Morphological and biological features of lilies. Brief botanical characteristics of lilies

Lily classification

It all started many centuries ago with one "divine" lily. She was sung, worshiped, she became the main symbol on the royal arms ... And this continued until the 19th century, until other types of lilies came to Europe from distant countries: Central Asia, China, Japan and America. Here the breeders got down to business. And now, two centuries later, we have such a variety of lilies of the most different varieties, shapes and colors, which gardeners could not even dream of before. But any variety raises the question: how to classify newly bred varieties so as not to get completely confused. And in 1962 the first International classification of lilies which with small changes survived to this day. All bred varieties of lilies were divided into 9 classes depending on the origin of their wild-growing ancestors and general requirements to growing conditions:
Group 1- Lilies Asian hybrids(Lilium Asiatic Hybrids)
Group 2 - Curly Lilies/ Lilium Martagon Hybrids
Group 3 - Candidum Lilies hybrids(Lilium Candidum Hybrids)
Group 4 - American Lilies hybrids(Lilium American Hybrids)
Group 5 - Long-flowered Lilies hybrids(Lilium Longiflorum Hybrids)
Group 6 - Lilies Tubular hybrids(Lilium Trumpet Hybrids)
Group 7 - Lilies Oriental hybrids(Lilium Oriental Hybrids)
Group 8- New hybrid lilies: LA-librides, LO-hybrids, OT-hybrids(Lilium LA-Hybrids, Lilium LO-Hybrids, Lilium OT-Hybrids) etc.
Group 9 - Species lilies(Lilium species)
And although many characteristics, such as the height of lilies, the timing of flowering of lilies, the number of buds and flowers of lilies on one stem, can vary greatly depending on the conditions of their cultivation, the basic requirements for the cultivation of lilies of one group or another remain similar, that agree, it is of paramount importance if you decide to replenish your collection with new varieties of lilies.
Well, now let's go directly to the description of the modern classification of lilies.

In the photo: Lilia Fata Morgana
Group 1 - Lilies Asian hybrids (Lilium Asiatic Hybrids)
Planting time of lilies:
Blooming period of lilies: June-early August
Lily height: 0.4-1.2 m
Lily flower size: 10-14 cm
Lily flower shape:
20-30 cm
10-15 cm

Short description
Lilies Asiatic Hybrids (Lilium Asiatic Hybrids)- by far the most unpretentious lilies, which have proven their trouble-free growing even in regions with very cold winter... Asian lilies are ideal for beginner florists. They are odorless, which is very important for people with allergic reactions. Disease and pest resistant. They reproduce easily. In addition, Asiatic lilies are very beautiful, they have a juicy, bright color of various shades, as well as thick strong peduncles with numerous large flowers.
The group of Lilies Asian hybrids got its name due to the fact that its hybridization is based on East Asian species of lilies, such as: lily of David (Lilium davidii), dwarf lily (Lilium pumilum), Maksimovich's lily (Lilium maximowiczii), monochromatic lily (Lilium concolor), drooping lily (Lilium cernuum), tiger lily (Lilium tigrinum), etc.
The height of Asian lilies varies widely: from 40 cm to 1.2 m. Flowers 10-14 cm in size, collected in large inflorescences, reaching 15 or more flowers. Flowering dates from late June to August. Asiatic lilies are intended both for garden decoration and for cutting. Cut flower stalks of lilies stand at home in a vase for 10-12 days.

