Yellow lilies bring a sunny, cheerful presence to the garden, ranging from pale lemon and honey tones to deep, saturated gold, and they are often chosen specifically to convey happiness, gratitude, and warmth. Most yellow lily types grow from bulbs planted 6 to 10 inches deep and send up a single upright stem reaching anywhere from 18 inches to over 6 feet tall depending on the division, with individual blooms measuring 3 to 12 inches across in the largest Oriental and Trumpet types. Yellow is not the most common natural lily color, appearing less frequently in the wild than pink, orange, or white, which has made it a particular focus for breeders working within the Asiatic, Trumpet, and Orienpet divisions over the past several decades.
Bloom timing for yellow lilies follows the broader sequence of the lily family, with Asiatic types opening first in late spring to early summer, generally staying compact at 18 to 30 inches tall, while Trumpet, Orienpet, and Oriental types follow from midsummer into early fall on stems that can reach 4 to 8 feet. Fragrance varies considerably across the yellow lily category, with most Asiatic hybrids bred to be unscented, while Trumpet and Orienpet types often produce an intensely sweet, heavy perfume capable of scenting an entire garden from a single planting. A mature stem can produce anywhere from 4 to over 20 blooms depending on the cultivar, with the largest Trumpet types routinely producing a dozen or more fragrant flowers per stem.
Yellow lily bulbs are generally long-lived, persisting and multiplying in the ground for 5 to 10 years under good conditions, with small offset bulbs forming around the base of the mother bulb within the first few growing seasons. Most types are hardy across USDA zones 4 through 9, and many of the Trumpet and Orienpet hybrids show improved heat and drought tolerance compared to their Asiatic and Oriental relatives. As cut flowers, yellow lilies typically hold up for 7 to 14 days in water, and their bright, warm coloring makes them a favorite for pairing with cooler-toned flowers like blues and purples in mixed arrangements.
Historically, yellow lilies have played a significant role in the development of modern lily breeding, since several key yellow-flowered species discovered in China and introduced to the West in the early 20th century became foundational parents for many of today’s most popular hybrid lines. Yellow lilies are also toxic to cats and, to a lesser degree, dogs, so pet owners are generally advised to plant them out of reach of curious animals. Whether planted as a bright accent in a mixed perennial border, grown for cut flower production, or placed near an entryway to create a welcoming first impression, yellow lilies remain one of the most versatile and long-blooming flowering bulbs available to gardeners.
Types of Yellow Lilies
Citronella —Asiatic Lily
Citronella is a vibrant, cheerful Asiatic lily with large, trumpet-shaped flowers that are golden-yellow in color featuring gracefully recurved petals whose net effect is a wavy or ruffled appearance.
The flowers are held atop tall, sturdy stems with green leaves. Over the years the flower multiplies and forms a relatively big clumps characterized by numerous blossoms per stem.
Citronella are generally smaller in size when compared to other types of lilies, with flowers measuring about 4-5 inches in diameter.
Blooming in early to mid-summer, this lily can provide a pop of color and contrast everywhere it grows be it in a front or backyard flowerbed.
The flower mixes elegantly with annuals and other summer flowering bulbs especially when planted in the fall or early spring.
Due to their attractive appearance and lemon-scented fragrance, many people often use citronella-Asiatic lilies as cut flowers whereas others prefer them for use in bouquets and other arrangements.
This lily is easy to grow and care for as long as they are grown in a well-draining soil and a place with full sun or partial shade.
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Grand Cru — Asiatic Lily
The Grand Cru Asiatic lily is one of the most common and widely grown cultivar of Asiatic lily in North America.
This cultivar oozes beauty and class, it even won the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society (2002). Just like other lilies, it features an upward facing, trumpet-shaped flowers that are about 3 to 5 inches in diameter.
The flowers are bi-colored, featuring bright yellow petals and maroon red (burgundy) centers around the petal bases.
This Asiatic hybrid lily is hardy and can be grown in a variety of climates. It is generally suitable for growing in containers or flowerbeds.
