Yellow lily varieties

These lilies carry yellow in the bloom, either as the main color or as part of a blend. The table below compares every variety we list side by side.

Varieties
10
Height
2½–8 ft (70–250 cm)
Hardiness
USDA zones 3–10
Form

4 Martagon

2 Species

2 Oriental

1 Interdivisional hybrid

1 Trumpet and Aurelian

Compare all 10 side by side

All 10 yellow lily varieties

A Canada lily lily flower up close on the plant Canada lily Native species lily with up to 20 nodding speckled bells in orange, red or yellow. Midsummer, Late summer3–5 ft (91–152 cm)Species
A Conca d'Or lily flower up close on the plant Conca d'Or Orienpet lily with large lemon yellow flowers edged cream white on 3 to 5 foot stems. Midsummer, Late summer3–5 ft (91–152 cm)Interdivisional hybrid
A Golden Splendor lily flower up close on the plant Golden Splendor Trumpet lily with deep yellow trumpets and maroon-striped reverses on 4 to 5 foot stems in midsummer. Midsummer4–5 ft (122–152 cm)Trumpet and Aurelian
A Guinea Gold lily flower up close on the plant Guinea Gold Martagon lily with small dangling golden flowers on 4 to 5 ft stems. Late spring4–5 ft (122–152 cm)Martagon
A Leopard lily lily flower up close on the plant Leopard lily Tall West Coast species lily with nodding orange-red flowers spotted dark brown. Midsummer5–8 ft (150–250 cm)Species
A Manitoba Morning lily flower up close on the plant Manitoba Morning Martagon lily with reddish pink, yellow centered, freckled flowers on 3 to 4 ft stems. Early summer, Midsummer3–4 ft (91–122 cm)Martagon
A Mrs. R.O. Backhouse lily flower up close on the plant Mrs. R.O. Backhouse Martagon lily from 1921 with straw yellow, magenta backed flowers on 3 to 5 ft stems. Late spring, Early summer3–5 ft (91–152 cm)Martagon
A Roselily Natalia lily flower up close on the plant Roselily Natalia Pollen-free double Oriental lily from the Roselily series, 28 to 39 inches tall. Midsummer, Late summer2½–3½ ft (70–100 cm)Oriental
A Sunny Morning lily flower up close on the plant Sunny Morning Martagon lily with yellow and orange shaded flowers on 3 to 4 ft stems. Late spring3–4 ft (91–122 cm)Martagon
A Tom Pouce lily flower up close on the plant Tom Pouce Oriental lily with pale pink petals marked soft yellow, blooming late summer. Late summer, Fall (estimated) 3–3½ ft (90–100 cm)Oriental

How to choose

  1. Check the Form column. The North American Lily Society lists yellow among Asiatic, martagon and trumpet colors, and the group sets bloom time.

  2. Look in the Color column for yellow alone if you want a single clear yellow.

  3. Compare the Height column, since trumpets and martagons are tall plants.

Compare side by side

Color Sunlight
Canada lily Species 3–5 ft (91–152 cm) 4–8 Midsummer, Late summer Part sun, Part shade
Conca d'Or Interdivisional hybrid 3–5 ft (91–152 cm) 4–8 Midsummer, Late summer Full sun
Golden Splendor Trumpet and Aurelian 4–5 ft (122–152 cm) 4–9 Midsummer Full sun, Part sun
Guinea Gold Martagon 4–5 ft (122–152 cm) 3–8 Late spring Full sun, Part shade
Leopard lily Species 5–8 ft (150–250 cm) 5–9 Midsummer Full sun, Part shade
Manitoba Morning Martagon 3–4 ft (91–122 cm) 3–7 Early summer, Midsummer Full sun, Part sun
Mrs. R.O. Backhouse Martagon 3–5 ft (91–152 cm) 3–7 Late spring, Early summer Full sun, Part shade
Roselily Natalia Oriental 2½–3½ ft (70–100 cm) 3–10 Midsummer, Late summer Full sun, Part shade
Sunny Morning Martagon 3–4 ft (91–122 cm) 3–8 Late spring Full sun, Part shade
Tom Pouce Oriental 3–3½ ft (90–100 cm) 4–9 Late summer, Fall (estimated) Full sun, Part shade

Values marked like this (estimated) are estimates.

Frequently asked questions

Do lilies need full sun?

Mostly. The North American Lily Society says most lilies need full sun but tolerate partial shade, with martagons handling shade best.

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