Types of White Lily Flowers and Their Meanings

The white lily, with its elegant trumpet shape and pristine petals, is a timeless symbol of grace and solemnity. It's important to note that a 'true' lily belongs to the Lilium genus, unlike popular lookalikes such as the calla lily.

The white varieties generally convey purity, peace, and spirituality, making them fixtures in weddings, sympathy tributes, and beautiful home décor. This post will explore 17 delightful white lilies, detailing their distinct features and ideal uses.

17 Types of White Lily Flowers

To help you appreciate the amazing variety within this single colour, we've gathered details on some of the most beautiful white lilies available.

1. Madonna Lily (Lilium Candidum)

• Appearance: Pure white, outward-facing, trumpet-shaped flowers; strongly fragrant.
• Symbolism: Purity, virtue, and majesty; deeply rooted in religious art.
• Uses in Arrangements: Traditional choice for weddings, spiritual ceremonies, and grand classic bouquets.
• Care Tips: Prefers slightly alkaline soil; sensitive to rough handling; remove yellowing leaves.

2. Casablanca Lily (Oriental)

• Appearance: Large, star-shaped, backwards-curving petals; intense, sweet fragrance; prominent green nectary furrow.
• Symbolism: Celebration, purity, and beauty; known as the "Queen of Lilies."
• Uses in Arrangements: Highly sought after for bridal bouquets, high-end event décor, and dramatic anniversary gifts.
• Care Tips: Keep well-hydrated; very fragrant, so avoid small, enclosed spaces if sensitive to scents.

3. Easter Lily (Lilium Longiflorum)

• Appearance: Long, slender, pure white trumpet flowers; moderately sweet fragrance.
• Symbolism: Resurrection, hope, and life; closely tied to the Easter holiday.
• Uses in Arrangements: Popular during the Easter season; suitable for memorials, spiritual gatherings, and springtime bouquets.
• Care Tips: Water frequently; remove the pollen to prevent staining and prolong vase life.

4. Navona Lily (Asiatic Hybrid)

• Appearance: Bright white, medium-sized, upward-facing flowers; minimal or no fragrance.
• Symbolism: Innocence, dazzling beauty, and clarity.
• Uses in Arrangements: Excellent for modern bouquets, everyday home décor, and arrangements for those sensitive to strong scents.
• Care Tips: Very long vase life; keep stems clipped and water clean.

5. White Heaven Lily

• Appearance: Elegant, pure white Oriental hybrid with a subtle green central stripe; strong fragrance.
• Symbolism: Heavenly beauty, purity of heart, and serenity.
• Uses in Arrangements: Ideal for classic, romantic bouquets, formal sympathy tributes, and sophisticated event styling.
• Care Tips: Prone to pollen drop; handle carefully; remove pollen when flowers open.

6. Regal Lily (Lilium Regale)

• Appearance: Large, white trumpet flowers with a contrasting yellow throat and pinkish-purple exterior markings; strong, spicy fragrance.
• Symbolism: Nobility, majesty, and prosperity.
• Uses in Arrangements: Impressive for large, structural arrangements, summer bouquets, and significant celebratory gifts.
• Care Tips: Very tall and requires support when growing; lasts well in a vase.

7. Trumpet Lily (White Cultivars)

• Appearance: Long, spectacular, trumpet-shaped blooms; typically white with a yellow or green throat; intense fragrance.
• Symbolism: Grandeur, triumph, and success.
• Uses in Arrangements: Used in grand displays, formal ceremonies, and bouquets to celebrate major achievements.
• Care Tips: May need deep water vessels due to stem length; cut stems on arrival.

8. Stargazer White Lily (Variant Hybrid)

• Appearance: Large, star-shaped, backwards-curving petals; pure white version of the popular pink/red type; intense fragrance.
• Symbolism: Aspiration, purity of heart, and deep admiration.
• Uses in Arrangements: Striking in modern and dramatic bouquets, sympathy tributes, and romantic gestures.
• Care Tips: Very strong scent; lasts well if pollen is removed promptly.