If you’re looking forward to growing this lily variety, you will need to plant it in the fall or early spring, water them regularly and fertilize them once a month with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. The plants may need staking if grown in too much shade or in areas exposed to strong winds.
King Pete — Asiatic Lily
King Pete is another yellow lily, a cultivar of Asiatic lily to be precise. The lily is amazingly beautiful with its wide and bright yellow petals contrasting with a darker yellow heart and dark-brown freckles.
The petals are smooth and glossy with a waxy or velvety texture. The flowers are actually borne on strong, upright stems that range in height from 2 to 4 feet tall. They are definitely beautiful when planted either in a front or back yard of a home garden as part of accent plants.
They can be propagated by dividing the bulbs or by planting the bulbs in the fall or early spring. Just like other lilies, you can grow this cultivar in containers or directly in the ground in a flowerbed.
To enjoy the beauty of this lily throughout the season, ensure they are protected from pests such as aphids and slugs and divide the bulbs every three to four years to keep the plants healthy and encourage new growth.
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Black Spider — Asiatic Lily
The Black spider Asiatic lily is not a very common cultivar but it is still striking and amazing especially when planted as entryway plants.
They really contrast well with the surrounding plants or other elements to create emphasis or focal points. The flowers are unique spider-like in shape and creamy-yellow with almost deep purple or almost black heart.
Black spider is also quite abundant with up to 5 to 7 flowers per stem. The plant in generally reaches between 2 to 4 feet tall and is particularly striking when grown in groups of 3 or 4.
Blooming in early to mid-summer, this lily variety is well suited for growing in containers or planters. It is actually low maintenance in nature and resistant to many common plant diseases, though prone to damage from slugs and snails.
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Connecticut King — Asiatic Lily
Connecticut King is an Asiatic hybrid lily that features buttercup yellow flowers with golden centers. The flowers are large, spotless and non-fragrant in nature more often appearing during early to mid-summer.
This flower lily has been the most favorite commercial yellow lily since its introduction in 1967. They look splendid especially when grown in containers along walk ways or around the perimeter wall.
The Connecticut King Asiatic lily is a popular choice for gardens and landscaping particularly in North America as it is easy to grow and care for.
You can plant these lilies any time from spring to fall especially if your growing them in containers. Plant in groups of three and 12 inches apart for best display or accent.
They grow best in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil. Then, as they grow, you will need to often remove any faded flowers to prevent seeds from setting.
Pearl Melanie (Last Dance) — Asiatic Lily
Last dance is a hybrid Asiatic lily featuring large showy yellow flowers on long stalks. The petals are surely long-narrow, smooth and glossy with a waxy or velvety texture.
The plant grows to a height of between 2 to 4 feet and a spread of 1 to 2 feet. Last dance Asiatic lily will without fail bloom in late spring or early summer and can continue to produce flowers for several weeks.
It is particularly easy to grow and care for. With proper care, Last dance Asiatic lily can live for several years and continue to produce beautiful flowers.
Last dance lily can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and are hardy in USDA hardiness zones 3-9. When growing them, it is important you give these lilies enough space to grow.
Plant them at least 18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and prevent the spread of diseases. You will also need to mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool. Potted plants may be planted at any time between spring and fall.
Bushstroke — Asiatic Lily
Bushstroke Asiatic lily are generally yellow in color, trumpet-shaped and have six petals that are fused at the base to form a tube. The petals are long, smooth, slightly curved and flare out at the top to form a flared, open shape.
Blooming in early to mid-summer, this lily works perfectly as border plant or a focal point in a front yard. It provides a striking color and contrast or mixes well with other perennial and annual plants in a flowerbed.
When planting Bushstroke Asiatic Lily choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
As with other lilies, they prefer moist, well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. Plant in fall or early spring in the flowerbed or containers.
To improve the drainage of heavy or clay soils, mix in compost or other organic matter before planting. Plant in groups of 3, 6 or 12 bulbs for a striking display.
