The flowering plants called lilies are prized for their beauty and fragrance. People often include lilies in floral arrangements and bouquets. The white lily has long been a symbol of purity in some cultures. At Easter time, some people traditionally display white Easter lilies. Lilies are related to a number of food plants, including onions, asparagus, and garlic. Many plants are called lilies, but only those in the scientific group Lilium are true lilies. Plants that are not in this group but that are called lilies include the day lily, the water lily, and the lily of the valley. True lilies are native to areas north of the equator with mild climates. They are among the oldest plants grown by people. Scientists believe that the bulb of one type of lily was used for medicine and food in Asia more than 3,000 years ago. The ancient Greeks and Romans also raised lilies for medicine and as decorative plants. Physical featuresTrue lily plants vary somewhat in size and shape. Most range in height from about 1 to 4 feet (30 to 120 centimeters), but a few can grow taller. The plants stand straight and have leafy stems. The leaves are narrow and green. True lilies grow from bulbs that have fleshy scales. A single true lily plant can produce many flowers, which may grow in single blooms or in clusters. The flowers may be any of a wide variety of colors. Some have spots or dark centers. The largest blossoms can be as many as 10 inches (25 centimeters) wide. They may be shaped like a trumpet, funnel, tube, or bowl. Each flower has six petallike structures, which in some varieties curl up like the brim of a hat. Some types of true lilies have a heavy fragrance, while others have a lighter scent. How lilies growTrue lilies are usually raised from bulbs, but they can be grown from seeds as well. The seeds are long, thin capsules with three sides. It generally takes about four to six years to get a flowering plant from a seed. Flowers grown from bulbs, however, can emerge the next growing season. Different types of lilies require different amounts of sunlight. Most true lilies do best in well-drained soil. Many varieties of true lilies bloom in July or August, but some can bloom earlier or later. |