The most popular varieties of Asiatic lilies:
Lily Alaska / Lilium Alaska
Lilium Annemarie's Dream
Lilia Apeldoorn / Lilium Apeldoorn
Lilia Brunello / Lilium Brunello
Lilia Vivaldi / Lilium Vivaldi
Lilium Gran Paradiso
Lilium Double Sensation
Lilium Dreamland / Lilium Dreamland
Lilium Yellow Submarine
Lilium Yeti
Lilium Cocktail Twins
Lilium Compass / Lilium Compass
Lilium Connecticut King / Lilium Connecticut King
Lily Cordelia / Lilium Cordelia
Lilium Lemon Stardust
Lily London / Lilium London
Lily Loreto / Lilium Loreto
Lily Mona / Lilium Mona
Lilium Monta Rosa / Lilium Monta Rosa
Lilia Montrex / Lilium Montreux
Lilium Netty's Pride
Lilium Nove Cento
Lilium Pollyanna
Lilium Rosella "s Dream
Lilia Roma / Lilium Roma
Lily Sunray / Lilium Sunray
Lilium Sancerre / Lilium Sancerre
Lilium Cecil / Lilium Cecil
Lilium Spring Pink / Lilium Spring Pink
Lilium Strawberry and Cream
Lily Tuscany / Lilium Toscana
Lilium Fata Morgana / Lilium Fata Morgana
Lilium Forever Susan / Lilium Forever Susan
Lilia Hilde / Lilium Hilde
Lilia Elite / Lilium Elite
Lilium Elodie / Lilium Elodie
Lilium Enchantment

Growing Asiatic Lilies: see general.
Buy Asian lilies by mail

In the photo: Lily Orange Tiger
Group 2 - Curly Lilies / Martagon Lilies (Lilium Martagon Hybrids)
Planting time of lilies: end of April - May or end of September - October
Blooming period of lilies: June July
Lily height: 1.2-1.8 m
Lily flower size: 5-8 cm
Lily flower shape: drooping, with wide-bent petals
Lily planting distance: 20-30 cm
Planting depth of lily bulbs: 12-17 cm

Short description
Curly lilies or turban lilies or martagon lilies (Lilium martagon)- a group that, unfortunately, has not received wide distribution, although curly lilies look very unusual: they are tall, up to 1.5 m, with widely spread peduncles, on which turbid-shaped flowers hang, 5-8 cm in diameter. In addition, this is perhaps the most frost-resistant group of lilies, because their original species - the marchon lily - is found even in the harsh Siberian climate.
The color of the flowers of curly lilies is very diverse: white, yellow, orange, cherry, purple, ... Moreover, very often with specks. Bloom in June-July. Curly lilies are used mainly in group plantings and complex mixborders. And also among low ornamental shrubs.

The most popular varieties of Kudrevataya lily:
Lilium Henryi
Lilia Leightlinii / Lilium Leightlinii
Lily Orange Tiger / Lilium Orange Tiger
Lily Pink Tiger / Lilium Pink Tiger
Lilia Speciosum Rubrum / Lilium Speciosum Rubrum
Lily Tigrinum Splendens / Lilium Tigrinum Splendens
Lilium Fire King
Lilium Flying Wing
Lilium Flore Pleno / Lilium Flore Pleno
Lilium Hiawatha
Lily Citronella / Lilium Citronella

Growing a curly lily: see general
Buy curly lilies by mail you can from May to August and from October to March in our online store "Dream Garden" (see the corresponding section)

In the photo: Snow-white lily (Lily Madonna)
Group 3 - Lilies Candidum hybrids (Lilium Candidum Hybrids)
Planting time of lilies: end of April - May or end of September - October
Blooming period of lilies: June July
Lily height: 1.2-1.8 m
Lily flower size: 10-12 cm
Lily flower shape: tubular with bent petal tips
Lily planting distance: 20-30 cm
Planting depth of lily bulbs: 15-20 cm

Short description
Lily Candidum or Snow White Lily (Lilium Candidum Hybrids)- this is exactly the "royal" or "divine" lily, which has been sung for centuries. And even now, after two centuries breeding work(together with chalcedony lilies (Lilium chalcedonicum) and one-brother lilies (Lilium monadelphium)) cultivars bred in the Candidum Lily group are very few hybrids, and they all have flowers of a pure white, less often yellowish, color, tubular or broad-funnel-shaped with a delicate, pleasant aroma. At the same time, unlike lilies of other groups, varieties of Candidum lilies do not have stem roots and the scales of the bulbs immediately turn into leaves, forming a wintering rosette for winter.
Candidum lilies prefer open sunny areas and slightly alkaline soils. In addition, for the Candidum lily, it is very desirable that the second half of summer be hot and dry, then they have better time to prepare for winter period... It is better to transplant lilies of this group immediately after flowering (early August).

