Have you ever admired the beauty of a lily or a calla lily in a garden or in a vase and wondered what the difference was? If so, this comprehensive guide is here to help you understand the unique characteristics of each.
In this guide, we will discuss the types of lilies, their characteristics, colors, and scents, as well as the types of calla lilies, their characteristics, colors, and scents.
By the end, you will have a great understanding of how to distinguish between lilies and calla lilies.
So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Lilies are a genus of flowering plants that come in a variety of sizes and colors, while Calla lilies are a specific species of lily that are native to South Africa.
Calla lilies have a distinct white bloom that is shaped like a funnel, whereas lilies can come in a range of shapes, sizes, and colors.
Lilies are also more likely to have a sweet fragrance, while Calla lilies are generally odorless.
Calla lilies are also known for their long stems, while lilies often have shorter stems.
Types of Lilies
When discussing lilies, it is important to understand the various types of lilies that exist.
Lilies belong to the genus Lilium, and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.
Some of the most common varieties of lilies include Asiatic, Oriental, Trumpet, and Tiger lilies.
Asiatic lilies are the most popular, and come in colors such as yellow, orange, pink, and white.
Oriental lilies are larger and have a more intense, sweet fragrance.
Trumpet lilies are tall and have large, trumpet-shaped flowers, and Tiger lilies have spotted petals that give them a unique, striped appearance.
All of these types of lilies are relatively low-maintenance and can be grown in most climates.
Characteristics of Lilies
Lilies are beautiful, showy, and fragrant flowering plants that are native to many parts of the world.
They belong to the genus Lilium and can be found in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes.
Depending on the species, lilies can grow anywhere from a few inches to several feet tall.
They are characterized by their trumpet-shaped flowers and are often fragrant.
The most common type of lily is the Asiatic lily, which has large, star-shaped blooms that come in a variety of colors such as white, pink, orange, yellow, or red.
These lilies are usually easy to care for and are relatively low-maintenance.
Other types of lilies include the Oriental lily, which has large, heavily fragrant blooms, and the trumpet lily, which has long, tapered flowers.
In addition to being beautiful, lilies are also known for their medicinal properties.
They contain essential oils and other compounds that have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.
Lilies are also known to attract butterflies and other pollinators, making them a great addition to any garden.
Colors of Lilies
When it comes to lilies, there is no shortage of color options.
Lilies come in a wide variety of shades, including white, yellow, pink, red, orange, and even purple.
Depending on the species, some lilies may also be striped or speckled with different colors.
The color of a lilys blooms is determined by its genetics, so it is important to pick a variety that is known for the color you are looking for.
For example, some species of lilies are more likely to produce pink blooms than others.
No matter which color you choose, lilies are sure to add a vibrant and cheerful touch to any garden.
Scent of Lilies
When it comes to the scent of lilies, there is no doubt that these beautiful flowers have some of the most heavenly and unique aromas.
Lilies are well known for their strong, sweet scent that can fill a room with an unforgettable fragrance.
Depending on the variety of lily, the scent can range from a light and delicate floral aroma to an intense and bold scent.
This aromatic quality makes lilies a popular choice for gardeners and flower lovers alike.
The intense scent of lilies is one of the main reasons why they are often used in perfumes and other fragrant products.
In addition to the natural scent of lilies, certain varieties may be scented with essential oils or other fragrant extracts to further enhance the aroma.
All in all, lilies are an excellent choice for those who want a strong, sweet scent in their garden or home.
Types of Calla Lilies
When it comes to calla lilies, there is a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to choose from.
While they are typically white or yellow, there are many different types of calla lilies that feature vibrant colors such as pink, orange, and purple.
Calla lilies are also available in a range of sizes, from small, dainty blooms to large, show-stopping plants.
Additionally, calla lilies can be found in a variety of shapes, from tightly curled buds to more open, flat-shaped blooms.
Whether youre looking for a classic white calla lily or a more unique variety, theres something for everyone.
Characteristics of Calla Lilies
Calla lilies are members of the genus Zantedeschia, and they are characterized by their large, arrowhead-shaped blooms. Generally, calla lilies are available in two main colors: white and yellow, although there are some varieties that have pink, orange, or even purple blooms. In addition to this, calla lilies are usually scentless, making them the perfect addition to any garden if you dont want to be overwhelmed by strong fragrances.
These flowers are usually quite easy to grow in most climates and dont need a lot of maintenance.
They can thrive in both sun and shade, but they do need regular watering and fertilizer to ensure they continue to look their best.
Calla lilies can be planted in the ground or in containers and can reach heights of up to two feet.
They also prefer soil that is slightly acidic, so adding fertilizer or compost to the soil can help them thrive.
Once planted, calla lilies can last for several years, and they can even be divided and replanted in other parts of the garden.
They can be grown from a bulb or from a rhizome, and they are perfect for creating a bright and colorful display.
When properly cared for, these flowers can bloom from late spring to early summer and can provide a vibrant addition to any outdoor space.
Colors of Calla Lilies
When it comes to color, calla lilies stand out from other flowers.
While lilies come in a variety of colors, calla lilies are typically white or yellow.
While there are some varieties of calla lilies that have pink, peach, and even orange petals, these are rare and not as commonly seen.
The colors of calla lilies make them a great choice for adding a bright splash of color to your garden or home.
Calla lilies can be found in a few shades of yellow, but the most common color is a bright sunny yellow.
This vibrant hue is often used to contrast the bright white of the petals.
Calla lilies can also be found in a few shades of pink, ranging from a soft blush to a deep rose.
While these colors are not as common, they still make a beautiful addition to any garden.
Calla lilies have also been found in rare shades of orange and peach, but these are not as popular.
These rare colors make for a unique and eye-catching addition to any garden.
While these colors are not as easy to find, they can still add a bright and unique touch to any outdoor space.
Scent of Calla Lilies
When it comes to scent, calla lilies are typically scentless, while lilies have a strong, sweet smell.
Though calla lilies lack the signature fragrance of lilies, they still make for a beautiful addition to any garden.
The lack of scent can be beneficial in certain situations, such as if you are looking to place a calla lily in a vase that contains other aromatic flowers.
In that case, the calla lily will provide a beautiful contrast without overpowering or competing with the scent of the other flowers.
Calla lilies are also known for their subtle beauty.
The blooms come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, pink, and purple.
The arrowhead-shaped blooms of the calla lily are a bit more delicate than those of the lily, and the blooms are arranged in loose clusters rather than in the tall spikes of the lily.
This makes the calla lily a great choice for those who want a bit of a softer look in their garden.
No matter which type of flower you choose, both lilies and calla lilies are relatively low-maintenance plants and can be easily grown in most climates.
They can be planted directly in the ground or in a pot, depending on your preference, and they both require minimal care.
With their lovely blooms and ease of care, lilies and calla lilies are a great addition to any garden.
Final Thoughts
The differences between lilies and calla lilies are quite remarkable.
Lilies and calla lilies are both beautiful flowers that can be enjoyed indoors and outdoors.
Lilies come in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes, while calla lilies are typically white or yellow.
Lilies often have a strong, sweet scent, while calla lilies are usually scentless.
However, both plants are relatively low-maintenance and are easy to grow in most climates.
With this comprehensive guide, you now have all the knowledge you need to make an informed decision when selecting the right flower for you.
Whether you choose lilies or calla lilies, you can’t go wrong with either.