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Lilies are beautiful flowers in many shapes, sizes, and colors. They have been admired for centuries for their elegance and fragrance. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of lilies with these 20 admiring facts about lilies that will captivate young gardeners!1
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Lilies have graced Earth for over 4,000 years, originating in Asia and later spreading across Europe and North America. These ancient flowers, revered for their beauty and symbolism, have been cultivated and admired in gardens and art throughout history. 1
Did you know some lilies are edible? The bulbs of certain species, like the tiger lily, are used in Asian cuisine. They can be boiled, baked, or even dried and used in soups. However, not all lilies are safe to eat, so it’s important to know which ones are edible. 2
The largest waterlily species, Victoria boliviana, boasts floating pads that exceed 2.8 meters in diameter and flowers up to 36 centimeters wide. The record for the single leaf, measuring 3.2 meters, was set at La Rinconada Ecological Park in Bolivia on 3 February 2012.
Lilies are known for their striking colors and patterns. From solid white to spotted red, each lily has its unique design. Some even have a mix of colors, creating stunning visual displays in gardens. The variety of hues makes them a favorite among flower enthusiasts. 3
The smallest water lily, Nymphaea thermarum, had pads only 10-20 mm (0.3-0.6 inches) across and is believed extinct in the wild. Thanks to horticulturist Carlos Magdalena, who germinated stored seeds at Kew Gardens in 2009, the thermal lily has been saved from complete extinction. 4
Many lilies are famous for their strong and pleasant fragrance. The Easter lily, in particular, is known for its sweet scent, which is often used in perfumes and scented candles. This delightful aroma attracts not only humans but also pollinators like bees and butterflies. 5
The water lily named septuplet water lilie holds the record for the most flowers on a single plant, with seven blooms. This achievement was set at Guangzhou Panyu Lotus Hill Resort, China, on 8 August 2020, and the specimen is now on display at the resort.
While lilies are lovely to look at, they can be dangerous to cats. All parts of the lily plant, including the flowers, leaves, and pollen, are toxic to cats and can cause severe kidney damage if ingested. Cat owners need to keep lilies out of reach of their feline friends. 6
Once cut, lily flowers can stay fresh for up to two weeks, making them ideal for bouquets and decorations. Proper care, like changing the water and trimming the stems, can extend their vase life even further. 7
Lilies can grow in a wide range of conditions, from full sun to partial shade. They are quite adaptable and can thrive in different types of soil as long as it’s well-drained. This versatility makes them a great addition to many gardens. 8
Lilies are excellent for attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds. Their bright colors and sweet nectar make them irresistible to these creatures, which helps with the pollination of other plants in the garden. 9
Some species of lilies, like the Casablanca lily, are night bloomers. These lilies open their flowers in the evening and release their fragrance at night, attracting nocturnal pollinators like moths. This unique trait makes them fascinating plants to observe.
In ancient times, lilies were used for medicinal purposes. The bulbs were believed to have healing properties and were used to treat various ailments, including burns and wounds. 10
Lilies typically have a lifespan of about 2 to 3 years in the garden, but with proper care, their bulbs can thrive and produce blooms for many more years. Perennial by nature, they return each year, adding lasting beauty to landscapes. 11
There are over 100 species of true lilies, but countless hybrids have been created through selective breeding. These hybrids often combine the best traits of different species, resulting in flowers with unique colors, patterns, and growth habits. 12
White lilies symbolize purity and innocence, while pink lilies represent abundance and prosperity. Red lilies signify love and passion, orange lilies denote confidence and pride, and yellow lilies convey joy, thankfulness, and good health. 13
The Alstroemeria, commonly known as the Peruvian Lily, is not a true lily but shares the name due to its similar appearance. It originates from South America and is known for its vibrant colors and long vase life, making it a popular choice in floral arrangements.
Although not true lilies, water lilies are often associated with the same family due to their name. These aquatic plants have stunning flowers that float on the surface of ponds and lakes. Water lilies are admired for their beauty and are a favorite in water gardens.14
Lilies are the national flower of several countries. For example, the Madonna Lily (Lilium candidum) is the national flower of France, and the Easter Lily (Lilium longiflorum) is the national flower of Japan. 15
Popular lilies, like Tango, Forever Susan, Orange Pixie, Elodie, and Lollipop, come in nearly every color and are known for their attractive, long-lasting blooms. Although they are visually stunning, they typically have little to no scent. 16
