Lily Plant Size: Get the Right Size for You

Lilies are a popular choice among gardeners, thanks to their vibrant colors and delightful fragrance. With their elegant appearance, lilies can enhance any outdoor space, from gardens to patio containers. However, before you rush to buy lily bulbs, it’s essential to consider the size of the plants you desire. Understanding the different sizes available will help you choose the right lily plant for your specific needs and preferences.

Types of Lily Plants

Before we delve into the various sizes of lilies, let’s explore the different types of lily plants. There are three main categories of lilies:

Asiatic Lilies: These lilies are known for their early bloom time and come in a wide range of colors, from soft pastels to bold and bright hues. They usually have upward-facing flowers and grow between two to four feet tall.
Oriental Lilies: Oriental lilies are renowned for their intoxicating fragrance and large, showy flowers. They bloom later in the season than Asiatic lilies and can reach heights of up to six feet or more.
Trumpet Lilies: Also referred to as Aurelian lilies, trumpet lilies produce stunning trumpet-shaped flowers with a strong fragrance. These lilies have tall stems that can grow up to eight feet in height.

Each type of lily has its own unique characteristics, including size variations within each category.

Choosing the Right Size

When selecting lily plants for your garden or containers, it’s crucial to consider factors such as available space, desired visual impact, and overall garden design. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the right size of lily plant:

Garden Space

The first consideration is the available space in your garden. If you have a small garden or limited areas for planting, it’s best to opt for smaller-sized lilies. Asiatic lilies, with their shorter stature, are an excellent choice for compact gardens. They can be planted in groups or mixed with other plants to create a vibrant and colorful display without overwhelming the space.

If you have a larger garden or ample room for planting, you can experiment with taller lily varieties. Oriental and trumpet lilies make a bold statement with their height and can add drama and elegance to any landscape.

Visual Impact

Consider the visual impact you want to achieve with your lilies. If you’re looking for a more subtle presence, such as adding pops of color in flower beds or borders, smaller-sized lilies will suffice. They can blend harmoniously with other plants and still provide a visually pleasing display.

On the other hand, if you want your lilies to be the focal point of your garden or create a striking centerpiece, taller lilies will deliver the desired impact. Their height and large blooms will command attention and create an impressive visual display.

Garden Design

Your overall garden design should also influence your choice of lily plant size. Consider the style and theme of your garden. If you have a formal garden with structured lines and symmetrical plantings, choosing lilies that match the proportions of the garden will help maintain its aesthetic appeal.

For more informal or cottage-style gardens, you have more flexibility in selecting lily sizes. Mixing different sizes of lilies can create a relaxed and natural look, adding depth and interest to your garden beds.

Lily Plant Size Options

Now that we understand the importance of choosing the right size of lily plants let’s explore some popular options within each lily category:

Asiatic Lilies

Asiatic lilies come in various sizes ranging from dwarf varieties to taller options. Here are some popular choices:

Pixie Lilies: These petite Asiatic lilies grow between 12-16 inches tall and are perfect for small gardens or containers. Despite their small size, they produce vibrant blooms in a variety of colors.
Tiny Bee Lilies: Another compact option, Tiny Bee lilies reach a height of around 16-18 inches. They are known for their exceptional vigor and abundance of flowers, making them an excellent choice for borders or mass plantings.
Forever Susan Lilies: If you’re looking for a slightly taller Asiatic lily, Forever Susan is a fantastic option. It grows to a height of 24-36 inches and features striking dark red flowers with golden edges.

Oriental Lilies

Oriental lilies are generally taller than Asiatic lilies, but they offer an incredible fragrance and stunning blooms. Here are some popular choices:

Stargazer Lilies: Stargazer lilies are perhaps the most famous Oriental lilies. Their large, upward-facing flowers exhibit deep pink petals with white edges and burgundy spots. They can grow between 36-48 inches tall and make a bold statement in any garden.
Casa Blanca Lilies: For those who prefer the classic combination of white and green, Casa Blanca lilies are an exceptional choice. These Oriental lilies can reach heights of up to 48 inches and feature large, pure white flowers with a light fragrance.

Trumpet/Aurelian Lilies

Trumpet lilies are the tallest among the three categories and provide an impressive presence in the garden. Here’s an example:

Golden Splendor Lilies: Golden Splendor is a popular trumpet lily variety that can reach heights of up to 84 inches or more! Its golden-yellow flowers with burgundy markings create a stunning display in late summer.

Remember, these are just a few examples from each category, and there are numerous other lily varieties available in various sizes to suit your specific preferences.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right size of lily plant is essential for creating a balanced and visually appealing garden. Consider the available space, desired visual impact, and overall garden design when selecting lilies. Whether you opt for compact Asiatic lilies, taller Oriental lilies, or towering trumpet lilies, incorporating these vibrant blooms will undoubtedly add charm and elegance to your outdoor space. So, take the time to explore the various sizes available and find the lily plants that perfectly suit your needs and style.