A Guide to 8 Stunning Flowers That Look Like Lilies

The elegant, trumpet shape of a lily is a timeless classic in the world of flowers. Its grace can be found in bouquets, gardens, and home décor. But many other stunning flowers share this same beautiful form. If you love the look of lilies but want to explore other options, you are in the right place. 

This guide introduces seven popular flowers that look like lilies, helping you learn to tell them apart and appreciate their own special charm.

1. Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily)

Alstroemeria, often called the Peruvian Lily, is one of the most common flowers mistaken for a lily. Its delicate, trumpet-shaped blooms and vibrant colours make it a popular choice in bouquets all over the world, including here in Singapore.

Why Alstroemeria is Mistaken for a Lily

The resemblance is easy to see. Alstroemeria flowers have a shape similar to smaller Asiatic lilies. They bloom in clusters at the top of their stems, creating a full and colourful display that mimics the look of a lily spray. Their petals are often freckled or streaked, much like the patterns you might find on a tiger lily. However, Alstroemeria blooms are much smaller than most true lilies.

Key Features of Alstroemeria

Despite the similarities, Alstroemeria has distinct features. One of the most charming is the dark streaks or "whiskers" on its inner petals, which give it a unique, intricate look. Another interesting fact is that its leaves are resupinate, meaning they twist as they grow, so the bottom of the leaf faces upwards. This plant originates from the mountains of South America, which is why it carries the name Peruvian Lily. It doesn’t grow from a true bulb but from tuberous roots.

Alstroemeria comes in a wonderful range of colours, from soft pinks and whites to vibrant oranges, yellows, reds, and purples. This makes it incredibly versatile for any floral arrangement. It symbolises friendship, love, and devotion, making it a thoughtful gift for a close friend or loved one. One of its best qualities is its impressive vase life. A stem of Alstroemeria can last for up to two weeks in a vase, making it a practical and long-lasting choice for brightening up your home in Singapore's warm climate.

2. Amaryllis

Amaryllis is a showstopper. With its huge, dramatic flowers, it commands attention and is often confused with some of the largest and most impressive lily varieties. It is especially popular during festivals or the beginning of new seasons.

Amaryllis vs. Lily: A Common Confusion

The confusion between Amaryllis and lilies comes down to the flower's shape and size. An Amaryllis produces enormous, trumpet-shaped blooms that look very much like Oriental lilies. However, the biggest difference lies in the stem. An Amaryllis has a thick, smooth, and completely hollow stem, whereas a true lily has a firm, leafy stem. If you can feel that the stem is hollow, you are holding an Amaryllis.

Identifying an Amaryllis

Amaryllis grows from a very large, round bulb, often sold in kits for growing at home. Typically, the flower stalk emerges from the bulb first, and the long, strap-like leaves appear later. Each tall stalk will usually produce between two to five magnificent flowers. These flowers can be as large as your hand, making a bold statement wherever they are placed.

In Singapore, Amaryllis is a favourite during festive periods like Christmas and Chinese New Year, where its vibrant red and white colours are highly prized. It is often grown indoors in pots. To care for a potted Amaryllis, place it in a spot with bright, indirect light. Water it sparingly until you see growth, then water it regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Amaryllis symbolises pride, determination, and radiant beauty, reflecting its strong and stunning appearance.

3. Daylily (Hemerocallis)

The Daylily is a common sight in gardens and landscapes, loved for its easy-going nature and cheerful blooms. Its name is one of the biggest sources of confusion, as it is not a lily at all.

What is the Difference Between a Daylily and a Lily?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions among flower lovers. The most important difference is right in the name: a single Daylily flower lasts for only one day. It blooms in the morning and fades by night. Thankfully, each stem, called a "scape," produces many buds that open on successive days, ensuring a long flowering season.

True lilies (genus Lilium) have flowers that last for a week or more. Furthermore, Daylilies (genus Hemerocallis) grow from thick, fleshy roots, whereas true lilies grow from scaly bulbs. Their foliage is also different; Daylilies have long, arching, grass-like leaves that grow in a clump from the base of the plant, while lilies have leaves growing up along a central stalk.

