horticultural purposes.              

Div. I   - The Asiatic Hybrids - the species came are found growing wild throughout Asia.  These are the “workhorses” of the lily world.  They are easy to grow, multiply quickly and display a wide variety of colors and forms.  Some are upfacing, some outfacing and some downfacing.  Asiatic hybrids do well in with at least 6 hours of sun per day. 

Div. II - The Martagon hybrids – the species came from the Balkan countries of Southern Europe. They are usually tall with downfacing and reflexed petals.  They bloom early (in May) and are long-lived. Love shade!

Div. III - The Candidum hybrids – the Madonna Lily. Not easily grown in Iowa.

Div. IV - The American hybrids – these came from species which are found on our East and West coasts. They are not generally available and do not tolerate our hot summer nights in Iowa.

Div. V - The L. longiflorum hybrids – our potted Easter Lily. Not very hardy in our Iowa winters, but can sometimes survive in a very sheltered part of your Iowa garden.

Div. VI - The Trumpet hybrids – the species came from China and other parts of Asia.  They are usually tall and fragrant. Trumpets grow well in sunny  areas. Mulch well to protect from Iowa winters. May have to stake tall stems.

Div. VII - The Oriental hybrids – the species came from Japan and neighboring islands. Beautiful forms and incredible scents!  The “glamour girls” of the lily world, but not the easiest to grow. They love sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon.

Div. VIII – Interdivisional Hybrids are the fastest growing Lily division. The tall Orienpets flaunt huge, fragrant long-lasting blooms. The LAs  tolerate part-shade and present an entire bouquet at the top of their strong stems. The OAs, TA s, MA s and other new crosses offer a large variety of colors, shapes and scents to the discriminating Lily gardener. An incredible selection of beauty for your garden in this division! These lilies love sun to part shade.

Div. IX – The species (or wild) lilies as they grow throughout the world. One seen in growing wild in our area is Lilium michiganense. The species lilies can be a challenge for the more experienced Lily grower. Most prefer sun or dappled shade.