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Canada Lily —American Lily
Canada lily is a common ornamental lily that’s cultivated in Europe and North America. The Canada lily is often found growing wild in moist, shaded areas such as woods and meadows.
It is a perennial plant that grows to a height of about 2 to 4 feet, with large, showy flowers that are orange or yellow in color. The flowers have six petals and are held atop tall, slender stems.
Canada lily can be a beautiful addition to any landscape, providing a splash of color and interest to any accent garden. It also mixes or contrasts well with annual or perennial plants in a flowerbed.
It is a hardy plant that is easy to grow and care for and is resistant to deer and other garden pastes. It is also known by the common names like wild lily, meadow lily and orange lily. Plant in groups of 3, 6 or 12 bulbs for a striking display.
Goldsmith — Trumpet Lily
The goldsmith trumpet also referred to as the golden rain lily or the golden trumpet lily is an amazingly beautiful lily grown in many places in North America as an ornamental plant due to its showy, trumpet-shaped flowers which feature yellow petals and a distinctive sweet scent.
The plant in general has long, narrow leaves and can grow to a height of between 2 and 4 feet with appropriate care.
Goldsmith trumpet lily is often planted in front yards, borders and planters, and is well suited for growing in warm, sunny location.
Blooming in early to mid-summer, this lily is particularly a popular choice for many gardeners looking forward to adding an interest of color and fragrance to their outdoor spaces.
This lily plant is not tolerant of drought and cold temperatures. It also lacks ability to thrive in a variety of soil types. It will only thrive in loamy well drained soil.
Golden Splendor—Trumpet Lily
The golden splendor lily is a splendid hybrid of trumpet lily characterized by large, fragrant, golden yellow flowers, facing outward or downward, marked with purple red on the outside.
The flowers are held on tall, sturdy stems and have a trumpet-shaped form with reflexed petals. The flowering plant in general can reach heights of up to 5 feet.
This is a long-blooming plant that typically flowers in mid to late summer. It is prolific in nature, producing clusters of 12 to 20 blossoms per stem making it a popular garden plant and often grown for cut flowers.
Golden splendor trumpet lilies prefer full sun to partial shade. They will tolerate some shade but they will flower best in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Plant in groups of 3 bulbs at a minimum for a striking display.
Belladonna — Orienpet Lily
Generally, Belladonna lilies are native to Asia but are widely cultivated around the world for their beauty and fragrance. Belladonna Orienpet lilies are actually hybridized from Oriental and trumpet lilies.
They are popular because of their tall, stately growth habit and large, bowl-shaped, golden yellow blossoms with gently recurved petals. These flowers are almost a sure bet when it comes to adding a touch of elegance and charm to any front or back yard.
Belladonna orienpet lilies are easy to grow and are well-suited for a variety of garden settings at home. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. They can be grown from bulbs or from seed and they will bloom in the second or third year after planting.
One important thing to keep in mind is that all parts of the belladonna lily are toxic to pets and animals. You will need to be careful and plant them in a location where they will not be accessible to pets.
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Deliana — Longiflorum Lily
Deliana longiflorum lily is a perennial plant which means it can live for several years and will without fail bloom annually. The plant grows to a height of between 1 and 3 feet and features long, slender leaves.
This lily blooms in the spring, but the exact timing can vary depending on the specific growing conditions. The blooms are pure yellow, trumpet-shaped with fragrant scent. The flowers typically open yellow and fades to creamy white with time.
Deliana longiflorum lily sometimes referred to as Japanese lily or Easter lily is a lily cultivar that’s native to Ryukyu Islands of Japan. It is widely cultivated an ornamental plant in gardens and is commonly used in cut flower arrangements because of its sweet fragrance. In very many places it is often used as a symbol of Easter and the resurrection of Jesus.
As with other lilies, the plant prefers well-drained soil and full to partial shade. It is generally easy to grow and is relatively hardy, but it may require some protection from extreme cold or heat. With proper care, the Deliana longiflorum lily can continue to grow and bloom for many years.
