Lilies are one of the most iconic flowers that never fail to impress. With their elegant petals and charming fragrances, lilies are often the centerpiece of many appraised gardens and bouquets.
With over 90 varieties, you will find lilies of all shades and colors possible, but red ones are especially striking. These beloved blossoms symbolize unwavering love, passion, courage, and prosperity!
In this article, we will explore some of the most revered red lilies out there and tell you how to care for them to enjoy their flowers for years.
Lilium’ Monte Negro’
- USDA plant hardiness zones 4-8
- Exposure: Full to partial sun
Lilium’ Monte Negro’ is an Asiatic hybrid lily cultivar known for its uniform and deep red blooms, which are so striking they are often mistaken for purple. Its flowers are also famous for their impressive size, with a diameter of around 8 inches.
Despite its massive blooms, this lily is relatively small, usually reaching a height of just 3 feet and ten flowers per stem. If you’re looking for a way to add some excitement to your garden without stealing the spotlight from other plants, Lilium’ Monte Negro’ is a perfect choice.
Lilium ‘Scheherazade’
- USDA plant hardiness zones 5-9
- Exposure: Full to partial sun
This stunning oriental trumpet hybrid lily boasts grand, upward-facing flowers with a rich gold edge and deep burgundy petals that range from reddish-pink to almost purple. These massive flowers grow up to 10 inches wide and bloom mid-to-late summer.
The ‘Scheherazade’ is a vigorous grower that can reach a height of up to 7 feet and produce around 40 flowers per stem at the peak of its blooming season. Its delightful scent only matches its appearance, which could fill a greenhouse and create an exotic atmosphere.
Lilium’ Pumilum’
- USDA plant hardiness zones 3-7
- Exposure: Full to partial sun
Lilium’ Pumilum’, also known as coral lilies or Turk’s cap lilies, are gorgeous perennial plants native to Southeast Asia that add flair to your garden. Despite their small size, reaching a modest 24 inches at max in early to mid-summer, they are a sight to behold.
The flowers of coral lilies have a distinctive “Turk’s cap” shape where the petals curve backward to reveal their stamens and pistil. These lovely flowers are usually shiny red, but you can also find them in shades of orange and pink.
Lilium’ Flashpoint’
- USDA plant hardiness zones 5-9
- Exposure: Full to partial sun
Lilium ‘Flashpoint’ is a stunning oriental trumpet hybrid lily that will catch your eye. Its trumpet-shaped flowers are approximately 6 inches wide, but what sets this lily apart is its soft, delicate appearance.
The curved blooms feature beautiful shades of pinkish-red and white, which you will see in mid-to-late summer. This lily won’t grow much taller than 4 feet and is surprisingly easy to maintain and care for, making it an ideal choice for borders or containers.
Lilium’ Lancifolium’
- USDA plant hardiness zones 3-9
- Exposure: Full to partial sun
The ‘Lancifolium’, or tiger lily, is a perennial from China, Korea, and Japan. These flowers are beloved for their exotic appearance, featuring vibrant red or orange petals covered in small, dark spots resembling a tiger’s coat pattern.
Beyond their stunning looks, tiger lilies bulbs are known for their many alleged health benefits. Traditional Chinese medicine has used these bulbs extensively for their anti-inflammatory properties, which make them viable cough and pain medications.
These lilies typically bloom in mid to late summer, growing up to 4 feet tall and giving your garden a burst of color and vibrancy.
Lilium’ Claude Shride’
- USDA plant hardiness zones 3-9
- Exposure: Full to partial sun
Lilium’ Claude Shride’ is a hybrid Martagon cultivar known for its stunning Turk’s cap-shaped blossoms. These extravagant flowers are predominantly red, with occasional orange spots and a sweet, heady fragrance.
And it’s not just the impressive blooms — these plants can grow up to 6 feet tall, making them a standout addition to any garden. It is ideal planting them during fall, and they will blossom in early to mid-summer, yielding around 50 flowers per stalk.
Lilium’ Sumatra’
- USDA plant hardiness zones 3-8
- Exposure: Full to partial sun
These stunning oriental lilies boast star-shaped blooms in a deep maroon color with elegant white edges. Not only are they beautiful, but they also have a long vase life, making them perfect for cut flower arrangements.
In the garden, ‘Sumatra’ lilies can grow up to 4 feet tall and will start blooming in mid-summer. Best of all, they’re low-maintenance and will continue to bloom for years!
Lilium’ Canadense’
- USDA plant hardiness zones 3-8
- Exposure: Full to partial sun
Lilium ‘Canadense’, also known as the Canada lily or wild yellow lily, is a perennial variety native to North America. Its flowers are on the smaller side, around 4 inches each, and come in vibrant yellow, orange, or red hues, adorned with reddish-purple spots.
They bloom from late spring to early summer and are not larger than 5 feet tall. Some indigenous communities have also used Canadian lilies to treat sore throats, coughs, and other respiratory ailments.
How to Care for Red Lilies
Fortunately, lilies do not require lots of maintenance, making them perfect if you are busy but want to keep a vibrant garden. The following are the fundamentals about caring for red lilies, though you should continue your research if you decide to grow them.
- Lilies enjoy sunny spots where they can receive light throughout the day. If you are concerned about sunburn, a partial shade will be enough.
- They can grow in almost any soil type but will do best with enough organic matter.
- Constant watering is necessary, but having well-draining soil is critical to avoid waterlogging the plant.
- Fertilizing is unnecessary, but a balanced mix can do wonders during the growing season.
- Lilies attract bees, so do not be surprised if you see them around suddenly!
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