9. Calla Lily (White, Though Not True Lilium)

• Appearance: Smooth, elegant, funnel-shaped spathe surrounding a yellow spadix; virtually no fragrance.
• Symbolism: Magnificent beauty, purity, and rebirth (resurrection).
• Uses in Arrangements: Highly favoured for modern bridal bouquets, minimalist décor, and sculptural funeral tributes.
• Care Tips: Prefers shallow water; keep stems submerged; cut stems carefully to avoid crushing.

10. Bright Diamond Lily

• Appearance: Crisp white petals with an upward-facing, star-like bloom; light, subtle fragrance.
• Symbolism: Clarity, eternal commitment, and sparkling happiness.
• Uses in Arrangements: Popular in mixed floral designs, elegant birthday bouquets, and classic wedding centrepieces.
• Care Tips: Good vase life; benefits from flower food to maintain crispness.

11. Silk Road Lily

• Appearance: Enormous, outfacing white flowers with a prominent reddish-pink centre (Oriental-Trumpet hybrid); very strong fragrance.
• Symbolism: Adventure, peace, and high achievement.
• Uses in Arrangements: Excellent for statement pieces, congratulatory gifts, and large-scale event décor.
• Care Tips: Very thirsty flower; ensure the vase is always full of water.

12. Patricia's Pride (White Variant)

• Appearance: Pure white, compact, outfacing bloom (often a shorter variety); light to moderate fragrance.
• Symbolism: Admiration, proud beauty, and innocence.
• Uses in Arrangements: Excellent for corsages, compact table centrepieces, and bedside arrangements.
• Care Tips: Reliable performer; remove spent lower flowers to encourage the remaining buds.

13. Golden-Rayed White Lily

• Appearance: Large, pure white petals with a distinct, striking golden band running down the centre; strong, beautiful fragrance.
• Symbolism: Wealth, splendour, and heavenly reward.
• Uses in Arrangements: Luxury bouquets, anniversary celebrations, and formal displays where opulence is desired.
• Care Tips: Protect from direct sunlight to preserve the colour contrast; keep cool.

14. White American Lily

• Appearance: Creamy white, smaller, recurved petals (a North American native); subtle, earthy fragrance.
• Symbolism: Humility, natural beauty, and enduring spirit.
• Uses in Arrangements: Rustic, naturalistic, or wild-style bouquets and informal summer gatherings.
• Care Tips: Thrives in well-drained soil if planted; requires minimal fuss once established.

15. LA Hybrid White Lily

• Appearance: Crisp white, star-shaped, medium-sized, outfacing blooms (Longiflorum x Asiatic cross); light, subtle fragrance.
• Symbolism: Success, clarity, and new love.
• Uses in Arrangements: Extremely popular for commercial use due to long vase life; good for corporate gifts and simple, clean bouquets.
• Care Tips: Excellent longevity; avoid excessive handling of the petals.

16. Asiatic White Lily (General)

• Appearance: Medium-sized, bright white, star-shaped, upward-facing blooms; typically unscented.
• Symbolism: Purity, innocence, and modest beauty.
• Uses in Arrangements: Versatile and highly available; perfect for mixing in bright bouquets, hospital gifts, and home décor.
• Care Tips: Very robust and easy to care for; one of the longest-lasting cut lilies.

17. Siberian Lily (Oriental)

• Appearance: Large, snow-white, highly fragrant petals with a slight green tint in the centre; powerful, sweet scent.
• Symbolism: Deep peace, respect, and lasting purity.
• Uses in Arrangements: Classic choice for heartfelt sympathy and memorial arrangements; also used in elegant bridal work.
• Care Tips: Requires clean water and pollen removal to prevent staining.

Symbolism & Occasions for White Lilies

White lilies are unmatched in their ability to convey powerful yet heartfelt emotions. Their towering grace makes them suitable for a wide range of occasions.

For example, in modern weddings, they are a celebrated symbol of purity, commitment, and elegance, with the madonna and calla lilies being especially popular in bridal bouquets and venue décor. Conversely, their stately and calm appearance makes them a primary choice for sympathy and memorials, where they represent peace, reverence, and remembrance of a departed soul.

