Heidi Norton
Lilies are renowned for their exquisite and lovely perfume, but not all lilies are fragrant. Asiatic Hybrid Lilies, for example, are known to be unscented despite their brilliant colours. For those seeking scented lilies, there are a variety of options, including the award-winning and highly fragrant Lilium 'Regale', which features large, pure white trumpets with golden throats and subtle pinkish-purple streaks. Another option is the Gold Band Lily, which captivates with its spicy-sweet fragrance and enormous, bowl-shaped white flowers adorned with golden bands and crimson freckles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lily Type | Asiatic Hybrid Lilies, Martagon Lilies |
| Scent | Unpleasant, Overpowering, Subtle, Agreeable, Unscented |
| Blooming Season | Early-to-mid-summer |
| Ease of Growth | Easy |
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What You'll Learn
- Asiatic Hybrid Lilies are among the earliest to bloom in early-to-mid-summer and are unscented
- Martagon Lilies have a scarcely bearable indoor fragrance
- Lilium speciosum has the lightest fragrance of all species lilies
- Oriental lilies have a strong, classic lily fragrance
- Lilium regale and Lilium pumilum are species lilies with a stronger perfume
Asiatic Hybrid Lilies are among the earliest to bloom in early-to-mid-summer and are unscented
Asiatic Hybrid Lilies, or Asian Lilies, are among the earliest lilies to bloom, usually in early to mid-summer. They are also one of the easiest lilies to grow. These lilies are hybrids bred from several other lilies and are characterised by their lack of scent. They have a relatively long bloom time, lasting up to one month, and are popular additions to summer flower gardens or cut flower arrangements.
Asiatic lilies are shorter than other types of lilies, growing between two and five feet tall, and produce unscented flowers. They have a wide range of colours, including pink, orange, yellow, red, cream, white, lavender, and variegated. The flowers are typically 4-6 inches across and are star-shaped with outward or upward-facing flowers.
To grow Asiatic lilies, it is recommended to plant the bulbs in the fall, a few weeks before the first frost, in full sun to light shade conditions. They prefer well-drained loamy soil and can be propagated by dividing clumps or bulblets. Asiatic lilies are also suitable for borders, containers, or cutting gardens. However, it is important to monitor them for pests and diseases, as they can be attractive to snails, aphids, slugs, rabbits, and other pests.
Overall, Asiatic Hybrid Lilies are a beautiful and vibrant addition to any garden, especially during early to mid-summer when they are among the first lilies to bloom. With their variety of colours and ease of growth, they are a popular choice for gardeners looking for unscented lilies.
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Martagon Lilies have a scarcely bearable indoor fragrance
While lilies are renowned for their exquisite fragrance, not all varieties are fragrant. Some lilies are unscented, while others emit a subtle scent, and still, others have an overpowering perfume that can be overwhelming.
One such lily with a less-than-pleasant fragrance is the Martagon Lily, also known as Lilium martagon or Turk's Cap Lily. These lilies are native to Eurasia, spanning regions from Portugal to Mongolia, and even extending into northern North America. They are a charming and elegant perennial plant, growing from a bulb with an upright growth habit. Martagon Lilies typically reach heights of 2 to 4 feet (60-120 cm) but can occasionally grow up to 6 feet (180 cm) in ideal conditions. Their stems are covered with dark green, glossy leaves, and they produce abundant clusters of small, downward-facing, Turk's cap-shaped blooms in a wide range of vibrant colors.
The fragrance of Martagon Lilies, however, is described as scarcely bearable indoors. This is in stark contrast to the delightful perfume of other lily varieties, which can transport you to tropical climes or lift your spirits. If you are seeking a lily with a pleasant fragrance for your indoor space, consider the Lilium longiflorum or Lilium japonicum Alexandrae instead.
Despite their less-than-desirable indoor fragrance, Martagon Lilies offer several benefits to gardeners. They are incredibly hardy, surviving in USDA zones 3 to 9, and can thrive in partially shaded areas, making them suitable for a variety of garden styles, including woodland gardens, cottage gardens, and naturalized areas. They are also low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established, and are not prone to many pests or diseases.
In addition to their practical advantages, Martagon Lilies contribute beauty and charm to any garden. Their unique, downward-facing blooms and vibrant colors add interest and elegance. They can grow quite tall, making them excellent background plants or focal points in borders and other garden features.
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Lilium speciosum has the lightest fragrance of all species lilies
Lilies are renowned for their exquisite perfume and dazzling beauty. However, not all lilies are fragrant. Most Asiatic Hybrid Lilies, for instance, are unscented. Species lilies, on the other hand, usually emit a subtle fragrance. Among them, Lilium speciosum has the lightest fragrance of all species lilies. Its delicate fragrance makes it a great candidate for a vase of flowers inside the house.
