All about Asiatic Lily – History, Meaning, Facts, Care, & More

Everyone is fascinated at Lily flowers. The large blooms of Lily make a bouquet or any flower arrangement unique and elegant. One of the most popular varieties of Lily is the Asiatic Lily. Asiatic Lilies are the shortest Lily. It is only about 2 to 3 feet tall compared to 4 feet height of other varieties of Lilies. However, some hybrid Asiatic Lilies can grow as tall as 5 feet or higher. If you wonder what makes Asiatic Lily one of the favorite flowers of many people, check out these facts about this flower:

• Asiatic Lily History

Throughout the history of flowers and their uses, Lilies have been recognized as one of the efficient flowers with medicinal benefits. This flower was used for the healing and treatment of infections, as well as for skin problems, wrinkles, and baldness. Some people also used the flower to treat from snake bites.

Asiatic Lilies are hybrids from bulbs. The flowers are considered to always have been the harder to cultivate because hybridizers aim to come up with hardier, durable, long lasting, and problem-free variety of Lilies. One of the first hybridizers of Asiatic Lilies was Cornelius de Graaf. He was followed by his grandson, Jan de Graaf, in hybridizing this type of Lily. It took them several decades of research and studies, plus hard work, to come up with a problem-free Asiatic Lily.

Typically native to the regions located in Northern Hemisphere, Asiatic Lilies grow in abundance also in Asia, Europe, and North America.

• Asiatic Lily Meaning

Asiatic Lilies are often used to symbolize purity, pride, and flirting. Moreover, there are varieties of Asiatic Lilies to find at the flower shop. Each variety has its color, pattern, and shape that may signify different meanings and symbolism as well. To know which one is best to give or send depending on the meaning, you may want to ask the florist for the appropriate type.

• Asiatic Lily Facts

Asiatic Lilies are grown from their bulbs. They are hard and durable with a range of hardiness in zone 4-8. The blooms of this flower resemble that of the trumpet. Its leaves are like blades. The fleshy stem is also one of its recognizable characteristics. Although this flower is commonly known as Lily, it actually has more than a hundred species. Each species of Asiatic Lily varies in color, way of growing and caring, and time of planting. They grow in different soil requirement but the soil is mostly well-drained.

Favorite Varieties of Asiatic Lilies from Around the World:

Dwarf Asiatic Lily – The easiest to bloom, Dwarf Lilies are available in a large range of bright colors. The petals of the blooms are satin-like with some patterns of freckles. This hybrid species comes in different colors such as crimson, orange, yellow, and pink. Dwarf Lilies can grow from 1 to 2 feet tall.

Black Out Lily – The dark carmine red blooms of Black Out Lilies come in clusters of 4 or 5 blossoms. This type has the darkest color among all Lilies. Growers can easily grow this type in containers or in the garden as it needs partial to full sunlight.

Black Spider Lily – The creamy white color of petals is adorned with black hearts and spots in dark burgundy color. This type of Lily blooms in abundance of up to 7 flowers in a single stem. It has the same hardiness and height common to Asiatic Lilies and it can grow at any containers and garden soil.

Brunello Lily – Abundant in 12 blooms per stem, the Brunello Lily is favored for its ornamental qualities. The blooms are usually in vivid orange color adorned with dark red stamens. The large blooms can last for a long while because of its durability.

Citronella Lily – The charming golden Lily comes with speckled adornment. The recurved petals are down facing, unlike other Asiatic Lilies. A mature plant usually produces 20 blooms in each stem in 3 to feet tall.

Dot Com Lily – The large blossoms of Dot Com Lily are in its irresistible colors of creamy white to purplish pink. The inner petals are adorned with spots in burgundy color. Its blossoms can grow up to 8 inches wide or 20 cm and its height can reach up to 3 feet. It can grow in containers and gardens.

• Asiatic Lily Care

The best time to plant a Lily bulb is in early spring while the temperature is not too high or low. Planting and caring for Asiatic Lilies can be easier even if they are more fragile compared to other bulbs and blooms. Most Asiatic Lilies require rich and moist soil but well-drained. They prefer partial to full sun exposure, which gives them the rich colors and abundant blooms. They grow best if the soil is evenly moist. Fertilizers are essential once each year, usually during early spring, to keep the blooms abundant and in their bright colors. However, it requires balanced fertilization of 5-10-10. You can ask the florist on how to obtain this mixture. To protect the plant from winter snow, you can add mulch on the soil or use snow cover.

Most lilies are susceptible to pests like aphids and fungi. There are organic and natural remedies that can be used to ward off pests.

Asiatic Lilies come in a colorful variation that can be great for attractive and appealing flower hand bouquets and arrangements. This flower is indeed one of the most beautiful species of flowers in the world.