Difference Between Asiatic & Oriental Lilies

Bloom

• Oriental lilies bloom in August and September. Asiatic lilies bloom in June and July. Landscapes with both types of lilies would have colorful blooms from June through September. Oriental lilies have a strong, spicy fragrance, but most of the Asiatic lilies don't have a fragrance. Oriental lily blooms are up to 9 inches in diameter -- while Asiatic lily flowers are up to 6 inches in diameter. The flower on the Asiatic lily has a smooth edge, and the Oriental flower has a ruffled edge. Asiatic flowers come from the tip of the stem and Oriental flowers grow along the stem.

Size

• Oriental lilies grow from 2 to 6 feet tall, but Asiatic lilies are 2 to 4 feet tall. The Asiatic Crete and Enchantment are the tallest growing of the variety. Oriental Black Beauty grows to 6 feet tall while Journey's End, Yellow Ribbons and Casa Blanca grow to 5 feet tall.

Colors

• Asiatic lilies have a variety of colors including orange, cream, deep pink, pink and yellow. Oriental lilies have pure white, crimson red, dark red, dark pink and whitish-yellow flower varieties.

Temperatures

• Asiatic lilies require night temperatures of 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit and day temperatures of 62 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Oriental lilies require night temperatures of 58 to 62 degrees Fahrenheit and day temperatures of 65 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The Asiatic and Oriental lilies need at least five to six hours of sun -- but the Oriental lily requires afternoon shade.