Home Help & Advice Care & Conditioning: Flower care guides Lilies

We sell flowers and florist supplies at wholesale prices for everyone

Lilies

 

Lilies are elegant, fragrant flowers popular for weddings, sympathy flowers, gift bouquets and event arrangements. They are available in many varieties including oriental, LA, longiflorum and asiatic lilies. 

 

Key Information about Lilies

Availability: All Year round 

Vase life: Approximatey 7 to 14 days 

Colour range: White, cream, orange, pink, red and bi-colours 

Categories: Aziatic (Asian Lily), Longiflorum (Longi Lily), LA (cross between Asian and Longi) and Oriental Lilies, Roselily (Double lily) 

Family: Lilaceae

Genus: Lilium

Fun Fact: Lily pollen can stain fabrics, so it is often removed once the flowers open. 

 

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When Should I Order lilies?

 

We recommend delivery 3-5 days before the event. Lilies often arrive in tight bud and need time to open.

 

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Step by Step Conditioning Guide

 

To get the best from your wholesale cut lilies, please read the care instructions below carefully. 

1. Always order lilies in advance of the other flowers as they typically take longer to open than other types of flowers. 

2. On arrival, remove all the packaging. 

3. Cut the stems at a 45 degree angle with sharp scissors, florist knife or secateurs. 

4. Fill sterilised buckets and fill with clean terpid water and flower food. 

5. Strip the lower foliage from the stems and place the flowers in the buckets. 

6. As the flower buds begin to open, remove the stamens and discard. The stamens are covered in pollen and will stain the petals. 

7. The warmer you keep the lilies, the quicker they will open and develop. 

8. Never leave the cut flowers in direct sunlight, near a radiator, in a draft or near fruit. Keep the lilies in a cool place and away from children (and pets). 

 

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Common Problems & Solutions

Buds not opening: Lilies need time to open and develop. Place in a slightly warmer room to encourage opening. Order ahead of other flowers as they open at different rates. If they do not open at all, contact the wholesalers for advice. 

Pollen stains: Remove pollen carefully using tissue once the flowers have opened. Use a brush, instead of a cloth to remove any pollen from clothes or fabrics. 

Damaged petals: Handle open blooms gently as the petals can bruise 

Strong fragrance: Keep in a ventilated area if the scent is too strong. 

 

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Who is this Guide for?

DIY customers 

Event organisers 

Flower arrangers 

Florists 

Sympathy flower customers 

Anyone purchasing wholesale lilies 

 

Click here to visit the flower category 

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Common Questions

  1. How long do lilies take to open? Lilies can take several days to open ahead of the other flowers. Order and have the lilies delivered ahead of the event.
  2. Should I remove the lily pollen? Yes, removing the pollen helps prevent staining.
  3. How long do lilies last ? Lilies usually last around 7 to 15 days when conditioned and stored correctly.
  4. Why have my lilies arrived closed? Lilies are often sent in bud to protect them during transport and extend their vase life.
  5. Which lilies do not contain pollen? Pollen-free lilies are primarily double-flowered varieties such as Roselilies and double orientals.
  6. Are lilies toxic to animals? True lilies (including Longi, Aziatic and Oriental) and daylilies are fatally toxic to cats. Dogs are generally more resistant but indigestion can cause stomach upset.
  7. How are lilies graded? Typically graded by stem length and bud count per stem. A standard lily (medium) is 85cm with 3-5 buds.
  8. What lily varieties have low to no fragrance? If you have sensitivities or allergies, consider LA or Double Asiatic instead of highly scented Oriental lilies.