Lily vs Calla Lily: Types, Meanings, and How to Tell Them Apart

By Jim Ng | Singapore Florist | First published: 6 June 2026 · Last updated: 6 June 2026 | 7 min read

They Are Not Even Related (Seriously)

The biggest misconception about lilies and calla lilies is that calla lilies are a type of lily. They are not. Not even close. True lilies belong to the genus Lilium (family Liliaceae). Calla lilies belong to the genus Zantedeschia (family Araceae). They are as botanically related as a cat and a catfish. The name "calla lily" stuck because Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus originally misclassified the plant in the 1700s, and 300 years later we are still using the wrong name.

Why does this matter for you as a buyer? Because the two flowers behave completely differently. They look different, smell different, last different amounts of time in a vase, and suit different occasions. Understanding the difference between lily and calla lily saves you from ordering the wrong one and ending up with an arrangement that does not match the mood.

True lilies (Lilium) come in several types you will encounter at a florist, but the two most common are Asiatic lilies and Oriental lilies. Asiatic lilies have no fragrance, come in bright colours (orange, yellow, red, pink), and are smaller. Oriental lilies are the large, dramatically fragrant ones with white or pink blooms up to 20 cm across. Other types of lilies include Longiflorum (Easter lilies), Trumpet lilies, and LA hybrids, each with their own size and scent profile. When someone says "I love the smell of lilies," they are talking about Orientals. The fragrance fills an entire room.

Calla lilies (Zantedeschia) are structurally different at a fundamental level. What looks like the "petal" is actually a modified leaf called a spathe, wrapped around a central spike called a spadix. There is no traditional flower structure. The result is that sleek, modern, trumpet-shaped silhouette that has made calla lilies a fixture in contemporary wedding bouquets for the past two decades.

Lily Flower Meaning and Symbolism Across Cultures

The lily flower meaning has deep roots across multiple cultures and religions, which is partly why lilies remain one of the most gifted flowers worldwide. In Christianity, white lilies symbolise the Virgin Mary's purity, which is why they are called "Madonna lilies" and appear in virtually every Easter service. In Chinese culture, lilies (baihe) are a wedding staple because the name sounds like "a hundred years together," making them a wish for lasting marriage.

The broader lily symbolism shifts depending on the colour. White lilies represent purity and innocence. Pink lilies convey admiration and femininity. Orange lilies symbolise confidence and energy. Yellow lilies have historically carried associations with thankfulness, though in some Victorian-era interpretations they signalled falsehood, so context matters.

The calla lily meaning takes a different angle. Because of their sculptural elegance, calla lilies are associated with beauty, sophistication, and rebirth. In Greek mythology, calla lilies were linked to Hera, goddess of marriage, which cemented their connection to weddings. In modern usage, white calla lilies are equally common at weddings and funerals, representing both new beginnings and the transition of life. The dual symbolism is unusual and gives calla lilies a versatility that few flowers match.

In Singapore's multicultural context, both flowers work across Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Christian settings. White lilies are safe for condolences across all cultures. Pink and coloured lilies are universally appropriate for celebrations. Calla lilies are a contemporary choice that reads as tasteful regardless of cultural background. Knowing these meanings helps you choose the right flower for the right moment.

When to Choose True Lilies

True lilies are the right choice when you want a flower that makes an impact through size, colour, and fragrance. They are bold, expressive flowers that command attention in any arrangement. Here are the specific occasions where lilies outperform calla lilies every time.

Celebrations and birthdays. Lilies are inherently festive. A bouquet of Stargazer lilies (pink Oriental variety) looks like a celebration in a vase. The blooms are 15 to 20 cm across, the pink-and-white colouring is dramatic, and the fragrance announces itself from across the room. For a milestone birthday, anniversary, or congratulations bouquet, Stargazers or Casa Blanca (white Oriental) lilies are hard to beat.

Sympathy and condolences. White lilies, particularly Longiflorum (Easter lilies) and Casa Blanca varieties, are the traditional condolence flower across many cultures. In Singapore's multi-cultural context, white lilies are universally appropriate for Chinese, Christian, and secular funerals. They are used in condolence flower stands and wreaths because their size fills large arrangements effectively and the white colour symbolises peace and purity.

Get well soon arrangements. Asiatic lilies (the fragrance-free variety) work well for hospital visits because they provide vibrant colour without the strong scent that can overwhelm a patient. Stick to Asiatics, not Orientals, for ward deliveries. The orange and yellow varieties are particularly uplifting.

