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The plants are not the same. This is a question that is often asked: Are Oriental and Asiatic lilies the same? However, although they have distinct differences, they also share many commonalities. Read on and learn how to tell the difference between Asiatic and Oriental lilies.
Lilies are prized for their graceful flowers and sweet fragrance making them popular choices for gardens and floral arrangements. There are many different types of lilies but two of the most common are Asiatic lilies and Oriental lilies. Though they share the same family name, there are several key differences between these two classic beauties.
Origin and Native Habitat
Asiatic lilies are native to central and eastern Asia, including China, Japan, and the Philippines. They grow across diverse habitats in their native range, including meadows, hillsides, and woodland edges.
In contrast, Oriental lilies trace their ancestry exclusively to southern Japan and the Ryukyu Islands They originate from damp woodland and streamside environments
While Asiatic lilies have a broader genetic heritage, Oriental lilies represent a more localized group adapted to specific wet forest conditions.
Flower Form
One of the most obvious distinctions between these two lily types is the form of their blooms.
Asiatic lilies produce smaller flowers, ranging from 2 to 6 inches across. The tepals (petal-like inner segments) tend to reflex backwards, revealing prominent stamens Flowers come in a diverse palette, including fiery reds, sunny yellows, soft pinks, and even lavender
Meanwhile, Oriental lilies flaunt much larger and showier blossoms, up to 8 inches wide. Their tepals remain cupped inward, creating a lush, ruffled appearance. Common colors include white, pink, yellow, and combinations, often with darker freckles or brush marks.
So in general, Asiatic lilies have smaller, open blooms in bolder colors, while Oriental lilies unfurl voluminous, frilly flowers in pastel shades.
Scent
Another major difference lies in fragrance. Most Asiatic lilies have little to no detectable scent. A few, like the popular ‘Casa Blanca’, emit a very subtle, spicy perfume.
On the other hand, Oriental lilies are celebrated for their penetrating fragrance. It wafts far on the breeze, perfuming entire gardens. The exact aroma varies by variety but is often described as spicy or clove-like.
So if you prefer a powerfully fragrant lily, Oriental varieties are the way to go. Asiatic types suit those who want visually striking flowers without overpowering scent.
Blooming Season
Asiatic lilies shine as some of the earliest lilies to bloom. Depending on the variety and climate, they open their blossoms from late spring through early summer.
Oriental lilies take center stage later, unfurling their flowers from mid to late summer into fall. This longer bloom period extends their beauty into the hottest garden months after many spring bulbs have faded.
By staggering Asiatic and Oriental lily varieties, you can enjoy an ongoing lily display for months rather than weeks.
Plant Size and Growth Rate
On average, Asiatic lilies remain on the smaller side, reaching 1 to 4 feet tall at maturity. Their narrow leaves hug the stem, creating a compact, columnar form even when not in bloom.
Oriental lilies make a bolder statement, soaring to heights between 4 and 6 feet. Their broader leaves extend outward on short petioles, giving Oriental lily plants a bushier appearance.
Beneath the soil, Asiatic lily bulbs multiply quickly, increasing their numbers each year. This allows you to propagate your favorites easily. Meanwhile, Oriental lily bulbs split and reproduce at a slower, steadier pace.
So for smaller spaces or quicker increase, choose Asiatic types. To maximize vertical impact and flower power, go with statuesque Orientals.
Cultural Needs
When it comes to care requirements, Asiatic lilies are simpler to satisfy. They tolerate a wider soil pH range and thrive even in poor or clay-based soils as long as drainage is adequate. Drought tolerance is higher for Asiatic lilies as well.
Oriental lilies demand more pampering for their best growth and blooms. Rich, humusy, consistently moist soil is ideal. Acidic conditions around pH 6.5 suit them best. They also require relief from hot afternoon sun in warmer zones.
With a little attention to their preferences, though, Oriental lilies reward the effort handsomely. Just be prepared to provide them with prime real estate in the garden!
Popular Varieties
While individual selections abound, a few top picks prove reliable performers year after year.
For Asiatic lilies, some of the most beloved include:
- ‘Netty’s Pride’ – fiery red blooms
- ‘Casa Blanca’ – pure white, lightly scented
- ‘Royal Sunset’ – pink with yellow center
Classic Oriental lily varieties to try include:
- ‘Stargazer’ – pink with crimson center
- ‘Casa Blanca’ – white, heavily fragrant
- ‘Muscadet’ – white with pink-purple brush marks
The Takeaway
Despite their shared moniker, Asiatic and Oriental lilies have notable differences that influence their ornamental attributes and cultivation needs. With its later bloom, bold blooms, and heady scent, the Oriental reigns supreme for floral impact. For diversity of color and ease of growth, you can’t go wrong with versatile Asiatic lilies. The best solution? Plant both types and extend your enjoyment from late spring through summer!
Oriental vs. Asiatic Lily
Oriental and Asiatic lilies are not the same, but both of these popular hybrids are very pretty and look great in a home garden. Both Asiatic and Oriental lilies are easy to grow, though Oriental lilies are a little trickier. It’s also not too hard to tell the difference between the two.
Asiatic lilies are native to several areas of Asia. The plants, which reach mature heights of 1 to 6 feet (0. 5-2 m. ), display long, slender, glossy leaves. They are hardy and bloom early in the spring, with flowers in a wide range of bright and soft colors. Unlike Oriental lilies, the flowers have no fragrance. Asiatic lilies aren’t fussy and they thrive in nearly any type of well-drained soil. The bulbs multiply quickly and can double every year.
Oriental lilies are native to Japan. The plants gain height every year, and at 2 to 8 feet (0. 5-2. 5 m. ), are considerably taller than Asiatic lilies. Many are even known as tree lilies. The deep green leaves are further apart and wider than Asiatic lily leaves. They are also shaped like hearts. Oriental lilies bloom about the time Asiatic lilies are fading. The huge blooms, primarily in shades of white, pastel pink, and pastel yellow, are heavily scented. The bulbs multiply much more slowly than Asiatic lily bulbs. Additionally, when each of these plants put out new growth in spring, there are noticeable differences. Asiatic types, for example, look like small artichokes when they first come up and have many narrow leaves growing up and down the stem. Oriental types, however, will appear more torpedo-like with less leaf growth and are somewhat wider. You can’t choose between them. If you plant both, you’ll get a huge variety of beautiful flowers from early spring to mid- or late summer. Both benefit from occasional division to keep the plants healthy and prevent overcrowding.
COMPARING ASIATIC LILIES, TREE LILIES AND ORIENTAL LILIES/ SANAA’S GARDEN/
FAQ
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