They come in all shades of yellow, orange, red, and white. Their fragrance is strong and sweet. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, but will tolerate some shade and still perform well. Once planted in a congenial spot, they will multiply, creating larger and more beautiful clumps each year. Asiatics are the most hardy of the hybrids, surviving to zone 4.
Oriental hybrids make up the second class of lilies.
These come only in shades of crimson, pink, rose, and white. Many are striped or spotted with lighter or darker bands of color. The flowers tend to hang down and are intensely fragrant, the scent increasing after dark. If you entertain outdoors at night, these are good candidates for patio containers or beds. The Orientals also make excellent cut flowers.