The most popular varieties of Candidum lilies:
None, only Lilium Candidum is on sale (sometimes also referred to as Madonna Lily).

Growing Candidum lilies: see general.
Buy Candidum lilies by mail you can from May to August and from October to March in our online store "Dream Garden" (see the corresponding section)

In the photo: Lilia Parry
Group 4 - Lilies American Hybrids (Lilium American Hybrids)
Planting time of lilies: end of April - May or end of September - October
Blooming period of lilies: July
Lily height: 0.9-2 m
Lily flower size: 10-12 cm
Lily flower shape: bell-shaped or tubular
Lily planting distance: 20-30 cm
Planting depth of lily bulbs: 15-20 cm

Short description
Lilies American Hybrids (Lilium American Hybrids) What they all have in common is that they all evolved from the crossing of North American lilies, primarily such as the Parry lily (Lilium Parryi) and the leopard lily (Lilium pardallinum), as well as the Canadian lily (Lilium canadense), the Humboldt lily (Lilium humboldtii), etc. It is the very factor that the group includes the most diverse hybrids between all of the above lilies that makes it difficult to distinguish their common species and agrotechnical features, although very interesting varieties come across among American lilies. Unfortunately, in the "Old World" American lilies were not widely used.

The most popular varieties of lilies American hybrids: none

Growing lilies American hybrids: see general
Buy lilies American hybrids by mail you can from May to August and from October to March in our online store "Dream Garden" (see the corresponding section)

In the photo: Lily Snow Queen
Group 5 - Lilies Longiflorum Hybrids (Lilium Longiflorum Hybrids)
Planting time of lilies: end of April - May or end of September - October
Blooming period of lilies: July August
Lily height: 1-1.2 m
Lily flower size: 15-20 cm
Lily flower shape: bell-shaped
Lily planting distance: 20-30 cm
Planting depth of lily bulbs: 15-20 cm

Short description
Longiflorum Lilies or Longiflorum Lilies (Lilium Longiflorum Hybrids)- very beautiful lilies pale white or white with light shades and a delicate aroma. The flower of the lily longiflorum is large, 15-20 cm in the form of a bell. Stem height 100-115 cm.
Lilies Longiflorum are perhaps the most whimsical of all groups of lilies, because come from lilies of tropical species, such as: long-flowered lily (Lilium longiflorum), Philippine lily (Lilium philippnense), Formolongi lilies (Lilium formolongi), Formosan lily (Lilium formozanum), etc. Therefore, Longiflorum lilies require no less care than oriental hybrids lilies. They are mainly used to obtain high quality cut.

The most popular varieties of Longiflorum lilies:
Lilia Deliana / Lilium Deliana
Lilia Dolcetto / Lilium Dolcetto
Lily Mayabi / Lilium Miyabi
Lilium Prince Promise
Lilium Triumphator
Lilium White Heaven
Lilium Snow Queen

Growing Longiflorum lilies: see general.
Buy Longiflorum lilies by mail you can from May to August and from October to March in our online store "Dream Garden" (see the corresponding section)

In the photo: Lilia Regale
Group 6 - Lilies Trumpet Hybrids (Lilium Trumpet Hybrids)
Planting time of lilies: end of April - May or end of September - October
Blooming period of lilies: June-September
Lily height: 1.2-1.9 m
Lily flower size: 12-18cm in length
Lily flower shape: tubular or funnel-shaped
Lily planting distance: 20-30 cm
Planting depth of lily bulbs: 15-20 cm

Short description
Lilies Trumpet Hybrids (Lilium Trumpet Hybrids)- originate from hybrids of Asian lilies, which provides them with a fairly good unpretentiousness and winter hardiness. In addition, tubular lilies are practically not susceptible to viral and fungal diseases. Add to this tall peduncles (1.5 m on average) and beautiful funnel-shaped flowers up to 18 cm long in a variety of colors, plus very long flowering, which can stretch up to three months and end in September, and you will understand why the group of pipe lilies is always loved and popular among gardeners.

