Plants That Look Like Lilies: A Guide to These Stunning Flower Alternatives

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Robby

Whatever lily you’re hunting for, Eden Brothers has you covered. With 26 varieties of spring- or fall-planted lilies to choose from, there’s bound to be a variety to meet your needs. Invite pollinators into your garden with these fragrant blooms, and your neighbors will likely notice these colorful additions to your garden too. If you’re a bit overwhelmed by all the options, check out Eden Brothers’ 60 Days of Lilies for the perfect blend of bulbs. For such an elegant flower, lilies are one of the more low-maintenance plants to cultivate.

Lilies are among the most beloved flowers, known for their elegant, trumpet-shaped blooms and sweet fragrance. Their striking appearance makes them a favorite in gardens and floral arrangements. However, lilies can be tricky to grow, requiring specific conditions to thrive. For those who want the look of lilies without the fuss, there are several plants that closely resemble them. This article explores stunning flowers that mimic the beauty of lilies, making excellent low-maintenance alternatives.

Why Grow Lily Look-Alikes?

True lilies of the Lilium genus offer unmatched elegance but demand the right soil, moisture, sunlight, and care They dislike soggy or clay-heavy soil and require well-draining, organically enriched earth Lilies need consistently moist (not wet) soil and partial sun to part shade exposure. This makes them challenging in some regions and requires vigilant watering and monitoring of conditions.

For gardeners deterred by lilies’ demands, nearly identical flowers exist without the challenge. Plants like amaryllis, Clivia, and Peruvian lily offer the same visual impact and grace with greater adaptability and fewer needs Their versatility opens up design options, allowing placement in beds and containers unsuitable for true lilies Their ease also makes them ideal for beginners and low-maintenance landscapes.

Top Plants That Resemble Lilies

Many plants mimic lilies’ blossoms, foliage, or growth habit. Here are the top flowers that can stand-in for true lilies:

1. Amaryllis

Amaryllis produces large, trumpet-shaped blooms on bare stems, closely resembling true lilies. Their flowers come in red, white, pink, purple, and bicolored. A native of South Africa, amaryllis prefers organically rich, well-draining soil and full sun It thrives in zones 8-10.

2. Daylily

Daylilies offer a profusion of lily-like blooms in diverse colors like red, yellow, pink, purple, and orange. Each flower only lasts a day, but abundant buds ensure nonstop color. Sturdy and adaptable, daylilies grow almost anywhere and require minimal care beyond occasional watering.

3. Calla Lily

Calla lilies showcase elegant white flowers resembling trumpets on straight stems amid lance-shaped dark green leaves. They thrive in moist soil and bright shade. While not true lilies, their sophisticated blooms mirror that elegance. Callas work in beds, borders, and containers.

4. Peruvian Lily

Peruvian lily’s colorful, ruffled blooms strongly resemble miniature Oriental lilies. Each stem produces numerous striking blossoms in shades like pink, red, orange, yellow, and white with contrasting markings. Peruvian lilies add vibrancy to gardens and arrangements.

5. Canna Lily

Despite its name, canna lily is not a true lily but has large, vibrant blooms reminiscent of upright Orientals. Cannas bring a tropical flair to gardens, producing bold flowers in colors like red, orange, pink, and yellow. They thrive in hot, humid climates.

6. Tiger Flower

Tiger flower or Tigridia bears elaborately striped, triangular flowers in fiery shades of orange, red, and yellow, evoking tiger lilies. Though not closely related to true lilies, its blossoms have a similar speckled, freckled pattern and form, making it a fine substitute.

7. Gloriosa Lily

With curved petals that transition from yellow to red tips like leaping flames, gloriosa lily provides exotic beauty, climbing up to 9 feet on support structures. Its unique flowers resemble certain recurved lilies. However, gloriosa lily belongs to the Colchicaceae family, not Liliaceae.

8. Rain Lily

Delicate rain lilies produce flowers reminiscent of miniature Oriental lilies in white, pink, yellow, and red hues. They bloom unpredictably after rainfall. Rain lilies have grassy foliage and add charming, unexpected color to gardens. They thrive in warm environments.

This sampling shows the range of options for plants delivering lily-like appeal without their demands. Explore what works best for your climate and design needs. With the right selection, you can enjoy elegant “lilies” perfectly suited to your conditions.

Care Tips for Growing Lily Look-Alikes

While less fussy than true lilies, plants that resemble lilies do have some basic needs for optimal growth:

  • Well-draining soil enriched with compost or organic matter
  • Moderate watering once established, avoiding overly wet or soggy soil
  • Partial sun to partial shade exposure
  • Shelter from strong winds
  • Annual fertilization in spring with balanced organic fertilizer
  • Good air circulation and spacing between plants
  • Pruning of dead foliage and spent blooms

These simple practices keep lily look-alikes healthy and floriferous. Pay attention to each plant’s water and light preferences. With proper siting and care, they will flourish, adding elegance that rivals true lilies.

Achieve Lily-Like Appeal Minus the Work

For stunning blossoms with the look but not the demands of lilies, turn to versatile imposters like amaryllis, Peruvian lily, and tiger flower. Their lower maintenance and greater adaptability unlock design options where finicky true lilies would struggle. With so many lily look-alikes to choose from, any gardener can enjoy elegant, exotic blooms without fussy care. Embrace the beauty and ease of lily alternatives perfect for your unique conditions and environment.

plants that look like lilies

Our favorite things about lilies

  • 25 stunning lily varieties
  • East to grow and maintain
  • Fragrant flowers attract native pollinators like bees and hummingbirds
  • Asiatic, double, oriental, tiger, trumpet, and other varieties
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5 MUST-GROW LILIES!!! Northlawn Flower Farm

FAQ

What plants are similar to lilies?

  • Amaryllis. Amaryllis is a captivating bulbous plant renowned for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers that closely resemble true lilies. …
  • Daylily. …
  • Crinum Lily. …
  • Belladonna Lily. …
  • Spider Lily. …
  • Peruvian Lily. …
  • Canna Lily. …
  • Calla Lily.

What is a plant that looks like a lily but isn’t?

How about this daylily, Hemerocallis sp.? It looks rather lily-like but looks can be deceiving! It isn’t a lily at all! It’s a member of the Hemerocallidaceae family of plants.

How do you take care of a calla lily?

Calla lilies are relatively easy to care for, requiring consistent moisture, bright indirect light, and well-draining soil. Regular fertilization and occasional pruning of spent flowers and foliage will help them thrive.

Are spider lilies poisonous to touch?

Yes, spider lilies are poisonous, but the toxicity primarily comes from ingesting the plant, not from touching it. All parts of the plant, especially the bulbs, contain the toxic alkaloid lycorine. While direct contact with the skin may cause some irritation, it is not the primary concern.

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