Leichtlin’s Lily
Leichtlin’s Lily is a wild lily variety that are similar in appearance to the tiger lily. The lily was named after the German botanist, John Leichtlin.
The plant grows to a height of between 1 and 3 feet and produces yellow trumpet-shaped flowers that have burgundy or purple red spots.
The blooms open on green and purple stems from spring to mid-summer and last for a considerably long time in both gardens and vases. Leichtlin’s lily are hardy and can grow relatively well in a variety of soil types.
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Caucasian Lily
Caucasian lily (Lilium monadelphum) is a lily variety that is native to the Caucasus region which includes Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. The plant has long slender leaves and grows to a height of between 2 and 4 feet when in bloom.
The flowers are usually large, scented and yellow in color with a distinctive dark purple or brown band at the base of each petal. The flowers have six petals and are up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter.
The Caucasian lily is hardy and can tolerate cold temperatures, making it suitable for growing in a wide range of climates. The lily is particularly hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4-8.
It is often grown as a garden plant and is loved by many in North America for its attractive flowers and pleasant scent. The grow this lily, just plant bulbs about 8 inches deep and space them about 6 inches apart. After they have grown, use a layer of mulch in the form of straws or shredded leaves to help retain moisture and keep the soil cool.
Cocotte
Cocotte produces flat, ovate, pineapple-yellow petals with cherry-red margins and anthers, giving each bloom a lively, tropical two-tone effect. Plants have a more rounded, bushy growth habit than many other Asiatic cultivars, typically staying under 28 inches tall, which makes Cocotte a good choice for border fronts and container gardens.
It is a pollen-free lily, meaning it can be safely brought indoors without affecting allergy sufferers, and its abundant blooms are frequently used in cutting gardens and floral arrangements.
Yelloween
Yelloween is an OT hybrid lily producing large, elegant blooms in a soft, butter-yellow shade with slightly reflexed petals and a light, pleasant fragrance.
It grows to about 4 feet tall, combining the sturdy growth habit and fragrance of its Oriental and Trumpet parentage, and is a strong choice for the middle of a perennial border where its moderate height fits well among other midsummer bloomers.
Honey Queen
Honey Queen features soft, honey-yellow blooms accented with subtle orange throats, produced on Asiatic-type stems reaching 3 to 4 feet tall. It flowers in early to midsummer with multiple blooms per stem, creating a bountiful, warm-toned display.
Honey Queen’s gentle color palette pairs particularly well with white and cream-toned companions in a mixed planting.
Exotic Sun
Exotic Sun is an extraordinarily rare, fully double, lemon-yellow Oriental Trumpet hybrid with strongly reflexed petals that curl dramatically back from the center of each bloom.
The huge flowers reach upward to catch available sunlight and give off a subtle fragrance, with mature plants reaching 40 to 48 inches and producing 10 or more blossoms per season. True double-flowered Oriental Trumpet lilies remain uncommon in cultivation, making Exotic Sun a specialty choice for collectors.
Yellow Diamond
Yellow Diamond is a Longiflorum hybrid bred for improved heat tolerance, allowing it to perform well in both southern and northern gardens compared to some other white and pastel Longiflorum types.
It produces bright yellow, trumpet-shaped blooms on stems reaching 2 to 3 feet tall and is hardy across USDA zones 4 through 8. This cultivar shares the same general growth habit and fragrance profile as its Easter Lily relatives, just in a warmer, sunnier hue.
Sunny Bonaire
Sunny Bonaire is an Asiatic cultivar producing cheerful, bright yellow, upward-facing blooms on compact stems generally reaching 24 to 30 inches tall.
It flowers in early summer with the typical Asiatic lack of fragrance, making it a practical choice for gardeners who want vivid color without a strong scent. Its dependable performance has made it a popular selection among growers of Asiatic hybrid lines.
Sunny Sulawesi
Sunny Sulawesi is another Asiatic cultivar in the “Sunny” series, sharing a similarly bright yellow coloring and compact, uniform growth habit of 24 to 30 inches.