The most popular varieties of Tubular Lilies are:
Lilium African Queen
Lilium Pink Perfection
Lily Regale / Lilium Regale
Lilium Royal Gold

Growing Tubular Lilies: see general.
Buy Tubular Lilies by Mail you can from May to August and from October to March in our online store "Dream Garden" (see the corresponding section)

In the photo: Lily Tiger Woods
Group 7 - Lilies Oriental Hybrids (Lilium Oriental Hybrids)
Planting time of lilies: end of April - May or end of September - October
Blooming period of lilies: Aug. Sept
Lily height: 0.4-1.2 m
Lily flower size: 20-25 cm
Lily flower shape: wide open with corrugated petals
Lily planting distance: 20-30 cm
Planting depth of lily bulbs: 15-20 cm

Short description
Lilies Oriental Hybrids (Lilium Oriental Hybrids)- lilies with very large, up to 30 cm in diameter, corrugated flowers and a strong aroma. Oriental lilies are a real decoration of a flower garden. They are so good that they can easily compete with even such exquisite flowers as orchids. The height of oriental lilies ranges from 40 cm to 1.2 m, depending on the variety. Flowering time August-September.
The group of Lilies Oriental hybrids got its name due to the fact that its hybridization is based on the species of lilies that came from the East: Japanese lily (Lilium japonicum), golden lily (Lilium auratum), reddish lily (Lilium rubellum) and beautiful lily (Lilium speciosum). Oriental lilies, unlike Asian lilies, are demanding on growing conditions. Oriental lilies are used primarily for high-quality cuttings and as a pot culture.

The most popular varieties of Oriental lilies:
Lily Acapulco / Lilium Acapulco
Lilia Belgrado / Lilium Belgrado
Lily Brazil / Lilium Brasilia
Lilium Garden Party / Lilium Garden Party
Lilium Gold Band
Lilium Double Owen
Lilium Josephine
Lilia Casablanca / Lilium Casablanca
Lily Corso / Lilium Corso
Lilium Little John
Lilium Mother's Choice
Lilium Marco Polo
Lilium Magic Star
Lilia Mona Lisa / Lilium Mona Lisa
Lilium Montreal
Lilium Muscadet / Lilium Muscadet
Lilia Pimento / Lilium Pimento
Lilium Rosy Dimple
Lilia Salinas / Lilium Salinas
Lilium Serene Angel
Lilia Stargazer
Lilium Tiger Woods / Lilium Tiger Woods
Lilium Tom Pouce
Lily Sheila / Lilium Sheila
Lilium Action

Growing Oriental Lilies: see general.
Buy Oriental Lilies by Mail you can from May to August and from October to March in our online store "Dream Garden" (see the corresponding section)

Group 8 - New hybrid lilies: LA-librids (Lilium LA-Hybrids), OT-hybrids (Lilium OT-Hybrids), etc.
This group includes all new hybrids of lilies obtained by crossing between different groups of lilies. The most popular of all the new hybrids are Lilium LA-Hybrids and Lilium OT-Hybrids. We will tell you more about them.

In the photo: Lilia Red Arlet
Group 8A - Lilium LA-Hybrids
Planting time of lilies: end of April - May or end of September - October
Blooming period of lilies: July
Lily height: 0.8-1.2 m
Lily flower size: 12-15 cm
Lily flower shape: classic star shape, wide open
Lily planting distance: 20-30 cm
Planting depth of lily bulbs: 10-15 cm

Short description
Lilies LA-hybrids (Lilium LA-Hybrids) Are extremely popular hybrids all over the world. Lilies LA-hybrids are obtained by crossing Asian lilies (Asiatic) and longiflorum lilies (Longiflorum) and have taken all the best from their "parents": bright colors, winter hardiness and undemanding growing conditions from Asian lilies and large, like wax flowers from lilies longiflorum. The height of lilies of LA hybrids is from 80 to 120 cm, The flowers are large, up to 15 cm in diameter and more, the widest colors: from pure white to bright burgundy. Typically virtually odorless. Flowering peaks in mid-July. Lilies LA-hybrids grow well practically throughout Russia. They are used, like Asiatic lilies, for garden decoration and for cutting.

