Flower Library
Lilies
Lilium · Liliaceae
Lilies are statement flowers — a single large variety like an Oriental lily can scent a whole room. They're available year-round, but the best come from summer fields.
- Season
- Year-round
- Vase life
- 7–14 days
- Latin name
- Lilium
- Colors
- White, Pink, Orange, Yellow, Red, Patterned
Three main groups: Asiatic lilies (smaller flowers, little scent, many colors), Oriental lilies (large blooms, intense fragrance, mostly pink-white), and Longiflorum (trumpet lilies, white and classic).
Lilies are sold with closed buds and open sequentially over 10–14 days. That makes them one of the most cost-effective statement flowers — one stem alone often lasts two weeks.
Shop tip: as soon as buds open, snip off the orange stamens with scissors or a paper towel. They stain tablecloths, clothes — and even the lily petals themselves.
Is Lilies toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Mildly irritating
- Cats
- Highly toxic
- Dogs
- Mildly irritating
Highly toxic to cats: every part of the plant — even pollen and the vase water — can cause acute kidney failure, often fatal without quick treatment. Dogs usually only get an upset stomach. Avoid lilies in homes with cats.
Typical symptoms: In cats, vomiting, lethargy and acute kidney failure even after tiny amounts; in dogs and children usually only gastrointestinal upset.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Cut stems at an angle and strip lower leaves.
- 02Remove the stamens as soon as buds open.
- 03Change water every 2–3 days.
- 04Important for cat owners: lilies are highly toxic to cats — even water droplets and pollen. If cats live in your home, choose other flowers.
- 05Keep cool and out of direct sun.
Frequently asked
- Are lilies dangerous to pets?
- Lilies are highly toxic to cats — even small amounts can cause kidney failure. Dogs are less sensitive but shouldn't eat them either. In a cat household, choose roses, sunflowers or gerberas instead.
- Why do my lilies smell so strong?
- Probably Oriental lilies (Stargazer, Casa Blanca). They're the most fragrant. For a subtler scent, choose Asiatic lilies — they're nearly odorless.
- How long do lilies last in a vase?
- Kept cool with fresh water, lilies last 7 to 14 days. Because the buds open one after another, a single stem keeps flowering for over two weeks. Cut the stems at an angle, strip the lower leaves and change the water every 2–3 days. Removing the stamens early also extends the bloom.