
What are facts about the water lily?
Interesting facts about water lilies. Water lilies are freshwater plants. There are about 70 species of water lilies. They are native to the temperate and tropical parts of the world. Water lilies are found in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. Although most water lily species prefer the still waters of ponds and lakes, some can ...
What does water lily stand for?
Therefore, they have also represented purity, innocence, and chastity. Water lilies are a type of flower that can be found in water, therefore, they often have a symbolic meaning of essence and birth, which it also means, ultimately, the circle of life we all have.
Do lilies like a lot of water?
Water your lilies only as needed. Lilies generally don't need a lot of water, so only water if required. Asiatic lilies, Trumpets, and Orienpets flourish in hot, dry climates, as long as they have enough water up to flowering time. Orientals need watering during the summer, as they do not blossom until August.
What are other names of water lily?
Taxonomy
- Nymphaea alba – white water lily (type species)
- Nymphaea amazonum – Amazon water lily
- Nymphaea ampla – dotleaf water lily
- Nymphaea blanda
- Nymphaea caerulea – blue Egyptian lotus
- Nymphaea calliantha
- Nymphaea candida
- Nymphaea capensis – Cape blue waterlily
- Nymphaea colorata
- Nymphaea conardii – roundleaf water lily

Are water lilies actually lilies?
Nymphaeaceae (/ˌnɪmfiːˈeɪsiː/) is a family of flowering plants, commonly called water lilies. They live as rhizomatous aquatic herbs in temperate and tropical climates around the world. The family contains nine genera with about 70 known species.
What is a true lily?
True lilies are in the genus Lilium, and they grow from true bulbs. Some other common plants, such as daylilies and canna lilies, may have the term “lily” in their common name, but they're not actually lilies at all. They grow from tubers, not bulbs, and they're in a different plant genus.
What lilies are not true lilies?
Daylily, water lily, voodoo lily – many flowers are called lilies that are not true lilies, members of the genus Lilium.
What is the classification of a water lily?
DicotyledonsWater lilies / ClassMagnoliopsida is a valid botanical name for a class of flowering plants. By definition the class will include the family Magnoliaceae, but its circumscription can otherwise vary, being more inclusive or less inclusive depending upon the classification system being discussed. Wikipedia
What is the rarest type of lily?
The world's tiniest and rarest water lily, nymphaea thermarum, in the Missouri Botanical Garden's greenhouse. The world's tiniest, rarest water lily can fit in your pocket. Each of its white flowers is barely bigger than a penny, and the whole plant — lily pads, flowers and all — spans less than 1 foot.
Are true lilies toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA identifies flowers in the “true lily” or daylily families as non-toxic to dogs. There are, however, several types of lilies that are considered dangerous to dogs.
Is an Asiatic lily a true lily?
Types of Lilies True lilies belong to the genus Lilium and grow from plump, scaly bulbs. Of the nine divisions of classification, Asiatic and Oriental are the most popular with gardeners. Asiatic lilies are the earliest to bloom and the easiest to grow.
What part of a lily is poisonous to dogs?
bulbsAll parts of the lily plant are toxic to both dogs and cats. That includes the pollen and stamens, the flower petals, sepals, leaves, stems, and bulbs. The bulb is significantly more toxic than the rest of the plant.
Are water lilies toxic to cats?
All parts of the plant are dangerous: petals, leaves, stem, and pollen. Even the water that lilies have been sitting in can contain toxins. Just a small amount of any of these can be fatal to kitties, so if you even suspect your cat has been eating lilies, contact your vet immediately.
Can you eat a water lily?
Water lilies are found throughout much of the temperate and subtropical regions. Look for them in shallow lakes, ponds, and in stagnant areas of slow moving rivers. Edible Parts: The flowers, seeds, and rhizomes are edible raw or cooked. To prepare rhizomes for eating, peel off the corky rind.
What is special about water lily?
