Asiatic vs Oriental lilies – are they the same? This is a question that I often get asked by readers.
These two types of lilies look similar and share many common traits, but they are two different types of hybrid lilies. Both of these lilies are grown commercially and are popular in cottage gardens.
These lilies add height, texture, and a dramatic pop of color to spring gardens. Although they are both easy to grow, Oriental lilies are a little bit more challenging.
Keep reading to learn how to tell the difference between Asiatic and Oriental lilies.
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Asiatic and Oriental lilies – how are they different?
The main differences between these two types of lilies are their size, fragrance, and flowering time. There are also minor differences in the way the flowers are shaped and how the blooms face.
The chart below outlines the basic differences between the two types of lilies.
| Common name | Asiatic lily | Oriental lily |
| Botanical name | Lilium Asiatic | Lilium Orientalis |
| Native country | Asia | Japan |
| Fragrance | Little to no scent | Heavily scented |
| Mature size | 2-4 feet tall | 3-8 feet tall |
| Shape of leaves | Lance-shaped | Heart-shaped |
| Flower size | 4-6 inches | 6-8 inches |
| Shape of flowers | Pointed petals that face upward | Curved petals that face outward, or downward |
| Flower color | A wide range of colors except blue | Shades of white, yellow, and pink |
| Bloom time | Late spring to early summer | Mid-summer to late summer |
| Hardiness zones | 4-8 | 3-9 |
Difference between Asiatic and Oriental lily leaves
Asiatic lily leaves are lance-shaped and glossy. Oriental lily leaves are heart-shaped and have a dull finish.
The leaves of Asiatic lilies are spaced more closely together than those of Oriental lilies.
They both grow with long stalks, but since Oriental lilies are taller, they often need staking, whereas Asiatic lilies do not.
Difference between Asiatic and Oriental lily flowers
The petals of Asiatic lilies have a pointed shape, and the blooms face upward. On the other hand, Oriental lilies have a curved-petal shape and the blooms face outward or downward.
Asiatic lily flowers come in a wide variety of colors from deep red to pure white. Oriental lilies come in shades of white, yellow, and pink.
Both Asiatic and Oriental lilies benefit from deadheading as the flowers fade. The bulbs of both types of lilies multiply, but Oriental lilies multiply at a much slower rate than Asiatic lilies.
Asiatic vs Oriental lily identification chart
This identification chart will help you learn the difference between Asiatic and Oriental lilies.
You can download the chart in a high resolution format, or print it out from the project card at the bottom of this post in a slightly smaller size.
Where to buy varieties of Asiatic and Oriental lilies
If you grow both types of lilies you can enjoy a long blooming season.
While you can find a small selection of lilies in big box stores, there is a much larger variety of colors and types available online. You can purchase them through the links below.
Where to buy Asiatic lilies
These lilies come in many colors. Here are some options.
- Landini lily – This Asiatic lily is purple black in sunlight and looks almost black in the shade.
- Bald Eagle Lily – A deep red, double-flowering Asiatic lily.
- Rosella’s Dream Lily – A soft blend of creamy white and pink hues gives this Asiatic lily a delicate appearance.
- Forever Susan Lily – These dramatic maroon blooms have orange throats and tips.
- Royal Sunset – This lily features a beautiful, sunset-inspired color palette.
- Purchase a mix of 12 Asiatic lily bulbs here.
Where to buy Oriental lilies
Here are a few choices for different types of Oriental lilies to consider.
- Manouska Roselily -This Oriental lily has stunning pink blooms with light pink margins.
- Muscadet Oriental lily – Gorgeous white petals that have dark pink spots in the center.
- Lilium ‘Casa Blanca’ – This classic Oriental lily is prized for its pure white, heavily fragrant blooms.
- Star Gazer Oriental Lily – A very popular Oriental lily which has spectacular pink flowers with dark spots and white edges.
- Sorbonne Oriental Lily – These deer-resistant, summer-blooming lilies are known for their large, fragrant pink blooms with white edges.
- Buy 12 mixed Oriental lily bulbs here.
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If you enjoyed learning the difference between Oriental lilies and Asiatic lilies, why not share this post with a gardening friend? Here is a tweet to get you started:
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Admin note: This post for Asiatic vs Oriental lilies first appeared on the blog in May of 2015. I have updated the post to add all new photos, charts to show the differences between Oriental and Asiatic lilies, and a video for you to enjoy.
Asiatic Lily vs Oriental Lily Identification Chart
Do you know the difference between Asiatic and Oriental lilies? Although they have many features in common, they are actually two different types of lilies.
This Asiatic vs Oriental lily identification chart will expand your knowledge!
Next time you go plant shopping or, you can bring this lily printable with you.
Materials
- Printer paper
Tools
- Computer
- Printer
Instructions
- Load your computer paper into your printer.
- Using the print function on this card will print an Asiatic and Oriental lily identification chart that fills about 3/4 of an 8.5 x 11-inch sheet of paper.
- Choose portrait layout and, if possible, "fit to page" in your settings. Doing this will fill the entire page.
- Alternatively, you can use this link to print the list of lily differences as a high-resolution image, using the print feature in your browser window.
- After you print out this lily identification guide, you can bring it with you when you go plant shopping.
- Please note: Free printables take a long time to make. This list of Asiatic vs Oriental lily differences is for personal use only. If you are sharing this list (and thank you for that!), please link directly to this post and not to the actual image. We appreciate your help in supporting the site. This lily identification chart may not be used for any retail purpose or for mass distribution.
Notes
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Rachel R Limas
Saturday 1st of February 2020
Helpful but not clear regarding my concern. Does anyone know if they spread fast? Like how bishop's weed is a pain to keep curbed. I love these but I am really looking for things I don't have to constantly keep up on.
Carol Speake
Sunday 2nd of February 2020
Lilies naturalize but not quickly the way invasive plants do. They are easily kept in check.
Debojit Saikia
Sunday 11th of August 2019
Most helpful Thx.