It flowers reliably in early summer and produces multiple blooms per stem, making it a strong performer for both garden borders and container plantings. Like most Asiatic hybrids, it requires minimal maintenance beyond adequate sun and well-draining soil.
Tiny Moon
Tiny Moon is a dwarf Asiatic cultivar bred specifically for container growing, staying under 16 to 18 inches tall while producing the same bright yellow, upward-facing blooms typical of the division.
Its compact size and early summer bloom time make it especially useful for patios, window boxes, and small garden spaces where taller yellow lily types would be impractical. It is unscented and extremely low maintenance, consistent with most other dwarf Asiatic types.
Brasilia
Brasilia is an Asiatic cultivar with warm, golden-yellow blooms on sturdy, compact stems generally reaching 24 to 30 inches tall.
It flowers in early summer with a high bud count typical of the division, producing a lively burst of color that holds up well in both garden beds and cut arrangements. Brasilia’s dependable performance and vivid tone have made it a long-standing favorite among Asiatic hybrid growers.
Forever Linda
Forever Linda is a reliable Asiatic cultivar with bright yellow blooms and a vigorous, easy-to-grow habit, typically reaching 24 to 30 inches tall.
It flowers early in the season, ahead of most Oriental and Trumpet types, and adapts well to a wide range of soil and growing conditions. This adaptability has made Forever Linda a commonly available choice in nurseries and garden centers.
Royal Sunset
Royal Sunset is an Asiatic cultivar with golden-yellow blooms often warmed by soft orange undertones, giving it a sunset-like glow reminiscent of its name.
It typically grows 24 to 30 inches tall and flowers in early summer, adding a vivid pop of color to borders and containers alike. Like other Asiatic types, it is unscented and requires little more than full sun and well-draining soil to thrive.
Mapira
Mapira is an Asiatic cultivar valued for its bright, clear yellow blooms and compact, uniform growth, generally staying between 24 and 30 inches tall.
It flowers reliably in early summer with multiple upward-facing blooms per stem, and its dependable performance has made it a commonly stocked variety in the Asiatic hybrid trade. Mapira requires minimal care beyond standard lily planting depth and sun exposure.
Golden Clarion
Golden Clarion is a strain of Trumpet lily known for its rich, deep golden-yellow, outward-facing blooms and strong, sweet fragrance.
Plants typically reach 4 to 6 feet tall, with each stem capable of producing 10 or more large, trumpet-shaped flowers in midsummer. Golden Clarion is often planted toward the back of a perennial border, where its height and bold color create a dramatic vertical accent.
Limelight
Limelight is a Trumpet-type cultivar with unusual chartreuse-yellow blooms that carry a faint greenish cast, setting it apart from the more classic golden tones of other Trumpet types.
It reaches 4 to 5 feet tall and produces a strong, sweet fragrance typical of the division, flowering in midsummer with multiple blooms per stem. Its distinctive coloring makes Limelight a popular choice for gardeners seeking something a bit different from the standard bright yellow palette.
Copper King
Copper King is an Aurelian hybrid with warm, coppery-gold blooms that flare into a wide, sunburst shape typical of the Aurelian group’s parentage from Henry’s Lily.
It reaches 4 to 6 feet tall and flowers in mid to late summer, slightly later than most Trumpet types, with a rich fragrance that carries well through a garden. Copper King’s warm, layered coloring gives it a slightly more complex look than solid yellow Trumpet cultivars.
Zambesi
Zambesi is a bold Asiatic bicolor cultivar combining a bright yellow petal base with a deep red center, creating a striking sunburst pattern on each upward-facing bloom.
It typically reaches 24 to 30 inches tall and flowers in early summer with a high bud count per stem. Zambesi’s vivid contrast has made it a popular choice for gardeners who want more visual complexity than a solid-colored yellow lily provides.
