wealth of symbolism behind them. The pink shade is thought to symbolise prosperity, abundance and success. 

A popular option for those wanting to bring good fortune into their own life or the life of a loved ones, pink lilies can be found in arrangements for all sorts of events and purposes. 

Red Lily Meaning

Long symbolic of romance and passion, red is the colour to go for if you’re sending lilies to a lover or partner. 

There are some beautiful varieties of red lilies with many of them speckled with dark spots instead of the lighter shades found on white lilies. 

Orange Lily Meaning

Also known as Tiger Lily, Lilium bulbiferum or orange lilies have their own symbolism and story. Representative of energy, warmth and confidence they are a strong and inspiring flower with an appealing brightness. 

What are the different types of lilies?

There are many different types of lilies - available in different shapes, sizes and styles. We love the Casablanca and Stargazer Oriental lilies which you can find either in their own arrangement or mixed together. A combination of the two types creates a playful contrast which is great as a gift or to send to friends and family. 

Casablanca Lilies

Casablanca lilies represent joy and life, blooming for weeks at a time. They thrive when placed in partial sunlight and their scent is so captivating that it often forms the base of perfumes and eau de toilettes. 

Stargazer Lilies

Stargazer lilies are a hybrid lily that naturally bloom in mid to late Summer. Popular in pink and red hues, this striking flower has the real wow factor for when you want to impress. 

Other Lilies

There are many other types of lilies which can be found either as cut flowers or as flowers that grow well in gardens and in the wild. Some other types of lilies include: 

The uses of lilies

Lilies have a reputation for being mainly used in cut flower arrangements or as an ornamental choice for gardens across the country. However, have you ever thought about how the different parts of a lily flower can be used in medicine or even food preparation?

Lilies in medicine

As far back as the Elizabethan era, there is evidence of lilies being used to treat ailments such as: 

All parts of the lily - from the bulbs and leaves, to the flower itself- can be used for different purposes. 

The roots and the bulbs of lilies have been known to be boiled into teas which can help to treat stomach problems and even to aid women in childbirth. 

You can topically apply tinctures made from lily roots to help treat sores and burns. 

Lilies in food

As well as being used as a medicinal tea, lily bulbs are a common cooking ingredient in areas of China such as Shanghai. There is also the wood lily which can be baked, roasted or even used as a thickening agent.

Interesting Lily Facts

It was a Dutch native, Jan de Graaff, who began experimenting with lilies in 1938 and 3 years later produced ‘the most famous hybrid lily of all time’. 

Hummingbirds use lilies for their nectar. 

The Chinese believe that lilies can be used as a lucky charm to avert bad energies. They also believe that a pregnant mother wearing a lily is expressing a wish that she will bear a son.