01/08/2026
I'll be honest, I have hated and avoided oriental lilies for years, even as a florist. The pollen is messy, it stains seemingly ~everything~ it comes in contact with, and sets off my allergies for days. However, in my line of work, I have learned to appreciate these versatile beauties!
Here are 5 reasons why I now love lilies:
1) Long lasting: long vase life and as the first bloom of the stem fades, the others begin to open.
2) Shape: from the beautiful structure of the entire stem and its multiple buds, to the unique blooms that range from trumpet to star shaped.
3) Rich colors: some of the most bold pinks and reds I've seen in nature!
4) Size: the large blooms make for incredible mass flowers!
5) Fragrance: This one might be controversial - and trust me, as an allergic girlie i get it - its just a no go for some, but I have found that removing the anthers (the 6 pollen coated stems at the center of the bloom) significantly reduces my allergies and the potency of smell, that way I can not only tolerate lilies but actually appreciate them in my home!
