Lily Flower Guide: Gifting, Symbolism, & Care Tips
A team of flower, style and design experts and enthusiasts. We love sharing advice on all things floral and offering top tips on expressing yourself and your emotions.
A team of flower, style and design experts and enthusiasts. We love sharing advice on all things floral and offering top tips on expressing yourself and your emotions.
Timeless Beauty to Elevate Your Bouquet – Perfect for All Occasions
Lilies are an absolute favourite when it comes to adding elegance, grace, and a bit of drama to any bouquet. Whether you’re brightening up someone’s day, celebrating a wedding, or sending your deepest sympathies, lilies are always the right choice. Loved for their stunning blooms and intoxicating scent, they’re the perfect flower to say it all – whether that’s love, admiration, or just a simple ‘I’m thinking of you’.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know – from lily varieties to their symbolism, gifting ideas, and tips on how to keep them looking tip-top. Let’s dive in, shall we?
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What is a lily?
Lilies are perennial beauties that hail from the Lilium genus. Native to Asia, Europe, and North America, they’ve been admired for centuries – thanks to their elegant shape and lovely fragrance. The name “lily” comes from the Greek leírion, meaning “pure,” which is no surprise when you see the timeless elegance these flowers offer. In fact, throughout history, lilies have been symbols of purity, fertility, and even rebirth – so there’s a lot of good energy packed into one little bloom!
Perfect for gifting, lilies speak volumes – whether you’re expressing love, celebrating a wedding, or showing some sympathy to a friend in need… They’ve got the versatility to suit any occasion, making them one of the most-loved flowers worldwide.
Lily varieties
With over 90 species of lilies out there, settling on your favourite is a task in itself. But don’t worry, we’ve done the hard work for you and pulled together the best of the bunch. Let’s meet the stars of the lily world:
Peace lilies, Peruvian lilies, lily of the valley, and calla lillies
It might surprise you to hear that while these flowers are often called “lilies,” they’re not technically part of the Lilium genus. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Peace Lilies: Known for their glossy green leaves and striking white blooms, they make a stunning addition to any indoor space.
- Peruvian Lilies: Also called Alstroemeria, these flowers are bright, vibrant, and long-lasting – perfect for bouquets.
- Lily of the Valley: Small, fragrant flowers often used in bridal arrangements, symbolising purity and sweetness.
- Calla Lilies: Elegant and sleek, these lilies are perfect for sophisticated bouquets and arrangements.
Lily season: When lilies flower in the UK
In the UK, lilies typically bloom from early June to September, with each variety showing its best bloom at different times. Asiatic lilies tend to bloom first, followed by the trumpet and oriental lilies later in the season. Cooler springs might delay blooms slightly, but don’t worry – lilies will still make a big splash once they arrive.
For a burst of colour in your home or garden, lilies are a fantastic seasonal flower choice. Whether it’s a wedding, anniversary, or summer birthday, lilies are sure to brighten the occasion.
How to look after lilies in a bouquet
Lilies are a stunning addition to any bouquet, and with just a bit of attention, they can stay fresh and beautiful for days. Here’s how to make sure your lilies look their best in a floral arrangement:
Trim the stems:
When you receive a lily bouquet, always trim the stems at a 45-degree angle. This helps them absorb more water and stay fresh longer. Be sure to use sharp scissors or a flower knife for a clean cut.
Water:
Lilies love water, so make sure their vase is filled with clean, fresh water. Change the water every two days to keep the stems hydrated and prevent any bacteria build-up.
Sunlight:
While lilies love sunlight, it’s best to keep them out of direct sunlight in their vase. Place them in a cool spot with bright, indirect light to keep the blooms fresh without wilting.
Remove faded flowers:
As your lilies bloom, they may start to fade after a few days. Deadhead the spent flowers by removing them at the stem, which will encourage the remaining buds to bloom and keep the arrangement looking neat.
Support taller stems:
If your lilies have long stems, they may need some gentle support to prevent them from drooping. Use a flower support ring or trim the stems slightly to help them stand tall and proud.
Pet safety:
While lilies are incredibly beautiful, they’re toxic to cats and can cause harm if ingested. If you have pets, be mindful of where you place your lilies and keep them out of paw’s reach. If that’s a deal-breaker, check out our list of the best pet-friendly flowers for animal-safe alternatives.
Lily colour meanings
Each colour adds its own layer of meaning, making lilies the perfect way to express your feelings for any occasion.
Fancy diving further into flower symbolism? Read our expert guide to floriography (the language of flowers).
Best occasions for lilies
Lilies are perfect for any occasion, from the most joyous celebrations to moments of sympathy. But if we had to pick just a few, here are where lilies shine brightest:
- Weddings: Lilies are a classic choice for weddings, symbolising purity and devotion.
- Birthdays & Anniversaries: A lily bouquet is a timeless way to show someone you care when they’re hitting a new life milestone.
- Sympathy: White lilies convey peace and remembrance, making them a thoughtful choice during times of loss.
Whether you’re celebrating love, friendship, or offering condolences, lilies are the perfect flower to say what words sometimes can’t.
Lily FAQs
Yes, you can! At Interflora, we offer same-day delivery on selected bouquets.
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Lilies can last 10-14 days in a vase with a proper flower care routine. They’re one of the longest-lasting cut flowers out there.
Lilies look fabulous in arrangements with taller flowers. Mix them with sunflowers or gladioli for a bold, eye-catching display.
Looking to learn more about crafting your own bouquets? Read our ultimate guide to flower arranging for simple tips you can start using today.
Lilies typically bloom from June to August in the UK, though some varieties bloom earlier or later.
If you’re curious about when flowers bloom (or just want to know what’s having its moment right now), our full seasonal flowers guide takes you through the best options for every month.
Yes, lilies are perennial flowers, meaning they can live beyond two years and typically return to bloom each year from the same roots.
To remove lily beetles, pick them off by hand or use a safe insecticide. Be diligent and check your lilies regularly.
Peace lily plants need indirect light and moist soil. Keep them in a spot with low to moderate light, and water regularly.
If your peace lily is looking sad or starting to wilt, give it a good drink and move it to a brighter (but still shaded) spot in your home.