For lilies with a stronger perfume, Lilium regale and Lilium pumilum are popular choices. The award-winning Lilium regale features large, pure white trumpets with golden throats and subtle pinkish-purple streaks. With up to 25 blossoms per stem, it offers a breathtaking and long-lasting display of beauty and fragrance. Lilium pumilum, also known as Coral Lily, enchants with its miniature, glossy scarlet Turk’s cap flowers, 2 inches wide, featuring recurved tepals and occasional black spots. Each stem bears up to 30 blooms, making it a prolific choice for gardens or patios.
If you're looking for a lily with a truly intoxicating fragrance, Lilium speciosum rubrum is an excellent option. Cherished since 1830, this lily boasts fragrant, nodding blooms with white recurved tepals flushed raspberry and dotted crimson. Each 6-inch flower exudes one of nature’s most captivating perfumes. Perfect for gardens or patios, this exquisite lily is a favourite among gardeners.
Another lily with a distinctive fragrance is the Lilium auratum, or Gold Band Lily. This variety captivates with its spicy-sweet scent and enormous, bowl-shaped white flowers adorned with golden bands and crimson freckles. Each stem supports 12-14 blossoms, reaching 10 inches across. Native to Japan, this midsummer bloomer thrives in sunny borders or patios, filling the air with its delightful fragrance.
In summary, while Lilium speciosum has the lightest fragrance of all species lilies, there are many other fragrant lilies to choose from, each with its own unique scent and beauty. Whether you prefer a subtle or overpowering perfume, there is sure to be a lily that suits your taste.
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Oriental lilies have a strong, classic lily fragrance
Not all lilies are fragrant. Some lilies are unscented, such as most Asiatic Hybrid Lilies, which are among the earliest to bloom in early-to-mid-summer and are the easiest to grow. Other lilies emit a subtle scent, while some have an overpowering fragrance that some may find overwhelming.
Oriental lilies, however, are known for their immense flowers, intense fragrance, and rich colours. They are exotic-looking hybrids derived from species native to Japan. They bloom over a long period, from mid-to-late summer, and some varieties bloom into the fall. Their flowers are usually large and open, outward-facing, or pendant with striking patterns.
Oriental lilies are heavily fragrant, with a classic lily fragrance. The Oriental Lily ‘Casa Blanca’, for example, is a stunning variety with large milky-white flowers and graceful recurved petals that contrast with red-orange anthers. Its heavenly fragrance and multiple blooms per stem make it perfect for creating a striking display in the garden. Another variety, the Oriental Lily ‘Dizzy’, bears large, outward-facing, white flowers adorned with raspberry-red stripes and red speckles. It is delightfully scented, and its fragrance can be enjoyed from the first blossom until the last petal falls.
The Lilium ‘Star Gazer’ (or ‘Stargazer’) is one of the most popular Oriental lilies. It has abundant and large, bowl-shaped flowers, up to 8 per stalk, with flamboyant, crimson-pink flowers adorned with dark spots and white edges. As the flowers open, they face the sky, exuding an unforgettable fragrance. The Lilium ‘Starfighter’ is another magnificent Oriental lily with a classic lily fragrance. Its large, purplish-red flowers, adorned with dark spots and white ruffled edges, open to face the sky, guaranteeing a long-lasting display.
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Lilium regale and Lilium pumilum are species lilies with a stronger perfume
While lilies are renowned for their exquisite perfume, not all varieties are fragrant. Asiatic Hybrid Lilies, for instance, are usually unscented. Species lilies, on the other hand, are generally subtly fragrant. Among them, Lilium speciosum has a light fragrance, while Lilium regale and Lilium pumilum are species lilies with a stronger perfume.
Lilium regale, also known as the Trumpet Lily, is an award-winning lily with large, pure white, outward-facing trumpets featuring golden throats and subtle pinkish-purple streaks. On a still summer evening, the sweet fragrance emanating from its abundant blossoms—up to 25 blossoms per stem—is intoxicating. Blooming in midsummer, this lily is an excellent border plant, providing striking colour and contrast to the perennial border. It mixes beautifully with annuals and other summer-flowering bulbs and is well-suited for containers and the cutting garden, making excellent fresh-cut flowers. Lilium regale grows up to 4-6 feet tall (120-180 cm) on rigid, leafy stems and performs best in full sun or partial shade. It is not fussy about the type of soil, provided it is well-drained.
Lilium pumilum, or Coral Lily, is a diminutive species lily from northeast China and adjacent Siberia. It has small, nodding, martagon-type flowers in a unique, deep, glowing, shiny, orange-red that draws the eye from a distance. The foliage is narrow and wiry, providing nice textural contrast with surrounding plants. The flowers are borne on candelabra-shaped stems, and the plant is generally more tolerant of shade. Blooms are fragrant and lovely in vases. Lilium pumilum is perfectly sized for the front of a border and is ideal for growing in containers on a balcony or patio.
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Frequently asked questions
Most Asiatic Hybrid Lilies, which are among the earliest to bloom in early-to-mid-summer, are unscented.
Yes, some lilies emit a subtle scent and are agreeably fragrant. Lilium speciosum is said to have the lightest fragrance of the species.
Some lilies have a shockingly bad scent and should be avoided indoors. These include the Lilium pomponium and Martagon Lilies.
