The Difference Between Lilies and fragrant Lilies
Walking into a flower shop or browsing gardening websites, one is always attracted by the lily-like flowers that are similar in appearance but have a distinct charm. These elegant plants often raise questions: What exactly is the difference between common lilies and fragrant lilies? This article delves into the essential differences between these "two flowers in bloom" through six dimensions.
Botanical Characteristics Comparison
Genetic Relationship in Classification System
The genus Lilium contains more than 100 native species, including the common musk lilies and卷丹 lilies, which fall under the traditional lily category. Fragrant lilies, on the other hand, are modern hybrid varieties bred artificially, with the Oriental Hybrids being the most typical.
Difference in Variety Diversity
Traditional lilies have a richer resource of native germplasm, ranging from wild species in high-altitude areas to garden cultivars. Fragrant lilies, however, showcase the achievements of horticultural improvement, with well-known varieties including Stargazer and Sorbonne.
Morphological Identification
Plant Structure Comparison
Common lilies have upright and sturdy stems, with heights of 70-150cm, making them highly visible in flower gardens, with their unique purple spots like natural tattoos. Fragrant lilies have a more compact growth habit, with a golden height of about 100cm, suitable for potted display.
Flower Visual Identification
The Difference Between Lilies and Fragrant Lilies
Traditional lilies are known for their simple elegance, with white petals often adorned with purplish-red spots, resembling red plum blossoms in the snow. In contrast, fragrant lilies, from the pinkish 'Pink Planet' to the golden 'Yellow Storm', exhibit a wider range of color possibilities, with petals that are clean and flawless.
Difference in Growth Characteristics
Environmental Adaptability
Common lilies can withstand cold up to USDA Zone 4 and can naturally overwinter in northern gardens. Fragrant lilies, as a new horticultural favorite, grow best in an environment of 15-25°C and require greenhouse protection during winter.
Comparison of Fragrance Intensity
Most traditional lily varieties have a light fragrance or no fragrance at all, while the concentration of aromatic molecules released by fragrant lilies is 3-5 times that of the former, with their distinctive sweet scent filling an entire room.
Practical Selection Suggestions
For garden landscaping, it is recommended to choose common lilies, as they have strong resilience and uniform flowering periods; for indoor display, fragrant lilies are preferred, with attention to placing them in a well-ventilated area to avoid excessive fragrance. Both types prefer loose, fertile, slightly acidic soil, and it is recommended to add decomposed leaf soil to improve the growing medium when planting.
Through systematic comparison, it is not difficult to find that although they both belong to the lily family, common lilies and fragrant lilies have significant differences in ornamental characteristics and cultivation requirements. Understanding these features can help make more suitable choices when purchasing fresh flowers or planning a garden.