You received a bouquet of Lilies and want to know their meaning? Are you planning to decorate an event with Lilies and want to learn more about them?
You’re in the right place.
In the flower shop where I work, the Lily is one of the most popular flowers among our customers. Available year-round, this stunning flower, with its captivating scent, remains mysterious to many. Today, I’m going to share its secrets with you.
For over a millennium, the Lily has been a symbol of royalty in France. As such, this flower embodies the qualities of the ideal monarch: nobility, devotion, and purity. Today, it also represents pure and sincere love, as well as fertility. There are hundreds of varieties available, which can be paired with roses or small flowers. Want to gift this stunning flower? You can choose between a beautiful bouquet or potted Lily plants, which can be replanted in the garden or kept in pots, blooming again each year.
Curious to learn more? Keep reading to discover:
- The true meaning of the Lily and its place in history
- The various types of Lilies and their characteristics
- What flowers to pair it with for decorations, for example
- How to give and care for it on a daily basis
What Does the Lily Symbolize?
Also spelled Lily, this beautiful flower is now one of the three favorite flowers of the French, alongside the Rose and the Peony. However, its meaning remains largely unknown.
In the following lines, you will discover the true meaning of this flower, as well as the origin of its fame.
The Lily in the Language of Flowers 🌼
This flower is typically associated with purity and devotion, especially when it comes to a white lily. It also symbolizes nobility and majesty.
Finally, it is also a symbol of fertility, and therefore, of motherhood. This meaning of the Lily is found in various cultures:
- In Greek mythology, the Lily represents the breast milk of the goddess Hera, which fell to the ground and transformed into flowers.
- The Assyrians and Babylonians associated the Lily with the goddess of fertility, Ishtar.
- In China, this flower is used to decorate wedding ceremonies. It is said to bring 100 years of love to the newlyweds, as well as good fortune.
- Christians associate the Lily with the Virgin Mary.
Additionally, depending on its colors, this flower can convey a different message:
- Red: passion, love
- Orange: self-confidence, positivity, energy, dynamism
- Yellow: gratitude, joy, friendship
- White: purity, gentleness, faith
What Does the Fleur-de-Lis Represent in History? ⚜️
Just by visiting French castles, you can see that the fleur-de-lis is a prominent symbol of the country’s royalty, a tradition that has lasted for centuries. It was actually Charles the Bald (823-877), the grandson of Charlemagne, who adopted this flower as the emblem of the King of France. It would later be depicted in all things associated with royalty: coats of arms, fabrics and tapestries, coins, statues, paintings… until the French Revolution in 1789, when many of these artworks were destroyed by revolutionaries.
The Lily is particularly associated in French culture with the power of the king and his court. Given that the monarchy was considered divine right, meaning that the sovereign’s power was granted by God, this flower also symbolizes the sunny aspect of the king, most famously represented by Louis XIV, who was known as “The Sun King.”
What are the different varieties of Lilies?
Today, there are over 100 species of lilies around the world, although the majority grow in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, specifically in Asia, Europe, and North America. There is also a significant number of horticultural hybrids.
When it comes to cut flowers, you can easily find two varieties of lilies at florists or markets:
- The Easter Lily or Saint Joseph’s Lily (lilium longiflorum) produces long, drooping flowers. They are always white.
- The Hybrid Lilies (lilium hybrids), such as the Oriental Lily in shades of white or pink, and the Asiatic Lily in shades of yellow and orange.
Easter Lilies / Hybrid Lilies
👉 Some well-known flowers belong to the same botanical family as the lily. They are called the lilies and require relatively similar care. This includes certain species known as:
- ornamental: Tulip, Hyacinth, …
- medicinal: Meadow Saffron
- edible: Garlic, Onion, Leek, Asparagus…
What Flower Pairs Well with Lilies?
The lily is a noble flower with a striking presence, making it stand out on its own in any floral arrangement. If you’re considering giving it as a gift or using it to decorate an event like a wedding or a baptism, it’s important to think about which flowers you want to pair it with to ensure that the arrangement is harmonious and balanced.
If you’re looking to pair lilies with one or more other flowers in a bouquet or arrangement, consider choosing the following flowers:
➡️ The Rose
Regarded as the queen of flowers, the Rose enhances the beauty of the Lily. You will have a bouquet with a majestic appearance, exuding classic and refined beauty. You can choose it in the same shades as the Lily or, on the other hand, select a contrasting color to make one of the flowers stand out even more.
➡️ The Lisianthus
This delicate flower pairs especially well with the Lily, as they are both long-stemmed flowers. It will add a touch of countryside charm to your arrangement.
➡️ Small Flowers: Chamomile, Baby’s Breath, Wax Flower…
A selection of bloom clusters will enhance the Lily, which will remain the star flower of your bouquet.
Rose / Eustoma / Baby’s Breath
You can also choose to have an arrangement or bouquet made up solely of lilies, and enhance it with a floral backdrop, such as an artificial flower wall. This is especially suitable for creating a romantic and elegant party decoration that will impress your guests.
If you want to learn more about flower walls and the countless decorating possibilities they offer, check them out in our online store dedicated to floral items!
💬 Need advice on choosing the right decor? Feel free to reach out to our customer service team, who will be happy to assist you with your selection.
Giving Lilies as a Bouquet or Arrangement for Maximum Impact 💐
As mentioned in the previous lines, giving lilies to someone you care about is a beautiful gift that will surely be appreciated. Here’s what you need to know to make your selection with confidence.
What type of bouquet or arrangement should you choose to showcase them effectively?
Because lilies have long stems and large flowers, they are beautifully showcased in large bouquets and tall arrangements. Small round bouquets may crush the flowers and damage them. In fact, the petals of lilies are quite delicate and can easily show marks if they are bent or compressed.
For a bridal bouquet featuring lilies, I recommend a cascade bouquet, also known as a “waterfall bouquet.” This type of bouquet allows the florist to incorporate lily motifs in the cascading part of the arrangement, using flowers like calla lilies.
How to Keep Them in a Vase for the Longest Time Possible?
When you receive your lilies, if they are in a bouquet and not set in floral foam, place them in a vase with just a little water at the bottom (about 2 inches). Then, keep your bouquet in a cool spot for at least overnight.
🛑 Too much water in the vase, along with excessive exposure to heat, can shorten the lifespan of your lilies, causing them to bloom and wilt more quickly.
Next, change the water every 48 hours, making sure to re-cut the stems at an angle using a knife or pruning shears if they start to turn dark at the cut end.
Giving Potted Lilies for an Eco-Friendly and Lasting Gift 🌱
If you want to give a gift that lasts or make someone with a green thumb happy, you can choose lily plants. You’ll find them potted at a garden center or florist. Pick ones that are still in bud, ready to bloom, so that the recipient can enjoy them for as long as possible.
Do Lilies Bloom Again After Flowering?
To help them grow again, the recipient of your gift just needs to replant the bulbs in well-drained soil, enriched with leaf mulch or compost.
Lilies can also thrive when kept in pots, but they should be kept cool, above freezing ❄️, during the winter months.
Where to Plant Lilies in Your Garden?
Lilies generally prefer acidic soil and full sun. During their growth, it’s essential to water them twice a week and apply a potassium-rich liquid fertilizer every two weeks. You can find this type of fertilizer at most grocery stores or garden centers.
Finally, this is a plant that is quite resistant to cold, but it can be damaged by spring frosts.
Now you’re an expert on Lilies! Are you interested in more gift or floral decoration ideas? Join me at our specialized shop to discover hundreds of items on this theme!