Water lilies mean many things in different areas of the world, but they have special significance in Buddhism and Hinduism. For these religions, the water lily symbolizes resurrection, because these flowers close up at night and reopen in the morning, similar to a spiritual rebirth.
Is water lily a lotus?
What Is the Difference Between Lotus and Water Lily? The main difference between the water lily and lotus is that the lotus leaves and flowers rise above the surface of the water, while those of the water lily float on the surface of the water.
What is the symbolism of a lily?
The name lily comes from the Latin word for this type of flower, “lilium." The flowers represent purity, innocence and rebirth: in religious iconography, they often represent the Virgin Mary, and are also often depicted at the Resurrection of Christ.
What does the name lily mean biblically?
purity and innocenceIt signifies purity and innocence. Although it isn't derived directly from the Bible, it does have Biblical connections: lilies are often used to represent the Virgin Mary's purity, and St. Joseph is frequently pictured holding lilies to represent his relationship with Jesus' mother.
How many types of lilies are there?
90 different speciesThere are over 90 different species of lilies to choose from, each with their own unique beauty and characteristics. Not only are lily flowers breath-taking, but they also hold strong meaning and associations that date quite far back.
What is the difference between lilies and daylilies?
A lily will always have six petals. An easy way to differentiate between the two is to check out their leaves. The leaves of a daylily plant look like grass blades growing from a clump. On the other hand, lilies will have leaves growing the entire height of the central stem.
What is the genus of lily?
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova. The term "lily" gets bandied about quite a bit by flower gardeners. But the Lilium genus refers to a specific group of perennial plants, including beloved flowers like the Easter lily and the famous 'Stargazer' lily, which are important to the cut flower trade. A great many plants that carry "lily" as part ...
What is the best lily to grow?
Asiatic lilies, like the 'Lollypop' cultivar, are arguably the easiest to grow for beginners and, therefore, are one of the most popular lily divisions. In the official horticultural classification system, Asiatic lilies fall into Division 1. The flowers are mostly unscented, but this shortcoming is more than made up for by the rainbow of colors available. Flowers may face up, down, or outward, and they usually bloom in June or July. Although lilies aren't common in container gardens, dwarf Asiatics, like the 12-inch-high 'Buff Pixie,' will adapt to pot culture. Asiatic lilies are derived from genetic crosses of lilies native to eastern and central Asia and from interspecific hybrids of those species.
What are hybrid lilies?
These hybrids, including the Humboldt lily, form large colonies in gardens with humus-rich soil and good drainage. The large floral candelabras, which feature blossoms with sharply recurving and downward-facing petals, work best in wildflower gardens and informal landscapes. Because they're derived from native North American species, they naturalize readily. When you encounter a "wild" lily, it's not always clear if it's a true native species or a naturalized hybrid. Likewise, some "wild" lilies aren't native species or hybrids at all. The familiar roadside tiger lily is almost always an Asian species, Lilium lancifolium or Lilium tigrinum.
Why are martagon lilies called turkscap lilies?
Martagon hybrids are difficult to grow, but the ethereal 5-to-6-foot wands of mature plants are worth it. These hybrids are often known as turkscap lilies, named for the shape of the blossoms.
What is the Lilium genus?
But the Lilium genus refers to a specific group of perennial plants, including beloved flowers like the Easter lily and the famous 'Stargazer' lily, which are important to the cut flower trade.
How many types of lilies are there?
The North American Lily Society recognizes nine horticultural divisions of garden lilies. Although not all are common in the nursery trade, the following nine types of lilies are sure to contain your new favorite.
When do Easter lilies bloom?
The longiflorum lily group, Division 5, is familiar to most gardeners as the seasonal Easter lily, forced by growers to bloom in the spring. In the garden, longiflorum lilies produce white trumpet-shaped blooms in July or August. Unlike many seasonal gift plants, you can successfully move the Easter lily to a permanent spot outside. Choose a sheltered spot where the flowers are in the sun but the roots are in the shade. Leave the foliage intact, and provide regular moisture.
