It is common to not know that there is a difference in Lily varieties. There are actually a handful of different lily varieties, but two of the main varieties are the Asiatic Lily & the Oriental Lily. Here are some of the main differences:
Scientific Name:
-Asiatic Lilies- Lilium Asiatic
-Oriental Lilies- Lilium Oriental
Origin:
-Asiatic Lilies- As the name suggests, Asiatic Lilies are native to Asia, and are found in several regions in Asia.
-Oriental Lilies- Oriental Lilies are hybrids developed from a few species native to Japan.
Fragrance:
-Asiatic Lilies- Asiatic Lilies have no or very little any fragrance.
-Oriental Lilies- Oriental Lilies are heavily scented flowers. Most people find the fragrance as pleasant, but some people find it unpleasant.
Flowering Time:
-Asiatic Lilies- They are early bloomers and bloom in early spring.
-Oriental Lilies- They bloom later than most of the lilies in summer and mid-fall.
Flower Color & Shapes:
-Asiatic Lilies- Asiatic Lilies vary greatly in colors and shapes. They range from pastel to bold colors, except for blue. Asiatic Lilies are usually found in a single color, except for lollypop hybrid.
-Oriental Lilies- These huge blooms are found in the shades of white, yellow and pink. There are different colors on their rims, which is usually a combination of two to three colors.
Growth Rate:
-Asiatic Lilies- Asiatic Lilies can double themselves within a year as they produce smaller offspring near the surface.
-Oriental Lilies- They multiply at a much slower rate as compared to Asiatic Lilies. The bulbs multiply from a natural division, which is better to lift and divide every 3 to 5 years to avoid overcrowding.
Height:
-Asiatic Lilies- They are easiest to grow and is the shortest hybrid of Lily. They are usually 2 to 3 feet tall but can range between 1 to 6 feet of height. The blooms are usually 6 to 8 inches wide.
-Oriental Lilies- Oriental Lilies gain height every year and range between 2 to 8 feet tall. They are usually taller than Asiatic Lilies and are often referred to as Tree Lilies.
Leaf Shape:
-Asiatic Lilies- Asiatic Lilies have long glossy leaves, which are skinny and usually 4 to 5 inches. They are bright green in color, and when Asiatic Lilies grow, they get long stalks and develop multiple narrow leaves near the stem placed closely.
-Oriental Lilies- Oriental Lilies have somewhat heart-shaped leaves which are colored dull green. They are wider and further apart as compared to Asiatic Lilies.
https://www.fnp.com/article/difference-between-asiatic-and-oriental-lilies
