What are some lilies with flowers that face upward?

Lilies, known for their elegance and fragrance, come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Among these, some species and cultivars are particularly admired for their upward-facing flowers. These lilies not only add a vertical dimension to floral arrangements but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and indoor spaces. Here, we explore some of the most popular lilies with flowers that face upward.

Oriental Lilies

Oriental lilies, such as 'Stargazer' and 'Casa Blanca', are renowned for their large, showy blooms that face upward. These lilies are characterized by their strong fragrance and vibrant colors, ranging from deep reds to pure whites. The upward-facing flowers of Oriental lilies make them a favorite for both cut flower arrangements and garden displays, as they are easily visible and add a dramatic touch to any setting.

Asiatic Lilies

Asiatic lilies, including varieties like 'Black Dragon' and 'Starfighter', are known for their bold colors and upward-facing blooms. Unlike Oriental lilies, they are typically less fragrant but offer a more diverse color palette. The flowers of Asiatic lilies are often spotted or striped, adding a unique visual interest. Their upward-facing nature makes them ideal for garden beds where they can be admired from a distance.

Trumpet Lilies

Trumpet lilies, such as 'Golden Splendor' and 'Pink Perfection', feature long, trumpet-shaped flowers that face upward. These lilies are prized for their intense fragrance and striking appearance. The upward-facing flowers of trumpet lilies are not only visually appealing but also serve to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making them a valuable addition to any garden.

Martagon Lilies

Martagon lilies, sometimes called Turk's cap lilies, have downward-facing flowers that curl back on themselves, creating an upward-facing effect when viewed from below. These lilies are known for their delicate, bell-shaped flowers and are often found in shades of pink, red, and white. Despite their downward-facing nature, the flowers of Martagon lilies can appear to face upward when grown in a shaded area or when viewed from a specific angle.

Candidum Lilies

Candidum lilies, or Madonna lilies, are characterized by their pure white, upward-facing flowers. These lilies are among the oldest cultivated lily varieties and are known for their elegance and fragrance. The upward-facing blooms of Candidum lilies make them a classic choice for formal gardens and cut flower arrangements, where they can be admired for their simplicity and beauty.

Summary

Lilies with upward-facing flowers offer a captivating display in gardens and floral arrangements. From the bold colors and strong fragrance of Oriental lilies to the diverse palette of Asiatic lilies, these varieties enhance the vertical dimension of any space. Trumpet lilies, with their striking trumpet-shaped blooms, and Martagon lilies, with their unique Turk's cap appearance, add further variety to the mix. Lastly, Candidum lilies, with their classic white blooms, provide a touch of elegance. Each of these lilies contributes to the beauty and fragrance of gardens and floral displays, making them a favorite among gardeners and florists alike.

Questions and Answers

1. What is the main characteristic of Oriental lilies?
Oriental lilies are known for their large, showy, upward-facing blooms and strong fragrance.

2. How do Asiatic lilies differ from Oriental lilies?
Asiatic lilies typically have less fragrance but offer a more diverse color palette compared to Oriental lilies.

3. Why are trumpet lilies attractive to pollinators?
Trumpet lilies feature long, trumpet-shaped, upward-facing flowers that are visually appealing and emit a strong fragrance, making them attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies.

4. How do Martagon lilies appear to face upward?
Martagon lilies have downward-facing flowers that curl back on themselves, creating an upward-facing effect when viewed from below or in shaded areas.