Miss Peculiar
Miss Peculiar is a jumbo Oriental Trumpet hybrid with creamy white petals brightened by bold golden-yellow stars at the throat, producing blooms that can measure up to a foot wide.
The pendant, outward-facing flowers have petals that curl back whimsically, adding to their dramatic presence. Miss Peculiar reaches 4 to 5 feet tall and flowers in mid to late summer, standing out as one of the largest-flowered types in the yellow-accented lily category.
Pyrenean Lily
Pyrenean Lily is a species type native to the mountains of southern Europe, producing small, sulfur-yellow, strongly recurved blooms with dark speckling, giving each flower a distinctive Turk’s Cap shape.
It typically grows 2 to 3 feet tall and flowers in early summer, thriving in full sun to light shade. This species has been cultivated in European gardens for centuries and remains valued for its delicate, wildflower-like charm.
Michigan Lily
Michigan Lily is a native North American species with nodding, strongly recurved orange-yellow blooms speckled with maroon spots, closely related to other native Turk’s Cap-type lilies found across the eastern and central United States.
It typically reaches 3 to 5 feet tall, flowering in mid to late summer in moist meadows, prairies, and woodland edges. This species is prized by native plant gardeners for its ability to naturalize in appropriate habitat conditions.
Wild Yellow Canada Lily
Wild Yellow Canada Lily is a pale yellow form of the native Canada Lily, producing bell-shaped, nodding blooms with light speckling, held on tall, graceful stems reaching 3 to 5 feet.
It flowers in early to midsummer and is commonly found along the eastern United States and into Canada, favoring moist meadows and open woodland edges. This species has a long history of cultivation in North American gardens, valued for its delicate, naturalistic appearance.
Nepal Lily
Nepal Lily is a species type with unusual greenish-yellow, funnel-shaped blooms accented by a deep maroon throat, giving it one of the more distinctive color combinations in the entire lily family.
It typically reaches 3 to 4 feet tall and flowers in mid to late summer, preferring partial shade and consistently moist, well-draining soil. Nepal Lily is considered more challenging to grow than typical Asiatic or Trumpet types, making it a specialty choice for experienced lily growers.
Sulphur Lily
Sulphur Lily is a fragrant trumpet species with pale, soft yellow blooms that flare outward from a narrow throat, producing a subtle, sulfur-like tone rather than the deep gold of many hybrid Trumpet types.
It can reach 4 to 6 feet tall under favorable conditions and flowers in mid to late summer with a strong, sweet fragrance. This species is native to parts of Southeast Asia and has been used as a parent plant in the development of several fragrant hybrid Trumpet lines.
Chinese Trumpet Lily
Chinese Trumpet Lily is a fragrant species with pale yellow to creamy white trumpet-shaped blooms, closely related to some of the most influential Trumpet lily species discovered in China in the early 20th century.
It typically reaches 3 to 5 feet tall and flowers in midsummer with a strong, sweet scent characteristic of the Trumpet division. This species played a foundational role in the breeding of many modern yellow and white Trumpet hybrids available today.
Yellow Tiger Lily
Yellow Tiger Lily is a golden-yellow form of the classic spotted Tiger Lily, retaining the same strongly recurved petal shape and dark speckling while replacing the standard orange-red coloring with a warm yellow base.
It grows 3 to 4 feet tall, produces shiny black bulblets along its stem for easy propagation, and is among the hardiest yellow-toned lily types available, tolerating USDA zones as cold as zone 3. It flowers in late summer with the same old-fashioned, naturalized charm as its more common orange relative.
Golden Aurelian Lily
Golden Aurelian Lily refers to the golden-yellow selections within the Aurelian hybrid group, a division derived from crossing Trumpet lilies with Henry’s Lily to produce wide, flaring, sunburst-shaped blooms rather than the narrow trumpet form.
These hybrids typically reach 5 to 6 feet tall and produce clusters of fragrant, golden blooms in mid to late summer. Golden Aurelian types are valued for their combination of Trumpet lily fragrance with a more open, star-like flower form.