They are very different types of hybrid lilies, drived from very different genetic backgrounds and their characteristics will reflect that. Asiatics are hardier (often listed to Z3), have the earliest bloom season, the widest color range and typically no fragrance. They also perennialize or spread very easily. Oriental hybrids are usually rated to no lower than Z5, have a late summer bloom period, a limited color range and typically, strong fragrance. If given the right growing conditions, they can perennialize as well but not as vigorously as the Asiatics. Both require really good drainage and as much sun as possible although the Orientals will also tolerate a fair amont of shade. If you are looking for the best effects of both, hunt up some OA's or Oriental-Asiatic hybrids. The attached lnk will explain the different divisions in more detail. Here is a link that might be useful: lily types

I am looking for some unusual or different lilies. I have large and small upright elephant ears, as well as colocasia 'Illustris' to trade. I also have 1-2 eyed division of hosta Blue Mammoth and multi-eyed hosta 'Hirao Majesty' and 'Red October' available. Whatcha got? Sally Here is a photo of the large uprights...

Hi minflick, I don't have many asiatics, but I have a number of orientals and trumpets. leaf placement isn't that different between Oriental hybrids and Asiatic hybrids. Asiatic leaves tend to be more slender, though not as "grass-like" as the trumpets. The best way to tell Orientals and Asiatics apart is by their blooms. The most dramatic difference will be bloom time and fragrance. Asiatics are the earliest blooming lilies and are blooming now in my zone, (in your zone they may be already finished ). Orientals don't bloom until July-August. Orientals have a strong "spicy" fragrance while the great majority of Asiatics have no fragrance at all. (There are some new hybrids with a very light fragrance - not likely to be found in a bin.) They also differ in the shape of their blooms and their arrangement on the stem. Both blooms have a overall bowl shape with a little recurve to the petals, but Oriental lilies have a "ruffled edge" and Asiatics a smooth edge on their petals. Oriental blooms are carried sequentially along the stem, Asiatic blooms all come from the tip of the stem in an "upside down umbrella shape called an "umbrel". Also, many Oriental lilies get quite tall in good garden conditions. There are a couple shorter hybrids, Mona Lisa (2') and Muscadet (2'-3') but in general 3' is small for an established oriental. Of course there are exceptions to every rule (especially among the species lilies), but the wide separation in bloom time will be the most reliable rule to use to distinguish them. As for digging them up most Oriental bulbs are a bright yellow when freshly dug (the color fades) and Trumpet bulbs are purple. I think Asiatic bulbs are white, but I'm not sure. Maybe someone else knows that. If the flowers are the same as far as you can tell, they may all be Asiatics. -Helen

Lilies grow in pots well. I haven't found baking to be much of a problem (and I'm in Maryland). While I don't let my pots get real dry for long you have to be careful not to soak them constantly since lilies are susceptible to rot. The bigger problem is overwintering them - since they aren't as insulated from wide temp. swings as when they are in the ground. Instead of putting different types of lilies in one pot, I'd use 3 pots arranged together and rotate the in bloom pot to the front. Depending on your arrangement the others should still get enough sun to feed the bulb. I'd worry that planted together I wouldn't have the flexibility I'd need since lilies grow to very different heights. -Helen