Also known as Lily · 2.1k saves
Lilium
Lilium, the genus most gardeners know as lily. We track 54 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Lilium varieties
See all 54 Lilium varieties →Search this genus →
8 species of Lilium
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Lilium in Sow
Save the Lilium you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Lilium
Whats common across all Lilium varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Lilium year
- PlantSeptember and October100% of varieties
Plant bulbs 6 inches deep in well-drained soil
- FertilizeMarch and May90% of varieties
Apply balanced fertilizer as new growth emerges
- DeadheadJune–August88% of varieties
Remove spent flowers to tidy appearance, but leave the stem intact
- StakeApril–June85% of varieties
Stake tall stems before flowering to prevent flopping.
- Check for PestsApril–June75% of varieties
Watch for red lily beetles, handpick or treat immediately.
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March30% of varieties
Cut back old stems to ground level before new growth starts
Do
- Water regularly during active growth 🌱
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Water consistently during growing season 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot ❌
- Refrain from cutting back foliage until it yellows naturally
- Do not disturb bulbs during dormancy
- Skip fertilizing in late fall
What goes wrong with Lilium
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Lily Beetle | Chewed foliage and stems | Handpick beetles and apply organic insecticide |
| Lily beetles | Chewed leaves and larvae on stems | Handpick beetles or apply neem oil |
| Lily beetle | Chewed leaves and larvae presence | Handpick beetles and apply insecticidal spray |
| Botrytis (Gray Mold) | Gray fuzzy mold on flowers and leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Botrytis blight | Gray mold on flowers and leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Bulb rot | Soft, decayed bulbs | Ensure well-drained soil and avoid overwatering |
Making more Lilium
Division
- Dig up mature clumps in early spring
- Separate into smaller sections with roots intact
- Replant immediately at same depth
- Water thoroughly after planting
Bulb division
- Dig up established clumps in early spring or fall.
- Gently separate offsets with a sharp knife.
- Plant divisions 4-6 inches deep in prepared soil.
- Water thoroughly and mulch to retain moisture.
Lilium questions
How many types of Lilium are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 54 distinct Lilium varieties. The most popular — ranked by 2.1k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Lilium grow in?
Across its varieties, Lilium covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Lilium bloom?
Most Lilium varieties bloom in mid-summer, early to mid-summer, early to mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Lilium should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.