What is a water lily?
Water Lilies are the aristocrat of the water garden pool. They are grouped into Tropical and Hardy varieties. One of the most common questions Tricker receives each year is what type of water lily should you purchase? The following chart, found in our Tricker catalog, compares the general characteristics of the Hardy and Tropical varieties: Also, read the characteristic summary below. Note: From Tricker's you receive a full water lily plant with pads that is ready to show the beauty in your water garden pool! You will enjoy the water lily ALL summer long!
What color are water lilies?
Flower Colors: The tropical water lilies come in all colors of the rainbow and are especially known for the class of blue and purple flowers that are not found in the hardy varieties (not including the ISG hardy water lilies). These colors are found in many dark to light shades with many different appearances.
How big do water lilies grow?
There are special "pygmy" water lilies that can spread less than the 2-3 feet when planted in a smaller container. These special water lilies will still grow and bloom. These are often selected for tub gardening or for that special place in your water garden pool that needs a smaller coverage water lily. Sunlight Requirements: Most water lilies require at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. However, Trickers Nurseries has developed some varieties that can still bloom and grow with reduced light such as the tropical water lilies Patricia, Independence ', ' Janice ', ' Blue Bird ', ' Panama Pacific ' and included are from other hybridizers are varieties such as ' August Koch ', and ' Dauben '. All of these varieties you will find in Tricker's on line store! Not only do the mentioned tropical water lilies require less daily light, but they also are known for growing and blooming long into the fall or autumn when all other water lilies are going dormant. Hardy varieties are not known for less sunlight, and typically require full sunlight. Blooming Characteristics: It is well known that the tropical water lily will produce far more blooms than the hardy variety. The tropical water lilies will typically produce a multitude of flowers all summer long that stand high above the water surface! The hardy variety, typically with flowers floating on the surface of the water, will prepare for winter by making a tuber and reduce blooms as fall approaches. There are many hardy hybrids that are extremely beautiful and produce a wonderful amount of flowers during the year. Tricker's offers collections of water lilies that include both hardy and tropical varieties so that the customer can try both the hardy and tropical varieties to witness for themselves the outstanding characteristics of each. Thus, by growing both the hardy and tropical water lilies can result in a full summer of water lily blooms! However, it is by far worth the effort to grow tropical water lilies that produce a multitude of blooms and witness the tremendous growth and beauty as our special hybridizers intended!
What is the dark mottling on a water lily?
For example, Leopardess, a well-known and popular tropical water lily, is known for the dark mottling on the pads. In 2014 the William Tricker, Inc. introduced one of the most mottled pads in the industry, Pink Sapphire.
How much sun does a water lily need?
Sunlight Requirements: Most water lilies require at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day.
When do night lilies bloom?
Night Blooming Water Lilies: The tropical and hardy day blooming lilies all close during the late afternoon and into the night and open in the later part of the morning as the sun becomes intense. Only tropical varieties of night blooming water lilies are available.
When do tropical water lilies bloom?
Tropical water lilies will bloom later in the autumn than the hardy water lilies which are preparing for winter.
What is the true lily?
Get to Know the “True Lilies”. There are many plants with “lily” in the name, but most are not what we call “true lilies.”. True lilies grow from onion-like bulbs and are of the genus Lilium. Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.), despite the similar appearance of their flowers, are not true lilies. Daylilies have many leaves that grow from ...
What are some other lilies?
There are other lilies out there, of course, such as tiger lilies and Turk’s cap lilies, as well as hybrids like “ Orienpet ” (Oriental + Trumpet) and LA lilies (Easter + Asiatic). Browse through your favorite online gardening retailer’s catalog to find what you like best!
When Do Lilies Bloom?
Lilies tend to bloom from early summer to fall, depending on the type. By carefully blending early, mid-season, and late varieties into your garden, you will enjoy their magnificent blooms from spring through first frost. At home in both formal and naturalistic settings, most lilies also take readily to containers. Plus, they make great cut flowers!
