Lilies originate from woodland and shrublands. Their captivating appeal has led to them being highly cultivated and adaptable to our gardens. It is the world’s 4th favourite cut flower and 1.2 billion bulbs are exported from the Netherlands alone. 

Types of Lily Bulbs

There are 9 categories of lily, most of which are hybrids. With over 2000 cultivars we can’t supply them all. The following is a quick guide of what we offer

• Asiatic Lilies: These lovely asiatic lilies are bold, showy and exotic. They bring an architectural elegance to the garden. Asiatic lilies are fast growing and will easily multiply in the garden. They offer an extensive range of colours and their, mainly upward facing flowers are non scented. They are also excellent for use as a cut flower. They flower in June and July. Asiatic lilies have a few pollen free varieties for those who have allergies and love lilies
• Trumpet Lilies: Very tall with large long flowers. Up to 10 flowers to a stem on a mature bulb. A hardy bulb that can be left in the ground for several years
• Turks Cap Lilies: Species lilies (also known popularly as Turk's Cap) are tall and hardy with downward facing flowers and recurved petals. They have smaller flowers than other lily varieties and hold several flowers per stem. 
• Longiflorum Lilies: Longiflorum lilies are beautifully scented, long trumpet shaped flowers. They are particularly suited as cut flowers. These tall lilies bloom in June and July bringing a real  architectural elegance to the garden. 
• Oriental Lilies: Oriental Lilies are highly scented; the large flowers tend to recurve slightly and are perfect for cut flowers, their heady perfume fills the evening air with their fragrance.Lilies are bold, showy and exotic. They bring an architectural elegance to the garden. With their spectacular flowers, lilies have a place in every garden. 
• Tree Lilies: Orienpet Lilies also called Tree Lilies have a heady perfume they contain the best characteristics of the trumpet and oriental groups ideal for the back of the border where left undisturbed will grow into tall strong plants with many flowers to the stem.

Tips for planting and caring for lilies

• Plant lilies in well drained soil (preferably slightly acidic) in full sun. Most varieties can tolerate moderate shade. 
• Mulch over the bulbs, and water plenty when in their growing cycle. You can use a potash fertiliser to aid their growth.
• Lily bulbs are fleshy with overlapping scales. They need to be carefully stored whilst out of the ground. As a hardy bulb there is no need to lift them once they have flowered. The foliage will last a long time after flowering but it is always better to leave them as long as possible to feed the bulb for next year.
• Year after year the bulbs will get bigger and produce more flowers to each stem. A lily bulb will only produce 1 stem to a bulb and only species lilies branch out. 

• Watch out for lily beetles. These bright red beetles can decimate your lily plants. Their larvae are much more veracious so be on the lookout. The best practice is to pick them off and squish them whenever you see them. 

Lily is a term that has described so many different types of bulb

• Arum Lily
• Lily of the valley
• Lent Lily
• Snake's head Lily
• Corn Lily

But none of these are actually lilies.

Browse our beautiful collection of lily bulbs now or for help and advice, call our team on 0161 747 4000. For guidance on how to get the best from your lilies, take a look at our lily planting guide.