Lilies are prized for their elegant, trumpet-shaped blooms and lovely fragrance. But not every flower called a “lily” actually belongs to the true lily family Lilaceae. Many imposters closely resemble true lilies despite being unrelated. Let’s explore some popular flowers frequently mistaken for lilies to expand your horticultural knowledge.
Why the Confusion Exists
Several factors cause this mix-up between real lilies and lily lookalikes
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Similar appearance – Many imposter lilies share the same graceful, curved petals or speckled throats as true lilies. Some like daylilies and calla lilies strongly resemble their Lilium cousins.
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Common names – Giving plants “lily” as part of their common name implies a lily connection. But common names can be misleading.
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Former classification – In the past, some current imposters like daylilies were classified as lilies taxonomically before reclassification. Old habits die hard.
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Marketing – Using “lily” to promote flowers taps into the popularity and familiarity of lilies even if technically incorrect.
True Lily Characteristics
To identify true lilies, look for these characteristics:
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Trumpet-shaped blooms with 6 petals (3 sets of inner and outer petals).
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Long stamens with large anthers protruding inside flowers.
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Grow from a bulb or rhizome.
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Linear leaves often arranged in whorls around stems.
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Usually have a light floral scent.
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Belong to the family Lilaceae.
Some true lily examples: Asiatic hybrids, Oriental types, Madonna lilies, calla lilies.
Common Lily Impersonators
Now let’s look at 9 frequently confused flowers and why they aren’t true lilies:
1. Daylilies
Daylilies produce flowers remarkably similar to lilies but they have just 3 petals and lack the long stamens of Lilium. They belong to their own plant family, Hemerocallidaceae.
2. Calla Lilies
Despite their name, callas are not lilies but rather members of the Araceae family. Their lack of true petals (they have a specialized leaf called a spathe) gives this away.
3. Canna Lilies
Cannas have exotic lily-like blooms but are actually in the Cannaceae family. Giveaways include their staminodes instead of petals and banana-like foliage.
4. Lily of the Valley
While lovely, lily of the valley’s dangling white bells look nothing like a true lily. This plant belongs to the Convallariaceae family.
5. Trout Lilies
Dainty trout lily flowers resemble lilies but have just 6 tepals instead of defined petals/sepals. They are members of the Liliaceae family but a different genus than Lilium.
6. Water Lilies
Though their name says lily, aquatic water lilies are not true lilies. They are Nymphaeaceae family members with radial, symmetrical blooms.
7. Peace Lilies
The white flag-like flowers and “lily” name are misleading. Peace lilies are aroids belonging to the Araceae family.
8. Lilies of the Nile
Agapanthus flowers look like blue lily blossoms on tall stems but they are monocots in the Alliaceae family.
9. Peruvian Lilies
Peruvian lilies (alstroemeria) are actually not even monocots like true lilies. Their 3-petaled blooms belie their placement in the Alstroemeriaceae family.
Grow Gorgeous Non-Lily Lilies
Once you know which flowers are true lilies and which are clever copycats, you can grow a diverse collection of knockout blooms. Expand your horticultural horizons and enjoy the beauty of both real lilies and their lookalike cousins. With the right growing conditions, these exotic yet easy beauties will flourish. Any garden is lucky to host their elegant charms and colorful diversity.
What to Do With Lilies After They Bloom
What flowers look like lilies?
Popular as Hurricane Lily, the Red Spider Lily adds a dramatic touch to gardens with its vibrant blood-red color. The Flowers that Look Like Lilies have elongated petals with ruffled edges surrounded by prominent stamens that tend to curve upwards. Exuding a subtle sweet fragrance, these plants can grow about 2-3 feet tall. 9. Prairie Lily
What lilies have pink flowers?
Among these lilylike plants is the belladonna lily ( Amaryllis belladonna ), also known as the naked lady lily and resurrection lily. The pink trumpet-shaped flowers are similar to the white flowers of the well-known Easter lily ( Lilium longiflorum ).
What lilies do not grow from bulbs?
Other flowers that resemble lilies in color and shape but donג€™t grow from bulbs are three-leaf clovers, iris leaves, jonquils, fritillaria, and snowdrops. Another mistake that many people make with their lilies is to plant them in pots when they would have been better off growing them in the ground.
What flower smells like a lily?
Also known as Flame Lily, it is a unique flower that resembles a lily with its slender, ruffled petals. The fiery combination of hot pink and yellow gives the flower its common name. The flowers emit a subtle and sweet fragrance that smells of a concoction of honey and cinnamon. 13. Surprise Lily Botanical Name: Lycoris squamigera