The most popular varieties of lilies LA hybrids:
Lilia Eyeliner
Lilium Algarve / Lilium Algarve
Lilium Bright Diamond
Lilia Brindisi
Lily Yellow Cocotte / Lilium Yellow Cocotte
Lilium Indian Diamond
Lilia Cavalese / Lilium Cavalese
Lilium Courier
Lily Menorca / Lilium Menorca
Lily Orange Cocotte / Lilium Orange Cocotte
Lilia Parple Diamond / Lilium Purple Diamond
Lilium Party Diamond
Lilium Red Arlet
Lilium Royal Sunset
Lilium Suncrest
Lilia Steinles Steel / Lilium Stainless Steel
Lilium Tailor Made
Lilium Tropic Diamond / Lilium Tropic Diamond
Lilium Fangio / Lilium Fangio
Lily Freya / Lilium Freya
Lilium Champagne Diamond
Lilia Ercolano / Lilium Ercolano

Growing lilies LA hybrids: see general.
Buy LA hybrids lilies by mail you can from May to August and from October to March in our online store "Dream Garden" (see the corresponding section)

In the photo: Lilies Garden Plezha and Pretty Wuman
Group 8B - Lilies OT-hybrids (Lilium OT-Hybrids)
Planting time of lilies: end of April - May or end of September - October
Blooming period of lilies: July August
Lily height: 1.2-2.5 m
Lily flower size: 20-30 cm
Lily flower shape: wide-bowl or funnel-shaped
Lily planting distance: 20-30 cm
Planting depth of lily bulbs: 15-20 cm

Short description
Lilies OT-hybrids (Lilium OT-Hybrids)- hybrids resulting from the crossing of oriental lilies (Oriental) and pipe lilies (Trumpet). Lilies OT-hybrids are a huge number beautiful flowers(up to 30 inflorescences) with a strong aroma. Flowers are very large, 20-25, and sometimes up to 30 cm, wide-bowl or funnel-shaped, directed upwards or to the side. The color of the flowers is yellow, pink, orange, red or multicolored. Lilies OT-hybrids have strong, strong stems, the height of an adult and even much taller, for which they are also called "Lilies-trees". The height of such lilies is often 120-180 cm, and under favorable conditions for 3 years "Lilies-trees" can grow up to 2.5 m! The aroma is intermediate, closer to the Tubular lilies, but more delicate and pleasant. OT hybrid lily varieties give excellent cutting and transport well. Also, lilies OT-hybrids are suitable for garden decoration, incl. grow well among fruit trees.

The most popular varieties of OT hybrids lilies:
Lilium Altari / Lilium Altari
Lilia Anastasia / Lilium Anastacia
Lilium Boogie Woogie
Lilia Visaversa / Lilium Visaversa
Lilium Garden Pleasure / Lilium Garden Pleasure
Lilium Garden Efeir / Lilium Garden Affair
Lilium Kiss of Fire
Lilia Lavon / Lilium Lavon
Lilium Life Style
Lilium Miss Lily
Lilium Miss Feya
Lilium Mr. Job / Lilium Mr. Job
Lily Orania / Lilium Orania
Lilium Purple Prince
Lilium Pretty Woman
Lilium Red Hot
Lilium Robert Swanson
Lilia Rosselini / Lilium Rosselini
Lilium Satisfaction
Lilia Friso / Lilium Friso
Lilium Honeymoon
Lilium Sheherazade

Growing lilies of OT hybrids: see general.
Buy lilies OT-hybrids by mail you can from May to August and from October to March in our online store "Dream Garden" (see the corresponding section)

In the photo: Nepalese lily
Group 9 - Species lilies (Lilium species)
Planting time of lilies: end of April - May or end of September - October
Blooming period of lilies: June August
Lily height: 0.5-1.2 m
Lily flower size: 5-10 cm
Lily flower shape: varied
Lily planting distance: 20-30 cm
Planting depth of lily bulbs: 10-20 cm

Short description
Species lilies (Lilium species)- the group that included wild species lilies, distributed mainly in southern Europe, East Asia, in the mountainous regions of India as well as some types of lilies in North America. It contains about 100 lilies.