How tall are trumpet lilies?
They are tall and stately (4 feet), and tend to grow more slowly, often blooming about the time when Asiatic lily flowers are fading (mid- to late-summer). Trumpet lilies are similar to oriental lilies, producing many blooms with a nice scent.
How to grow lily bulbs in winter?
Divide plants every 3 to 4 years as new growth begins in the spring. Just lift the plants and divide the clumps. Replant the new bulbs adding some compost.
Why is the name Lily misleading?
The name “lily” can be misleading because lots of other plants use it besides true lilies. Daylilies and water lilies aren’t lilies at all, and neither are lilies-of-the-valley or lilyturf. With so many other plants using the name “lily,” it seems that identity theft has been around since long before the use of computers and credit cards!
When do trumpet lilies bloom?
Trumpet lilies bloom mid-summer. Tall with trumpet-shaped flowers, they are hardy in Zones 5 to 9. Trumpet lilies grow many blooms (12 to 15 per stalk!) and have a wonderfully heady, sweet fragrance. ‘Regale’: white, blooms early to late summer, 3 to 4 feet tall.
Why are water lilies unusual?
This is an unusual type of water lily because it can survive in a dry river bed for a long period of time, even without rainfall. Another interesting characteristic is that the plant blooms repeatedly.
What color are water lilies?
Its petals are bright pink but they will eventually turn to red.
How big do water lilies get?
It can grow really fast, and as its name indicates, it has very fragrant flowers. They can reach up to 7 inches in diameter , and have white petals.
How do water lilies reproduce?
It’s also interesting to note that water lilies propagate in two ways: they either do a vegetative reproduction or they produce seeds, thus they create a cycle of reproduction.
What are water lilies known for?
Also, water lilies are known for accommodating frogs or any other amphibious species that want to have a rest, as these flowers are very big and spacious.
How long have water lilies been around?
Water lilies are one of the most ancient types of plants that have ever existed. They have been around for at least 130 million years (1). Table Of Contents. Description and Characteristics. Family and Species.
How many seeds does a water lily have?
Then, the water lily flower will go underneath the water and start reproducing a wide range of seeds, in fact, they can be up to 2000 seeds in total. Of course, this job will take the flower a couple of weeks, as flowers tend to concentrate all of their energy into doing this.
What does the white lily symbolize?
White Lily - Clean and immaculate, it symbolizes purity, innocence, modesty.
What was Augustine Henry's lily?
In search of medicinal plants, Augustine Henry, a remarkable European explorer, stumbled upon lilies. He was so captivated by the showy flower that he decided to dedicate his expedition to look for more types of lilies. Lilium henryi, more popularly called Tiger Lily or Henry's lily, which is an exotic lily native to the mountains of central China, was actually named in his honor.
How many lilies are sold on Mother's Day?
Lilies are classic flowers that never go out of style. With large, showy blooms that come in bright colors, they rank second on the list of best-selling cut flowers by the Daily Beast. Based on the article, there are 113,162,000 lily flower stems sold during special occasions, such as Mother’s Day, which amounts to a whopping 77,382,000 U.S. dollars.
What is the origin of the fleur de lis?
It is claimed that the iconic fleur de lis was roughly inspired by a flower from the Lilium family.
How to make lily stems last longer?
With a sharp knife or scissors, cut the stem at least half an inch or more in a slanted angle. Put the lily flowers into a vase filled with lukewarm water. Although it’s not always ideal, more water boosts the pressure on the flowers to open up. For more tips, you can also read: How To Make Cut Flowers Last Longer.
What does an orange lily stand for?
Orange Lily - These flowers stand for confidence, wealth, and encouragement.
Is it safe to give a dog a lily?
Lily poisoning is a serious matter for cats and dogs. The treatment is intensive and usually involves intravenous fluid therapy and hospitalization for a significant amount of time.
