Find the right lily bulbs for a long-lasting, fragrant garden display or for stunning cut arrangements. This guide focuses on popular Asiatic and Oriental lilies that thrive in American gardens, with options aimed at different needs—from low-maintenance perennial borders to dramatic patio containers. The top picks are best for garden color, fragrance, and easy growth, especially for buyers seeking reliable perennial bulbs that come back year after year.
Buyer note: the following selections suit different gardeners—new growers prioritizing reliability, container gardeners seeking tall but manageable height, and cut-flower enthusiasts who want robust, vase-worthy blooms. The summary table below helps compare key attributes at a glance.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit | Ideal Planting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asiatic Lilies Mix (10 Pack of Bulbs) – Freshly Dug Perennial Lily Flower Bulbs | Beginner to intermediate gardeners | Bright, reliable color with strong return-year blooms | Full sun to partial shade |
| Stargazer Oriental Lilies (12 Pack of Bulbs) – Freshly Dug Flower Bulbs | Fragrance lovers and statement blooms | Large, showy, fragrant flowers | Full sun |
| Mixed Oriental Lilies (8 Pack of Bulbs) – Freshly Dug Lily Flower Bulbs | Color variety and height variety | Colorful mix with sturdy stems | Partial sun to sun |
| Forever Susan Asiatic Lily Flower Bulbs – 3 Lilies Per Pack | Borders and pollinator gardens | Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds | Full to part sun |
| Lilium Asiatic Lily ‘Heartstrings’ Plant Bulbs (3 Pack) | Garden color with easy maintenance | Bright, cheerful color with easy growth | Full to part sun |
Asiatic Lilies Mix (10 Pack of Bulbs) – Willard & May
The Asiatic Lilies Mix offers 10 fresh, healthy bulbs with a large 12-14 cm size. These perennials are known for bold, upward-facing blooms that bring bright color early in the season. This selection is well suited for borders or mass plantings where reliable, low-odor blooms are desired. Choose this if you want a straightforward, low-maintenance option with strong year-to-year performance. A 100% grow guarantee provides added confidence for first-time lily gardeners.
Best for: beginner gardeners seeking a reliable, prolific color display. Why selected: large bulbs and guaranteed growth support consistent, annual bloom cycles. Caution: performance depends on planting depth and soil quality; ensure good drainage to prevent bulb rot.
Stargazer Oriental Lilies (12 Pack of Bulbs) – Willard & May
Stargazer Oriental Lilies are prized for large, showy blossoms with a captivating fragrance. This 12-pack is ideal for a focal point in garden beds or a dramatic container display. The blooms emerge mid-summer and attract gardeners who want fragrance and visual impact in extended bloom periods. The bulbs are fresh and healthy, with a 100% grow guarantee, making them a good pick for confident growers and experienced planters alike.
Best for: fragrance lovers and statement bloom displays. Why selected: the combination of large flowers, taller stems, and scent enhances any garden or cut-flower arrangement. Caution: strong stems may require staking in very windy locations or rich, heavy soils.
Stargazer Oriental Lily (12 bulbs) – Willard & May USA
This variant mirrors Stargazer’s popular traits with showy, fragrant flowers and suitability for containers or garden beds. Blooms appear mid-summer, offering a reliable splash of color for borders or patios. Best for buyers who value fragrance and tall, elegant stems in a manageable package.
Best for: containers and borders that benefit from fragrance. Why selected: proven bloom timing and versatility for various garden setups. Caution: consider soil drainage and sunlight exposure to maximize bloom quality.
Mixed Oriental Lilies (8 Pack of Bulbs) – Willard & May
This mix offers eight fresh Oriental lily bulbs designed to deliver a varied palette of colors and heights. The mix is a good choice for gardeners who want a more dynamic border or a vibrant cut-flower display. The bulbs promise a robust, year-after-year presence, with midsummer blooms adding substantial color late in the season.
Best for: color variety and border layouts. Why selected: diversity in color and form supports creative planting patterns. Caution: color outcomes vary by climate and soil; plan for staggered planting for continuous bloom.
Votaniki Oriental Lily Mix Bulbs – 3 Pack
Votaniki’s Oriental Lily Mix combines ease of growth with highly fragrant, large trumpet-shaped blooms. This 3-pack is great for planting near outdoor seating or along pathways where fragrance and color can be enjoyed from a distance. The mix is easy to grow and tends to return annually, making it a practical option for long-term garden planning.
Best for: fragrant, long-lasting blooms near seating areas. Why selected: strong fragrance and easy maintenance make it a standout choice for patios and borders. Caution: choose sunny locations for best bloom; lilies dislike overly shaded sites.