Statement arrangements for events. If you need a centrepiece or display arrangement that has to be visible from 3 metres away, Oriental lilies deliver. Each stem produces 3 to 5 blooms, and the blooms are massive. Three stems of Casa Blanca in a tall vase create a display piece that would require 20 roses to achieve the same visual scale. Cost-per-impact, lilies win for large-format arrangements.

One practical note: lily pollen stains. The orange pollen on the stamens will permanently mark clothing, tablecloths, and furniture. Ask your florist to remove the stamens before delivery if the arrangement is going somewhere with light-coloured fabrics. At Singapore Florist, we remove stamens on request at no extra charge.

Lily Arrangements

From $52

Bridal Bouquets

From $88

When to Choose Calla Lilies

Calla lilies are the right choice when you want elegance and modernity over traditional floristry. Their clean lines and sculptural shape make them the go-to flower for contemporary settings. Here is where they shine.

Weddings and bridal bouquets. Calla lilies have been a bridal staple since the Art Deco era, and they have never gone out of style. A hand-tied bouquet of 12 to 15 white calla lily stems is one of the most photographed bridal bouquet styles in Singapore. The long stems create clean vertical lines, the blooms are elegant without being fussy, and there is zero pollen risk on a white wedding dress. Browse our bridal bouquet collection for calla lily options.

Modern and minimalist homes. If the recipient has a contemporary interior with clean lines, calla lilies fit the aesthetic far better than a traditional mixed bouquet. Five to seven calla lily stems in a tall, narrow vase is the kind of arrangement you see in design magazines. It looks intentional and curated rather than "someone bought me flowers."

Formal condolences. While white lilies are the traditional condolence flower, white calla lilies are increasingly used in modern condolence arrangements for their understated elegance. They convey respect without the heaviness that large Oriental lilies can carry. For younger or more contemporary memorial services, calla lilies often feel more appropriate.

When fragrance is a problem. Calla lilies produce almost no scent. If you are sending flowers to someone who is sensitive to strong fragrances, pregnant, or recovering from illness, calla lilies give you the visual beauty of a premium flower without the olfactory intensity of Oriental lilies. This makes them a safer hospital choice than true lilies.

Calla lilies come in more colours than most people realise. Beyond classic white, you can find them in deep burgundy, mango orange, pink, yellow, and even near-black (the "Black Star" variety). Coloured calla lilies cost slightly more ($8 to $12 per stem vs $6 to $8 for white) but they create striking arrangements that look nothing like a standard bouquet.

A Quick Decision Guide: Which One Should You Pick

If you have read this far and are still not sure, here is the simplified decision framework. Answer these three questions and the right flower reveals itself.

Still not sure? Here is the easiest rule of thumb. If the occasion is emotional and expressive (birthday, celebration, sympathy), go with true lilies. If the occasion is elegant and formal (wedding, corporate, modern home), go with calla lilies. Both are available year-round at lilies with free delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are calla lilies actually lilies?

No. Despite the name, calla lilies (Zantedeschia) are not related to true lilies (Lilium). They belong to a completely different plant family. The name "calla lily" is a botanical misnomer that has stuck since the 1700s.

Which lasts longer in a vase, lily or calla lily?

True lilies generally last slightly longer. Oriental and Asiatic lilies can last 7 to 14 days in a vase, while calla lilies typically last 7 to 10 days. Both benefit from fresh water changes every 2 to 3 days and stem trimming.

Do calla lilies have a strong smell?

No. Calla lilies have very little to no fragrance, which makes them ideal for people who are sensitive to strong floral scents. Oriental lilies, by contrast, have one of the strongest fragrances of any cut flower.

Which is better for a wedding bouquet, lily or calla lily?

Calla lilies are the more popular choice for bridal bouquets. Their clean, sculptural shape creates elegant lines, they produce no pollen (so no risk of staining a white dress), and they have minimal fragrance. True lilies work better in reception centrepieces and large display arrangements.

Can I mix lilies and calla lilies in one arrangement?

Yes, and it creates a beautiful contrast. The full, star-shaped lily blooms paired with the sleek trumpet shape of calla lilies give an arrangement both drama and sophistication. Ask your florist to build a mixed arrangement if you want the best of both.