Namaskar Desi Gardeners. Lily collectors are always looking for more varieties. Here we see some of the rare and lesser known lily plants from all over the world. Note that some of these are not true lilies but have been called and grown so for years.
Lilies are amazing flowers with blossoms that have their unique beauty. These come in several bright colours, some with stripes, some dots, and some in never-seen-before shades. Lily bulbs are pretty much the same to care for and need the same soil making it a preferred choice among gardeners.
Rare and Lesser Known Lily for your garden
Lily-of-the-Nile / Agapanthus
Agapanthus, also called the Africal Lily and Lily-of-the-Nile is a hardy perennial. Originating from southern parts of Africa, this lesser known lily can survive drought and hot weather. The foliage is long grass like that stays green for almost all over the year. The flowers are a beautiful shade of blue blossoming in a bunch.
Agapanthus flower is most commonly blue with a hint of purple. However some pink and white varieties are also found.
Peace Lily
Peace lilies make great houseplants. Although they are not very difficult to find, most people are not aware of this plant.
Peace lily is coveted for its beautiful white flowers that exude peace and serenity.
Crinum / Spider Lily
Not so much as a lesser known lily among garden experts, Spider lily comes in many varieties. The white variety is quite popular throughout India and is often seen growing wildly around roads and fields.
Crinum lilies are hardy and look best when grown in groups. The flowers are very beautiful and attract a large number of bees and butterflies.
Tiger Lily
Native to Asia, Tiger Lilies are beautiful perennials. Although a lesser known lily, it is popular among lily plant collectors. The name derives from the stripe-like pattern in the petals.They like well drained and moist soil and do well in Indian climate.
Tiger lilies are profuse bloomers than the other types of lilies.
Toad Lily
A lesser known lily plant, it has small flowers in blue, purple and white. The Toad lily foliage, which grows two to three feet, stays green all thoughout the year. It is one of the few lily plants that prefers shade. It likes moisture and a rich soil and is quite pest resistant.
Leopard / Blackberry lily
Another lesser known lily, the plant derives its name from its spotted petals. Leopard Lily will grow well in shaded or semi-shaded area. This perennial can grow tall, up to 6 feet. The flowers are multicoloured in red, orange and yellow and bloom in late summer and monsoon.
Bush Lily/ Clivia
Clivias are one of the prettiest lilies. The bloom in bunchs of bright orange and red. Once considered a rare and lesser known lily, it is fast becoming a favourite of gardeners worldwide.
Clivia can be grown indoors but they perform best outside. This is a hardy plant and is easy to propagate and care for.
Jersey lily/ Amaryllis belladona
The Jersey Lily is closely related to the amaryllis with a few differences. A native of South Africa, this plant has light pink flowers with a slight scent. It is often sold in the market simply as a pink amaryllis.
Canada lily
The Canada lily is a hardy plant with huge, attractive and conspicuous flowers. Growing up to 8 feet in height, it holds multiple flowers in bloom. Although a wildflower that grows around Cananda and United States, it is considered a rare plant.
Grass Lily / Star-of-Bethlehem
Looking somewhat like Rain lilies, the grass lily has long grass like foliage. It bears pretty white flowers and is a hardy perennial.Grass lily has been used a medicinal plant for hundreds of years.
Peruvian Lily / Parrot Lily
If you failed at growing azaleas in the garden, grow the Peruvian lily instead. The flowers bear an uncanny resemblance. The Parrot Lily is known for its many beautiful shades in white, pink, yellow, orange and peach. Although a lesser known lily, these plants make a great addition to the garden. The beautiful flowers are very popular among florists as they make wonderful bouquets.
Inca Lily
Inca lily is native to the Andes mountains in South America. However, the plants have become naturalized and grown all over the world and will also grow easily in our gardens in India. You can grow them in the soil and soon enough, you will get a colony of it. You can grow as borders but they will grow just as well in pots.
Lady Alice Lily
Lady Alice is a new type of hybrid lily derived from cross breeding Trumpet with Tiger Lily. It has beautiful big blooms in white and shades of yellow with green stamens. It does best in full sun giving attractive flowers that stay for weeks.
Golden Rayed / Mountain lily/ Yamayuri / Auratum
Although quite a lesser known lily in India, the Auratum is a must for your garden. It is a true lily that is native to Japan. The flower is white with traces of gold that makes it extremely special. Interestingly, the lily bulbs are also eaten as a vegetable in Japan and China. Usually lily bulbs are considered toxic to humans and animals both.
Turk’s cap/ Martagon lily / Turban lily
The flower of the Turk’s cap lily looks similar to the Tiger Lily. However, if you want a gorgeous show of true lilies, go for this one. The plants grow up to a few feet with a show of many big-sized gorgeous flowers. The flowers resemble a Turkish cap and hence the name.
Hedychium Lily / Butterfly Ginger / Dolan Champa
A native of India, the Hedychium is a very hardy plant. Once planted, it will stay no matter the weather. Best of all, it has heavenly fragrance.
Dolon Champa grows white flowers. Some more varieties are available in the market with red, yellow and pink flowers.
View this post on Instagram
Michigan lily
A true lily, it grows as a wildflower in Canada and United States. The plant grows up to nearly 5 ft with flowers on tall stalks.The flowers look similar to Tiger lilies. Not only is this a lesser known lily, it is also a highly endangered species.
Red hot pokers/ Torch Lily
Torch lilies are popularly called Red hot pokers because when their flowers blossom, they put the garden ‘on fire’! A very attractive flower, it will not only attract bees, birds and butterflies but also the attention of your neighbours.
Torch lilies are fairly easy to grow, mostly requiring a well drained soil.
Wood / Philadelphia / Prairie lily
A native of North America, the Prairie lily grows as a wildflower. A true lily, its habitat is becoming threatened as the prairie land dwindles off. The plants are small with bright reddish orange flowers.
Lily of the valley / Mary’s tears
Lily of the Valley is not so much of a rare and a lesser known lily. Not a true lily, however it has been called so a long time. The plant is known for its delicate bell-shaped flowers. The blossoms are scented and they present a rare charm.
A perennial plant, it prefers a cooler climate. It is also used as a medicinal plant.
Lily of Nepal
A true lily and a very rare and lesser known lily. The nepal Lily originates in the Himalayan regions of Nepal, India and Bhutan. It is also considered one of the most beautiful lilies. This creeper lily is quite difficult to find.
Pumilum / Coral Lily
A native of Asia, Coral lilies have stunning flowers in scarlet red with glossy petals. The plant grows a stem on which 15 to 20 flowers bloom, making quite a show.
Madonna lily / Lilium candidum
The Madonna lily is considered a scared flower for thousands of years. A graceful flower in white, it depicts the purity of Madonna, the Mother of God. These beautiful lilies have been part of religious painting and tales.
The flowers are not not beautiful to look at but are also scented.
Regale/ Royal Lily / Christmas lily
The Royal Lily originated from China and has since been naturalized all over the world. The plant has beautiful, big trumpet-shaped flowers with a distinct fragrance. The white flowers have hints of yellow and purple making it a striking flower to grow in your garden.
