What White Lily Flowers Are There? Species and Origins
The white lily is not just one flower. In fact, they come in different shapes and sizes. What they have in common is that all grow from bulbs and are low-maintenance. Here are a few white lily flowers that you can use in your arrangements or plant in your garden.
- The Madonna lily (Lilium candidum). Native to the Balkans and the Middle East, this plant belongs to the true lily family. It’s been cultivated for at least 3,000 years, and it produces pure white flowers with a sweet fragrance.
- The golden-rayed lily (Lilium auratum). This white lily is native to Japan and has showy, golden markings. Usually, their petals have orange spots, and these lilies are the largest flowers in the family.
- The ‘Casa Blanca’ lily (Lilium ‘Casa Blanca’). It’s a hybrid oriental lily that descended from Korean and Japanese lilies, and has since become one of the most popular white lily flowers.
- The Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum). This white lily is also called the trumpet or long-flowered lily. It’s native to Japan and Taiwan, and it’s the most common lily used in white lily bouquets.
- The Formosa lily (Lilium formosanum). Also called the Taiwanese lily, this white lily is endemic to Taiwan. It has a sweet fragrance, and its blooms are shaped like a trumpet.
It shouldn’t be hard to find at least some of them in a local nursery or online. White lily flowers are widely available since they’re popular in bouquets and arrangements. None of the listed species is rare, so you can have your pick.
What Do White Lily Flowers Mean?
White lily flowers are often seen at funerals and memorials. This is because they symbolize purity, innocence, and new beginnings. White lilies can also express sympathy or condolences. If you want to give white lilies as a gift, they can also mean purity of heart, mind, and soul. They can show that you’re thinking of the person and wish them peace.
How to Grow White Lily Flowers?
If you want white lilies in your garden, it’s not too difficult to get them to grow. They like full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. Lily bulbs should be planted in the fall, and they’ll bloom the following summer or fall. When planting, make sure the bulbs are six to eight inches deep in well-drained soil.
How to Care for White Lilies?
White lilies are low-maintenance, but they still need some care. Water them regularly, and fertilize them once a month. You can also cut the stems back to the ground once they’re done blooming to encourage new growth.
If you’re growing white lily flowers indoors, make sure they have plenty of light. They like temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit and high humidity.
White Lily Bouquet Ideas
Now that we know more about white lily flowers, let’s talk about how to use them in bouquets and arrangements. Because white lilies are such a classic flower, they go well with many other blooms. Here are a few white lily bouquet ideas to get you started.
- A white lily and rose bouquet is a classic combination. The two flowers have different shapes and textures, but they complement each other well.
- For a more modern bouquet, pair white lilies with white daisies. The contrast of the large blooms with the small ones is eye-catching.
- If you want a white lily bouquet with a touch of color, add some green foliage or baby’s breath. This will give the arrangement some texture and depth.
- White lilies also look beautiful on their own. A simple white lily bouquet is perfect for a wedding, funeral, or any other formal occasion.
Which Type of Lily Will You Grow Next?
Now that you know more about white lily flowers, which one will you grow next? With so many beautiful options to choose from, it’s hard to go wrong. No matter which type of white lily you choose, you’ll have a stunning addition to your garden.
Do you have a favorite white lily? Let us know in the comments below.
