Iowa Regional Lily Society

Iowa Regional Lily Society (IRLS)
Growing Lilies in Iowa and neighboring states since 1973

True Lilies are classified into nine divisions for horticultural purposes

Div. I   - The Asiatic Hybrids - the species are found growing wild throughout Asia.These are the “workhorses” of the True Lily world. They are easy to grow, multiply quickly and display a wide
variety of colors and forms.Some are upfacing, some outfacing and some downfacing. Asiatic hybrids do well in with at least 6 hours of sun per day.
Bloom in Mid June to Mid July in Iowa.

Div. II - The Martagon Hybrids – the species are found in the Balkan countries of Southern Europe. They are usually 4-6 foot tall with downfacing and reflexed petals.
They bloom early (in June) and are long-lived. Be sure to mulch well in the winter. Perfect for a shade garden! Bloom in early to late June in Iowa.

Div. III - The Candidum Hybrids – includes hybrids derived from such as L candidum, L chalcedonicum, L monadelphum, and other related European species, but excluding L Martagon. This
division includes very few entries, and they are not easily found in commerce and not easily grown in Iowa. Known as the "Madonna Lilies" in history.

Div. IV - The American Hybrids – these came from species which are found in Western US and Canada. With growing conditions that suit them, which includes a cool light soil and dappled shade,
they can rapidly make impressive clumps. They are not generally available and do not tolerate our hot summer nights in Iowa.

Div. V - The L. longiflorum and L formosanum Hybrids – our potted Easter Lily. Not very hardy in our Iowa winters, but can sometimes survive in a very sheltered part of your Iowa garden with
afternoon shade and mulched well in the winter. Strong perfume fragance.

Div. VI - The Trumpet and Aurelian Hybrids – the species came from China and other parts of Asia. The Trumpets are elegant and fragrant with large trumpet-shaped blooms. It is usually best
stake the tall stems. The Aurelians feature down-facing, recurved blooms on sturdy tall stalks. Both grow best in the sunniest part of your garden. Mulch well to protect from Iowa winters. Most
Trumpets currently available are "strains" that may look very different from the registered clone. Bloom late June to July.

Div. VII - The Oriental Hybrids – the species came from Japan and neighboring islands. Beautiful forms and incredible scents! The “glamour girls” of the lily world, and the easy to grow. They
love sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon. Mulch well in the winter, Orientals have a shorter life span than most lilies. Bloom late July to August

Div. VIII – Interdivisional Hybrids are the fastest growing Lily division. These Lilies are a special hybrid mix between two Lily Divisions.The tall Orienpets flaunt huge, fragrant long-lasting blooms.
The LAs &LOs tolerate part-shade and present an entire bouquet at the top of their strong stems. The Asiapets,Longipets, OAs, MA s and other new crosses offer a large variety of colors,
shapes and scents to the discriminating Lily gardener. An incredible selection of beauty for your garden in this division! These lilies love sun to part shade.

ORIENPETS (OT)   Oriental x Trumpet/Aurelian      Sometimes called "Lily Trees"    Tough and 4-8foot tall with big scented blooms!   Sun or shade    Bloom in July

LA     Longiflorum x Asiatic    Fast growing and hardy!      Sometimes a light scent       Sun or shade               Blooms in late June to mid July in Iowa

LO   Longiflorum x Oriental    Big blooms with delightful scents! Dappled sun or afternoon shade   plus protected area and mulch well Bloom in July in Iowa

Asiapet   Trumpet x Asiatic Interesting newer cross with light scent   Prefers full sun   Blooms in July in Iowa

Longipet   Longiflorum x Trumpet     Highly scented with big blooms, but not very hardy in Iowa--plant in part sun protected area & mulch well       Blooms in July in Iowa

OA     Oriental X Asiatic   Newer cross and worth trying! Big scented blooms   Plant in part sun and mulch in winter       Blooms in July in Iowa

Martasians    Martagon x Asiatic The newest special cross in Division VIII created by David Sims Asiatic foliage with martagon blooms for shade gardens!

Div. IX – The species (or wild) lilies as they grow throughout the world. One seen in growing wild in our area is Lilium michiganense. The species lilies can be a challenge for
the more experienced Lily grower. Most prefer sun or dappled shade. All species grown in Iowa by Wanda Lunn unless noted.

TRUE LILY DIVISIONS