What is the meaning of the lily flower?

What does the name ‘Lily’ mean?

The lily name meaning comes from the Old English lilie, from Latin lilium and from Greek leirion. Originally, we took lily from the Hebrew word “Shoshannah” (שׁוֹשַׁנָּה), which was borrowed from the Egyptians. This name became popular in almost every culture across the world. Lily is now a hugely popular girl’s name, and names like Susanna, Susan, Suzette all mean lily too!

What do lilies (the actual flower) mean?

Each different variety of lily holds a different meaning. But the most common meaning is purity and fertility. The sweet and innocent beauty of the lily flower has given it the association of fresh life and rebirth.Although the meaning can differ depending on its colour. Take a look at these different colour associations…

What do the Different Colours of Lily Mean?

White lilies symbolise purity and rebirth

Often chosen for both weddings and funerals, white lilies symbolise a rejuvenation of the soul. This meaning represents purity, commitment and rebirth, which is why they’re often chosen as Sympathy Flowers.

Pink lilies symbolise femininity, admiration

Pink lilies stand for love, femininity and admiration. So they’re the perfect gift for your favourite female friends and family members when they need a little confidence boost or pick-me-up.

Red lilies symbolise love and passion

Bright and fiery, the red lily represents love and passion. It’s a welcome change to a red rose in a romantic bouquet.

Orange lilies symbolise confidence and energy

Full of positivity and warmth, orange lilies are the perfect flowers to send when you want to say well done on a new job, new home or personal achievement.

Yellow lilies symbolise thankfulness, joy and friendship

Yellow lilies make great ‘thank you’ flowers. They symbolise thankfulness and their sunny colour awakens feelings of happiness that’s sure to put a smile on your favourite person’s face.

Purple lilies symbolise royalty, elegance and spirituality

Purple lilies stand for being special and fancy, like royalty. They also have a spiritual feel, which means they can represent a sense of wonder and respect for things beyond the everyday world. So, purple lilies are all about looking elegant and having a deeper connection to something bigger or more meaningful.

The different types of lilies

Lilies come in various types, each with its own unique characteristics and appeal. Here are four of the most popular types of lilies:

Asiatic Lilies (Lilium asiatica): These lilies are known for their early bloom, vibrant colours, and upright, non-fragrant flowers. They come in a wide range of colours, including red, orange, yellow, and pink.

Oriental Lilies (Lilium orientalis): Oriental lilies are known for their large, fragrant, and showy flowers. They typically bloom later in the summer and come in various colours, with popular varieties like Stargazer and Casablanca.

Tiger Lilies (Lilium lancifolium): Tiger lilies are recognised by their orange flowers with dark spots, resembling the pattern of a tiger's coat. They are known for their striking appearance and resilience.

Easter Lilies (Lilium longiflorum): Easter lilies are associated with the Easter celabrations and are known for their pure white, trumpet-shaped flowers and sweet fragrance.

Flowers that look like lilies

Several flowers resemble lilies due to their similar trumpet-shaped or petal structure. Here are flowers that often look like lilies:

Daylilies (Hemerocallis): While not true lilies, daylilies have trumpet-shaped flowers similar to lilies and come in various colours.

Peruvian Lily (Alstroemeria): Peruvian lilies have lily-like blooms with distinctive markings and come in various colours, including red, orange, and yellow.

Gloriosa Lily (Gloriosa superba): The Gloriosa Lily has striking, lily-like flowers with wavy, reflexed petals and comes in various colours, including red and yellow.

Crocosmia (Crocosmia): Crocosmia produces sword-shaped foliage and bears tubular, lily-like flowers in various shades, such as red, orange, and yellow.

Amaryllis (Hippeastrum): Amaryllis blooms have trumpet-shaped flowers and come in various colours, including red, white, and pink.

Where do lilies come from?

There are thought to be 80-100 species of lilies grown natively all over the world. But most commonly, the lily is found in places in the northern hemisphere with balmy temperatures, like Asia, Europe, and North America.Originally, the lily grew only in forests, grasslands, marshes and mountains. But now it can be grown from the bulb almost anywhere that has the right weather conditions. It’s a very durable flower that has stood the test of time and has appeared time and time again in human history. Everyone loves lilies. From the Egyptians who believed the lily was sacred to the Romans who used lilies to fill their pillows. Although many flowers take the name ‘lily’, to be a true lily the flower must be part of the genus lilium. Examples of flowers that take the name lily but don’t have the origin of the true lily include the water lily, daylilies and arum lilies!

Is there any mythology linked to lilies?

Yes! Throughout the ages, the lily has had many associated meanings. But the most commonly associated mythological meaning is the story of Zeus and Hera. This myth gave the lily the meaning that it still holds today - one of rebirth and fertility.The story goes that Zeus wanted baby Hercules to drink Hera’s milk. But because Hercules was born of another woman, she disagreed. In a sneaky bid to get Hercules some milk, Zeus brought him to drink Hera’s milk while she was asleep. When she woke up and realised, she pushed them away and the drops of milk that fell on the ground grew into lilies.

When do lilies bloom?

Lilies can bloom at different times depending on the type of lily and where you live. Some bloom early in late spring to early summer (May to June), like Asiatic lilies. Others bloom in midsummer (late June to July), such as Oriental lilies. There are also lilies that bloom later in the summer to early fall (August to September), like Tiger lilies. 

The time they bloom can be affected by the weather and where they are grown. Gardeners often choose different types of lilies to have flowers blooming in their garden for a longer time.

Do lilies come back every year?

Some lilies can come back and bloom again each year; we call these "perennial" lilies. The type of lily and the weather where you live affect whether they come back. 

Lilies like Asiatic, Oriental, and Tiger lilies are examples that usually come back if you take care of them. But in really cold places, some lilies might not survive the winter unless you protect them by digging up their bulbs and storing them inside. So, it depends on where you live and the type of lily you have.

How long do lilies last when cut?

When you put lilies in a vase with water, they can last for about one to two weeks if you take care of them. To make them last longer, cut the stems at an angle, change the water every few days, and keep the vase away from hot sun or drafts. It's also a good idea to remove leaves that touch the water, and you can use special flower food to help them stay fresh. With these steps, your cut lilies can look beautiful for a longer time. You’ll find more information in our lily care guide.

Fun fact about lilies

Lilies are fascinating flowers. They come in many types, have special meanings, and even some surprising uses, like in cooking and medicine. Let's explore some fun facts about lilies!

• There are over 100 different species of lilies and thousands of hybrids and cultivars. This diversity results in a wide range of colours, shapes, and sizes.

• Lilies have various symbolic meanings. They are often associated with purity, renewal, and transience. In Christianity, the Madonna Lily represents the Virgin Mary's purity.

• The lily is the national flower of Italy and is featured on the country's emblem. It symbolises unity and peace.

• The Giant Himalayan Lily (Cardiocrinum giganteum) holds the title for the world's tallest lily, with some specimens reaching heights of up to 10 feet (3 metres).

• Some lily species, such as Lilium longiflorum, have edible petals and are used in culinary dishes and teas in certain cultures.

• In traditional medicine, certain lily species have been used for their medicinal properties, such as treating skin conditions and digestive issues.

We hope you’ve discovered some interesting facts about the lovely lilies. You might also enjoy our guides on the meaning of carnations, tulips and sunflowers.

Want to make someone’s day? Do it with lilies! Just browse our beautiful blooms to find the perfect bouquet for them.