While some of the woodland varieties are shade tolerant, most garden lilies will only survive there, not thrive. Be careful of planting the tender varieties in low 'frost pockets'. The easiest way to choose a lily that will do well in your area is to buy from a nursery that you trust. They have selected carefully after having researched and tested what does well locally. Look for firm, healthy bulbs.
Asiatic lilies are the easiest to grow and hardiest.
They are the earliest to bloom and are available in shades of red, orange, yellow, white and pink. Asiatic lilies grow from 1 to 4 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. They are not quite as hardy and require extra winter protection. Their flowers come in white, pink, yellow and apricot and the plants grow from 3 to 6 feet high and 2 feet wide. Oriental lilies have delicate, highly fragrant blooms and are usually the last to bloom, in mid- to late summer.