The flower also holds deep religious and cultural meanings, particularly in Christianity, where it symbolises the Virgin Mary and the resurrection. Even for everyday décor, white lilies, especially unscented Asiatic varieties, are chosen to add a minimalist, luxurious aesthetic to homes, offices, and businesses, instantly elevating the space with their refined simplicity.

White Lily Care & Handling

To ensure your beautiful white lilies last as long as possible, you can follow these simple care tips. Upon receiving your lilies, immediately cut the stems at an angle and place them in fresh water with flower food.

To prolong their vase life, change the water daily or every other day. A crucial step in caring for white lilies is also to gently remove the orange-brown pollen from the anthers as soon as the flower opens, as this prevents staining and often extends the bloom's lifespan.

You should also keep the vase in a cool space away from direct sunlight, draughts, or ripening fruit. Additionally, in hot and humid climates like Singapore, ensure the water remains cool and the vase is away from direct sunlight or other heat sources. You should also place the bouquet in an air-conditioned area, if possible, and check the water level frequently, as they are very thirsty flowers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular white lily types worldwide?

The most popular white lilies worldwide include the Casablanca lily (oriental) for its fragrance and size, the easter lily (used seasonally), and the Asiatic hybrids (like Navona) for their excellent vase life and lack of heavy scent.

How do Oriental, Asiatic, and Trumpet white lilies differ?

Oriental lilies (like Casablanca) are highly fragrant with large, outward-facing blooms and recurved petals. Asiatic lilies (like navona) are generally unscented, medium-sized, and upward-facing. Trumpet lilies (like regal) are tall, intensely fragrant, and have a long, classic horn shape.

Which white lilies are best for weddings vs sympathy arrangements?

Weddings typically favour the elegant, sculptural calla lily or the highly fragrant casablanca lily (oriental). Sympathy arrangements often use the deeply symbolic Siberian lily or the stately, reverent madonna lily. However, the best choice ultimately depends on the specific bouquet style desired, the overall theme of the ceremony, and the client's or bereaved family's personal preference.

Do all white lilies have fragrance, or only some?

No, not all white lilies have fragrance. The Oriental and trumpet types, such as the Casablanca, are intensely fragrant. However, the popular Asiatic hybrids (like Navona) are typically low-scent or entirely unscented, making them ideal for small spaces.

How long do white lilies last in a bouquet?

White lilies generally have an excellent vase life, often lasting between seven and fourteen days when properly cared for. Ensuring they have clean water, fresh stem cuts, and that the pollen is removed promptly will help them reach their maximum longevity.

Can white lilies be grown in tropical climates like Singapore?

No, most white lilies cannot be grown in tropical climates. Growing true Lilium in Singapore is challenging, as most types require a cool dormant period (winter) to bloom successfully. However, the calla lily and some heat-tolerant asiatic hybrids could be grown with very careful control of soil and temperature.

What's the cultural symbolism of white lilies in different traditions?

In Western cultures, white lilies symbolise purity and sympathy. Historically, they were associated with divinity (Greek/Roman), and in Christianity, they represent resurrection and the Virgin Mary's innocence.

Why are white lilies a popular choice for weddings in Singapore, and how does Floristique make them extra special?

White lilies symbolize purity, commitment, and new beginnings — making them a timeless favourite for Singapore weddings. At Floristique, each bouquet is thoughtfully crafted to match the couple’s style and theme, using only the freshest blooms. Whether it’s a grand bridal bouquet or elegant table arrangements, our white lilies add an effortless touch of grace and romance to every celebration.

How does Floristique handle white lily arrangements for sympathy or condolence flower delivery in Singapore?

Floristique understands the importance of expressing comfort and respect through flowers. Our white lily arrangements are designed with simplicity and serenity in mind — perfect for conveying heartfelt condolences. With reliable flower delivery across Singapore and careful handling, we ensure each bouquet reaches on time and in pristine condition, offering solace when words aren’t enough.