4. The Charm of the Daylily

Daylilies are incredibly diverse, with thousands of registered cultivars. They come in almost every colour imaginable, except for pure blue and pure white. Their flowers can have smooth or ruffled edges, and some have contrasting coloured centres called "eyes." They are tough plants that can handle heat and humidity well, making them an excellent choice for gardens in Singapore.

The Daylily is often associated with mothers and the concept of forgetting one's worries. In Chinese culture, it is a symbol of filial devotion. Because they are so hardy and produce so many flowers, they are perfect for adding reliable colour to garden beds and borders. They require minimal care and will reward the gardener with a beautiful display year after year.

5. Calla Lily (Zantedeschia)

With its sleek, sculptural form, the Calla Lily is a symbol of elegance. It is a favourite for weddings, formal events, and contemporary home décor. Despite its name, it has no relation to true lilies.

Are Calla Lilies True Lilies?

No, Calla Lilies are not true lilies. They do not belong to the Lilium genus. Instead, they are members of the Araceae family, which also includes plants like the Peace Lily and Anthurium. The "flower" of a Calla Lily is not a flower in the traditional sense. It is a unique structure consisting of a spathe and a spadix. The spathe is the large, coloured, funnel-shaped leaf, and the spadix is the yellow, finger-like spike in the centre, which is where the tiny, true flowers are located.

Recognising the Calla Lily

The Calla Lily is instantly recognisable by its smooth, elegant, and gracefully curved form. There are no separate petals, only the single, seamless spathe that wraps around the spadix. While classic white is the most famous colour, Calla Lilies are also available in beautiful shades of pink, yellow, orange, and even a deep, dramatic purple-black. Their leaves are often a solid green and shaped like arrowheads.

The clean lines and sophisticated shape of the Calla Lily make it a top choice for modern floral designs. It stands for magnificence and beauty. A white Calla Lily symbolises purity and innocence, which is why it is so popular in bridal bouquets. In other colours, it can convey admiration and appreciation. A few stems of Calla Lilies in a tall, clear glass vase create a simple yet striking decorative piece for any home.

Other Notable Flowers That Resemble Lilies

Beyond the most popular look-alikes, several other beautiful flowers share a resemblance to lilies. These are wonderful options to explore for your garden or floral arrangements.

6.Gladiolus (Sword Lily)

The Gladiolus gets its nickname "Sword Lily" from its tall, impressive flower spike and blade-shaped leaves. The flowers, or florets, are trumpet-shaped and open in sequence from the bottom of the stalk to the top. They grow from a rounded, bulb-like structure called a corm. Gladioli come in a rainbow of colours and symbolise strength of character, integrity, and remembrance. Their height makes them a dramatic addition to the back of a garden bed or as a tall feature in a large floral arrangement.

7. Rain Lily (Zephyranthes)

Rain Lilies are small, charming flowers that bring a touch of magic to the garden. They are so-named because they have a tendency to burst into bloom after a heavy rainfall, a delightful sight during Singapore's tropical showers. Their flowers are delicate, star-shaped or trumpet-shaped, and look like miniature lilies. They grow from small bulbs and are perfect for planting along borders, in rock gardens, or in pots where their lovely blooms can be admired up close.

8. Crinum Lily

Crinum Lilies are large, impressive plants that make a bold statement in any garden. They produce big clusters of flowers that can be either trumpet-shaped or spider-like, held high on thick, leafless stalks. They grow from very large bulbs and have long, strap-like leaves that can create a lush, tropical feel. Crinums are well-suited to the Singapore climate and thrive in large garden spaces where they have room to grow. They are tough, long-lived plants that will reward you with spectacular blooms.

Understanding the Difference: True Lilies vs. Lily Look-Alikes

With the many types of lily flowers, it is helpful to know what makes a flower a "true lily". True lilies belong to the plant genus Lilium. They grow from bulbs made of overlapping scales. A key feature is their single, strong stem with leaves that grow directly from it, often in a whorled pattern around the stem. Their flowers are typically large and have six petals, which are technically called "tepals". Popular examples include Stargazer, Asiatic, and Oriental lilies.