The most popular varieties of species lilies: none

Growing species lilies: see general.
Buy species lilies by mail you can from May to August and from October to March in our online store "Dream Garden" (see the corresponding section)

Lily got its name from the ancient Gaelic word "li-li", which literally translates as "white-white". The first images of it are found on Cretan vases and frescoes from 1750 BC, and then among the ancient Assyrians, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans.

Since ancient times, the white lily has been a symbol of innocence and purity. The Egyptians decorated the bodies of dead young girls with lilies. In ancient Rome, white lilies were considered the flowers of grace, wealth and luxury, as well as hope.

Lily is a symbol of France: its coat of arms depicts three crossed lilies, which means mercy, justice and compassion. In Christianity, the lily is a symbol of innocence and chastity. Blessed virgin in many Catholic countries, they were depicted surrounded by garlands of lilies.

The ancient Greeks attributed divine origin to lilies. According to legend, white lilies arose from drops of milk from Hera - the wife of the lord of the gods Zeus. The Theban queen Alcmene secretly gave birth to a boy Hercules from Zeus, but, fearing to be punished by the Hero, hid the newborn in the bushes. However, Hera accidentally discovered the baby and decided to breastfeed him. But little Hercules felt an enemy in Hera and rudely pushed the goddess away. Milk poured into the sky, causing Milky Way, and those few drops that fell to the ground sprouted and turned into lilies.

Even several millennia BC, lilies were cultivated not only as decorative, but also as medicinal, cosmetic and food plants. There is evidence that in the 4th century BC the magnificent garden of the Athenian beauty Phryne was buried in white lilies. The capital of Ancient Persia, Susa, was called the town of lilies, and several flowers of this majestic plant were depicted on its coat of arms.

Young Romans in honor of the flower competed in the race at the festival of Flora (floralia), where the winner was certainly decorated with a wreath of white lilies, and each girl indulged herself with the hope of getting a similar wreath.

is one of the plants of the family called liliaceae, in Latin the name of this plant will sound like this: Lilium candidum L. As for the name of the white lily family itself, in Latin it will be like this: Liliaceae Juss.

Description of white lily

White lily is a perennial herbaceous plant with a bulb, which will consist of a fairly large number of fleshy and tiled scales. The flower stems of this plant will be bare and straight, they are leafy, and their height will fluctuate between eighty and one hundred and twenty centimeters. The lower stems of the white lily are alternate and obovate, drooping, while the upper leaves are lanceolate and nestle against the stem. The flowers of this plant are painted in white tones, they are large and fragrant, endowed with a simple funnel-shaped perianth, which will consist of six folded leaves. There are only six white lily stamens; the pistil is endowed with a thick three-lobed stigma and an upper ovary. The fruit of this plant is a hexagonal capsule endowed with numerous flattened seeds. White lily blooms during the period from June to August.
Under natural conditions, this plant is found in the Caucasus and Transcaucasia. For growth, white lily prefers forest mountains. It is noteworthy that this plant can also be cultivated as a garden and indoor plant.

