Characteristics of an Iris & a Lilly

Flowers

• The flowers of lilies and irises are highly ornate. Lilies have a symmetrical arrangement of petals that may be upright and cup-shaped or nodding downwards with up-curled petals. The petals often are spotted and come in shades of white, yellow, orange, red and maroon. Irises are available in almost every conceivable color and commonly are multi-colored. They have an entirely different form than lilies with 3 upright petals that alternate with 3 drooping petals. Many species have a characteristic "beard" lining the inside of the lower petals.

Form

• The flowers of lilies and irises are borne on the top of erect stalks that can be anywhere from 6 inches to 6 feet in height, depending on the variety. The foliage, however, is altogether different between the two plants. Irises have clumps of thick, upright blade-like leaves, while lilies have symmetrical whorls of foliage at evenly spaced points along a single stalk. Both plants form a small clump from underground bulbs or rhizomes, though iris has a prolific growth habit compared to the dainty lily.

Growing Conditions

• Irises and lilies grow well in part shade or full sun, though neither appreciates scorching heat. Both need rich topsoil for the best flower display, though some of the fancy hybrid lilies are very temperamental, and rely on fertilizer and extensive care with fungicides to survive and bloom at all. Lilies and irises need regular irrigation, and some species of each are particularly adapted to moist locations. On the whole, irises are a more robust species, especially native varieties.

Landscape Uses

• Both plants are suited best to the middle or background of flower borders. Low-growing plants in the foreground of irises and lilies help to hide the base of the plants which have much less visual appeal than the flowering tops. This is especially helpful with irises that flower in spring and often look a bit ragged for the next 8 months until they put on fresh growth the following year. Lilies have the potential to be used as a specimen in containers where the dramatic, and sometimes softly fragrant, blossoms can be appreciated up close.