Lilja som snittblomma

Liljan är en praktfull snittblomma som gärna ståtar ensam i sin vas. Vill man ändå kombinera liljan med andra växter kan man gärna använda enklare snittblommor eller snittgrönt.

The Lily: Myth, Beauty, and Practicality

The lily is a flower steeped in legend, botanical significance, and decorative appeal. In both mythology and modern floristry, lilies hold a special place—symbolizing purity, grace, and celebration. This guide explores the lily’s enchanting origins, types, care instructions, and its role as a versatile cut flower.

Origins and Symbolism

According to ancient legend, the lily was born from a miraculous event: great streams of milk flowed from the goddess Juno’s breast at night. Some of this celestial milk became the Milky Way, while some fell to Earth and gave rise to the white lily. This myth highlights the lily’s enduring association with innocence and purity, making it a timeless symbol in both art and culture.

Botanical Facts

Lilies are members of the genus Lilium within the Liliaceae family. Approximately 100 species exist, predominantly native to the northern hemisphere’s temperate zones, and a few extending into the tropics of Southeast Asia. While no lily species are originally Swedish, several—including the Orange Lily (L. bulbiferum), Martagon Lily (L. martagon), and Tiger Lily (L. lancifolium)—can sometimes be found naturalized after escaping gardens.

Commercial Lily Groups

Florists typically classify lilies into four principal groups:

The Four Main Types

Longiflorum – Pure white flowers with long, elegant necks.
Oriental Group – Large, strongly fragrant blossoms, fewer per stem.
Asiatic (Hollandicum) Group – Multiple, medium-sized, and mildly fragrant flowers per stem.
LA Hybrids – Crosses between Longiflorum and Asiatic lilies, featuring large blooms in a wide variety of shades.

Color and Fragrance

Lily cut flowers come in an impressive palette: white, yellow, orange, pink, and multi-tone variations. Their fragrance ranges from subtle to intense, providing options for every preference. Many florist varieties are long-lasting and available year-round, making them a reliable choice for all occasions. When purchasing, look for stems where the lowest blooms are just starting to show color for the longest enjoyment.

Decorative Combinations

Lilies shine both alone and in mixed arrangements. Creative pairings include:

White lilies with ornamental cabbage (Brassica oleracea) for a striking cut arrangement.
Pink lilies combined with delicate Queen Anne's lace (Ammi majus) for a soft, ethereal look.
Orange lilies arranged with lush ivy for a vibrant, natural display.
Pink lilies paired with white snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) for a charming and elegant bouquet.

Care Instructions for Cut Lilies

Lilies are among the most durable of cut flowers, boasting a vase life of 10–15 days. For best results:

Keep lilies in a cool location—not near fruit or other sources of ethylene gas, which can hasten wilting.
Use fresh water at about 30°C, and change it daily to ensure cleanliness and longevity.
Add half the recommended dose of plant food to the vase water.
Always give stems a fresh cut and remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline.
Ensure a good water supply, as lilies are heavy drinkers.
Placing lilies in a cooler area overnight extends their longevity further.

Potted and Garden Lilies

As potted plants, lilies produce a spectacular but brief burst of blooms and should be placed in bright, indirect light. These bulbs store enough nutrients for one season and don’t require extra fertilizer—consistent watering is sufficient. In gardens, too much nutrition can make leaves and stems weak and fragile. Slow, steady growth during the season produces hardier plants.

Additional Tips

Lily pollen can stain textiles, but removing the prominent stamens doesn’t affect the flower’s vase life. For those sensitive to fragrance, selecting milder varieties ensures enjoyment without overwhelming scents.

With their noble elegance and range of uses—from mythic tales to modern bouquets—the lily remains one of floristry’s most cherished and practical flowers. For more fascinating facts, see the story of the white lily.

This summary draws on references and guidance from Blomsterfrämjandet and connected sources for a complete view of the lily’s enduring beauty and role in home and garden.