Description of the medicinal properties of white lily

White lily is endowed with very valuable healing properties, while for medicinal purposes it is recommended to use the bulbs, flowers and leaves of this plant. Flowers and leaves are recommended to be harvested between June and August, while bulbs are harvested in autumn and early spring.
It should be noted that chemical composition white lily is not yet fully known. However, it has been proven that the bulbs of this plant contain vitamins, sugar and mucous substances. White lily bulbs are endowed with analgesic, diuretic, expectorant and anti-inflammatory effects, while the leaves and flowers of this plant are endowed with analgesic and emollient effects.
As for traditional medicine, there are quite a few wide use received an alcoholic tincture, which is prepared on the basis of white lily bulbs. Such remedy should be used for chronic bronchitis as a very effective expectorant, and in addition it is also used as a diuretic and tonic. For various pains in the lumbar region with radiculitis, pain in muscles and joints, it is recommended to use a decoction for rubbing. To prepare such a decoction, you will need to take two tablespoons of white lily flowers and two tablespoons of the leaves of this plant, which are infused for three weeks in the sun in one hundred and fifty grams of sunflower oil.
In addition, as an external agent in folk medicine the crushed bulb of this plant is used for furunculosis and abscesses. Actually, for such an application, you will need to use an onion that has been cooked with milk.
A decoction prepared on the basis of white lily flowers will help to remove freckles. Such a broth is prepared with honey and mustard flour: in this case, all the ingredients must be taken in equal proportions. For cosmetic purposes, it is recommended to use water that has been distilled with the flowers of this plant for washing your face. Due to the fact that the chemical composition of this plant is not fully understood, its medicinal use may not be complete.

Lilies (Lilium) are highly decorative perennial bulbous monocotyledonous plants of the lily family (Li-liaceae). Most of the species grows in temperate and cold climates, thanks to which these flowers are widespread in the countries of the northern and central parts of the continent. Now it is quite simple to buy these flowers, the variety of their species and varieties is amazing, and the prices for varietal lilies are affordable.

The bulbs are loose, have a round or ovoid shape, consist of separate scales, not closed to each other, protective film, characteristic of tulip and daffodil bulbs, is absent in lilies. The exception is the coral lily, the bulbs of which are denser and covered with a yellow-brown shell.

The number of scales and the density of their adherence differ significantly in different types as well as the size of the bulbs themselves, which vary from 1 to 30 cm in diameter. The color of the scales can be yellow, pink, white, pinkish-brown and violet-brown.

The bulbs have a stem part - a bottom, from which roots and scales grow. In an adult plant, additional growth points appear at the bottom, from which new bulbs are formed. In addition, in stem-root lilies, baby bulbs are also formed in the axils of the fallen off scales in the lower part of the stem on the surface of the earth or in its top layer... In many species, new bulbs appear in the leaf axils along the entire length or only in the upper part of the stem.

According to the structure of the underground part of lilies, three types of plants are distinguished: with a bulb that gives only an aerial stem, stoliferous and pseudo-columnar.

The stem of lilies is straight, in most cases round, only in a few species can you find a tetrahedral shape. Stem color at different types can range in color from bright green to brown to dark purple. The stem height varies from 5 cm (mountain-alpine Daurian lily) to 4 m (giant lily), on average in most species - from 30 cm to 2.5 m.

The most common leaf shape is elongated ellipsoid and lanceolate, less often heart-shaped and ovoid variants are found. The surface of the leaves is pubescent, glabrous, matte and glossy, always with visible parallel venation. The length of the leaves can be from 1 to 15 cm in different species, the width is from 2 mm to 8 cm.

The arrangement of leaves on the stem is in most cases alternate, less often whorled or alternate with a basal rosette.

The flowers have 6 large, separate perianth lobes, 6 stamens and a pistil with an upper ovary. Flower shape options are quite diverse: funnel-shaped, cup-shaped, bell-shaped, turban-shaped, drooping.

Many species have terry variants, usually obtained as a result of the transformation of the pistil and stamens into perianth petals.

Flowers are collected in racemose, umbellate or whorled inflorescences, combining from 2 to 40 flowers on one plant, and some species, for example, a hybrid of Maksimovich's lily, can have about 100 flowers on one stem. The color of lily flowers can be very different, the only exceptions are blue and blue shades. Flower diameter certain types reaches 20-25 cm. The fruit of a lily flower is a hexagonal capsule of cylindrical, pear-shaped or clavate shape. When ripe, it bursts from above. Lily seeds are flat, translucent.