Forever Susan Asiatic Lily Flower Bulbs – 3 Pack
Forever Susan is a premium Asiatic lily with large 16/18 cm bulbs and vibrant maroon blooms with a yellow/orange trim. It grows 2-3 feet tall, making it an excellent choice for perennial borders that require strong vertical interest. The bulbs are excellent for cut flower arrangements as well. Best for: border gardens and pollinator-friendly plantings.
Caution: Asiatic lilies generally prefer well-drained soil; poor drainage can hinder bulb development and bloom quality.
Lilium Asiatic Lily ‘Heartstrings’ Plant Bulbs (3 Pack)
Heartstrings offers a bright mix of light orange and pink blooms from three sturdy Asiatic lily bulbs. The product notes highlight that these are suitable for cutting and arranging, and the flowers face upward like most Asiatic varieties. This pack is ideal for gardeners who want a cheerful border or a few standout stems for indoor arrangements.
Best for: cheerful garden color with easy cutting bouquet potential. Why selected: reliable Asiatic performance and good bloom size for containers or borders. Caution: colors can vary by soil and sun exposure; plan multiple planting spots to ensure continuous color.
Buying Guide
Key considerations when choosing lily bulbs:
- Sunlight and soil: Most lilies prefer full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil. Heavy clay or consistently wet soil can hinder growth.
- Bloom timing and height: Asiatic varieties tend to bloom earlier with shorter, sturdier stems; Oriental lilies often have larger blooms with strong fragrance but taller stems that may require staking.
- Perennial behavior: Many of these bulbs will perennialize, returning year after year if kept in suitable conditions and fed annually with balanced fertilizer.
- Fragrance versus color: If fragrance is a priority, Oriental lilies like Stargazer commonly offer a strong scent, while Asiatic varieties typically provide vivid color with little or no scent.
- Container compatibility: Lily bulbs can thrive in large containers with adequate depth and drainage, making them a flexible option for patios and balconies.
- Maintenance tips: Plant bulbs at the depth recommended for the variety (often several inches deep), mulch to conserve moisture, and remove spent blooms to encourage rebloom in some cultivars.
Common questions
- Do lily bulbs come back every year? Yes, many varieties are perennials and will return with proper care, though some Asiatic hybrids may dilute if conditions are poor.
- When should I plant lily bulbs? Plant in fall or early spring, depending on your climate, so roots establish before hot weather or freezing conditions.
- Can lilies be grown in pots? Yes, with deep enough containers, good drainage, and fertilizer. Tall varieties may need support.
- Are lilies deer-resistant? Some varieties show resistance, but no lily is fully deer-proof in all environments; consider fencing or deterrents in high-pressure areas.
- Which lilies are best for cut flowers? Oriental and some Asiatic lilies produce long stems and robust blooms that hold up well in vases.
- How do I care for potted lilies indoors? Place in bright light, rotate for even growth, and keep soil evenly moist but not soggy.
Notes on product selection
These five selections cover a spectrum of color, fragrance, and size to accommodate different garden designs—from borders and borders-with-views to containers and cut-flower palettes. If you want a single, fragrance-forward display, Stargazer is a standout. For dependable year-after-year color with easy maintenance, consider the Asiatic mixes. Use the Heartstrings and Forever Susan for cheerful, easy-care color blocks, while the Votaniki Oriental Mix offers a fragrant, high-impact option for pathways or seating areas.
Additional buying considerations
- Planting depth and spacing guidelines vary by variety; follow label directions for best results.
- Watering after planting helps establish roots, but avoid overwatering which can lead to bulb rot.
- Soil quality matters: amend heavy soils with organic matter to improve drainage and aeration.
Quick buyer tips
- Best overall color and reliability: Asiatic Lilies Mix and Forever Susan.
- Best for fragrance and bold blooms: Stargazer Oriental Lilies.
- Best for borders and pollinators: Forever Susan and Dubai Nights (if you included it) or the mixed Oriental selections.
- Best for containers: Many lilies adapt well to pots with ample depth; choose shorter or medium-height varieties for stability.
FAQ
- What is the difference between Asiatic and Oriental lilies? Asiatic lilies usually offer bright colors and upward-facing blooms with less fragrance; Oriental lilies are typically larger, more fragrant, and taller, with mid-to-late season blooms.
- Can these bulbs be planted in late fall? Yes, many lily bulbs perform well when planted in fall before the ground freezes in temperate regions.
- How long do lilies take to bloom after planting? This varies by variety but many Asiatic and Oriental lilies bloom in their first or second growing season after planting.
- Do lilies attract pollinators? Yes, lilies attract bees, butterflies, and, in some cases, hummingbirds, especially the more fragrant and vibrant cultivars.
- Are lilies safe for pets? Some varieties can be toxic to pets if ingested; it’s best to keep lilies out of reach of dogs and cats.