Many other flowers have "lily" in their common name, which can be confusing. Calla Lilies, Daylilies, and Peace Lilies are famous examples. While they share a similar shape, they belong to completely different plant families. They are not true lilies. Understanding this difference allows you to appreciate each flower for its own unique qualities.

How to Choose the Right Lily Alternative for You

With so many beautiful options, choosing the right flower depends on your needs. Here is a simple guide to help you decide.

For a Long-Lasting Bouquet

If you want flowers that will look fresh in a vase for a long time, Alstroemeria is your best choice. With a vase life of up to two weeks, its colourful and intricate blooms offer excellent value and lasting beauty.

For a Dramatic Indoor Plant

To make a bold statement indoors, choose Amaryllis. Its enormous flowers and tall, strong stems create a stunning focal point. It is particularly great as a festive plant that you can grow from a bulb right in your living room.

For an Easy-Care Garden Flower

For a low-maintenance, reliable flower for your garden, look no further than the Daylily. It is resilient, thrives in the local climate, and produces a continuous supply of cheerful blooms throughout its season with very little fuss.

For an Elegant, Modern Look

When you need a flower that speaks of sophistication and modern style, the Calla Lily is the perfect choice. Its sleek, sculptural form is ideal for contemporary floral arrangements, weddings, or as a chic decorative element in your home.

Conclusion On Flowers That Look Like Lilies

While true lilies hold a special place in the floral world, the lily's elegant shape is beautifully echoed in many other flowers. From the long-lasting Alstroemeria to the dramatic Amaryllis, each look-alike offers something unique. 

The hardy Daylily brings effortless cheer to gardens, while the chic Calla Lily adds a touch of modern elegance to any setting. By exploring these wonderful alternatives, you can expand your floral knowledge and find the perfect bloom for any occasion. We encourage you to appreciate these flowers not just as substitutes, but as stunning choices in their own right.

Express your care with a bouquet. A flower delivery in Singapore is a convenient way of sending your message. 

For the perfect flower gift, contact us! We’ll be happy to help you pick the best for your special someone.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flowers That Look Like Lilies

What Flower Is Mistaken for a Lily?

The most common flowers mistaken for lilies are Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily) and Amaryllis. Alstroemeria looks like a smaller, more delicate lily with freckled petals, while Amaryllis has very large, trumpet-shaped blooms similar to Oriental lilies. Daylilies are also frequently mistaken due to their name and shape.

What Looks Like a Lily but Isn't a Lily?

Many flowers look like lilies but belong to different plant families. The most popular examples include Alstroemeria, Amaryllis, Calla Lily, and Daylily. These flowers are not from the true lily genus, Lilium, and have different characteristics, such as growing from fleshy roots instead of bulbs or having a unique flower structure.

What Do You Call a Flower That Looks Like a Small Lily?

A flower that looks like a small lily is often an Alstroemeria, also known as the Peruvian Lily. Its blooms are smaller and more delicate than most true lilies. Another excellent example is the Rain Lily (Zephyranthes), which produces small, charming, lily-shaped flowers, often after a rainfall.

What Is the Difference Between a Daylily and a Lily?

The key differences are flower lifespan, plant family, and root structure. A Daylily flower lasts for only one day, while a true lily's flower lasts for a week or more. Daylilies are from the genus Hemerocallis and grow from fleshy roots, whereas true lilies are from the genus Lilium and grow from true bulbs.

Which Flower Is Not a True Lily?

There are many flowers with "lily" in their name that are not true lilies. Common examples include the Calla Lily, Daylily, Peace Lily, Peruvian Lily (Alstroemeria), Sword Lily (Gladiolus), and Rain Lily. None of these belong to the Lilium genus, which defines a true lily.

Are Calla Lilies True Lilies?

No, Calla Lilies are not true lilies. They belong to the Araceae family, not the Liliaceae family. Their "flower" is actually a modified leaf called a spathe that wraps around a central spike called a spadix. This structure is very different from the six-tepal arrangement of a true lily flower.