Our Favourite Lilies for Summer Displays

Summer bulb planting season is finally here. And that means just one thing! Lilies. 

Lilies are gorgeous, ornamental, structural, and just plain impressive. Their sublime colours make for a striking display, even on an overcast day. They're also loved highly by pollinators! They're certainly a win-win. Although they might not be a great fit for every garden (especially for those with cats as they are toxic if ingested), for those that do grow them - you won't be disappointed. 

Here are just a few of our favourite lilies to know and grow this season. 

Our Top Lily Bulbs

Lilium Regale 



Lilium Regale is a favourite for those growing a traditional English cottage border. This trumpet lily is large in size and produces petals that are white on the inside, pink on the outside, and also boast a yellow centre. A gorgeous choice for any garden display, especially when grown in large drifts throughout a cottage garden border. 


Lilium Casa Blanca



Lilium Casa Blanca is a classic choice for the summer garden. Their reflexed pure white petals and bright orange stamens have been used in many a florists bouquet - and for good reason! This Oriental lily option is easy to pair with more vibrant blooms while still adding its own flair to your display. 

Lilium Martagon Pink



If you're after something a bit more unique, Lilium Martagon Pink will definitely fit the bill. This tiger lily produces smaller lily blooms, each of which sits on tall dark brown stems. Their glossy purpley-pink flowers have recurved petals and are even fragrant! Flowering for months on end, this (for a lack of a better word) stunning lily will certainly impress throughout summer. 

Lily Leichtlinii



Sticking to the unusual yet exciting types of lilies is Lily Leichtlinii. It's an Asiatic lily, which houses some of the most structurally impressive lily blooms to date. Similar to the Lilium Martagon, its golden yellow blooms appear on one central stem in clusters. A gorgeous choice for your summer displays that are easy to grow. 

Lilium Forever Susan



Lilium Forever Susan is another amazing Asiatic lily. This variety is sure to impress once it flowers in summer! It was bred for its unique duo colouring of mahogany and orange, which was a successful feat. Similar to Lily Leichtlinii and Martagon, it produces several blooms per stem. This makes it a gorgeous addition to your summer bouquets! 

What to Plant With Lilies

Geraniums - Geraniums look amazing surrounding the bases of lilies. They can also add a dash of colour to areas that are lacking that bit of oomph. 

Lavender - Lavender is drought tolerant, easy on the eyes, and highly attractive to pollinators! Grow them around the base of your lavender to add dimension to your displays. 

Salvia - If you're after a companion plant that needs very little attention and flowers for months on end, then salvia is a great choice. They're amazing at attracting pollinators, too! 

Roses - What's more classic than lilies? A rose bush to accompany it. This quintessential British garden plant will look sensational with a hoard of lilies, especially in a large flower bed.

Ornamental Grasses - Foliage plants are great at giving lilies the backdrop they need to shine, while also providing their own touch of colour. 

Want to see what other companion plants we recommend for lilies? Read our blog 'What to Plant With Lilies'.

Shop our full range of Lilies here.