Vase, varieties, meaning & important information for cat owners
Majestic and fragrant: what you need to know about lilies — from proper care to an important warning for pet owners. Recommended in this context: Tropical Passion. Recommended in this context: Coral Magic. Recommended in this context: Fiery Passion.
Lilies are among my personal favorites. A single stem with five buds can almost replace an entire bouquet — the flowers open one after another over several days. But there are two things you really need to know: how to handle the pollen, and why lilies are a real problem for cats.
Quick Profile: Lily
Botanical: Lilium (family Liliaceae)
Origin: Asia, Europe, North America
Species: around 125 natural species
Grown in: the Netherlands, Chile, New Zealand
Garden flowering season: June–August
Cut flower: available year-round
Vase life: 7–14 days
Difficulty: easy
Warning for cat owners: All parts of the lily — flowers, leaves, stems, pollen, and even the vase water — are highly toxic to cats. Even contact with the pollen can lead to kidney failure. If you have a cat at home, it’s best not to use lilies. Safe alternatives: gerberas, roses, or sunflowers.
Where do lilies come from?
Lilies have an ancient history. The Madonna lily was depicted on Crete more than 3,500 years ago. In ancient Egypt, it was seen as a symbol of fertility. Most species come from East Asia — China, Japan, and Korea.
In Christian tradition, the white lily stands for the purity of the Virgin Mary — which is why it is known as the “Madonna lily.” The reason lilies are available all year round is because they are grown in the Southern Hemisphere (Chile, New Zealand).
Meaning of Lilies
The meaning of lilies depends strongly on their color:
| Color | Meaning | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| White | Purity, majesty, innocence | Wedding, christening, mourning |
| Pink | Prosperity, admiration | Birthday, congratulations |
| Orange | Pride, energy | Celebrate success, promotion |
| Yellow | Gratitude, cheerfulness | Thank You, Get Well Soon |
| Red | Passion, deep love | Anniversary, Valentine’s Day |
The meaning of white lilies is especially layered: the purity of a bride and dignity in funeral flower arrangements. Red lilies symbolize passion — an elegant alternative to red roses.
Lilies in a Vase — Care Tips for Maximum Freshness
Buy them in bud
Buy lilies with closed but coloured buds. The buds open one after another over several days — so you keep getting fresh blooms.
Remove anthers immediately!
As soon as a bloom opens: carefully remove the orange anthers with tweezers — before they release pollen. Lily pollen can permanently stain clothing and furniture.
First aid for pollen stains: Don’t rub! Press sticky tape onto the stain and peel it off. Put any remaining marks in the sun — UV light bleaches them out.
How to make lilies last longer
Trim the stems at an angle. Remove any leaves below the waterline. Use lukewarm water with flower food, changing it every 2–3 days. Placement: bright, no direct sun, 18–20°C.
Keep fragrance in mind
Oriental lilies have an intense fragrance. If you’re sensitive: don’t put them in the bedroom. Alternative: Asiatic lilies — just as beautiful, but with no fragrance.
Types of lilies
| Type | Fragrance | Best for whom? |
|---|---|---|
| Oriental lily | Very strong | For anyone who loves intense fragrance |
| Asiatic lily | No fragrance | Allergy sufferers, people sensitive to fragrance |
| Longiflorum (Easter lily) | Medium | Easter, funeral floristry |
| OT hybrid | Medium to strong | For anyone who wants to make an impression (up to 30 cm!) |
How long do lilies last in a vase?
7–14 days — bought in bud, 10–14 days; already open, 5–7 days. OT hybrids last the longest.
Planting lilies — garden
- Planting time: Autumn (Sept.–Nov.), bulbs 15–20 cm deep
- Location: “Head in the sun, feet in the shade”
- Soil: Well-draining, humus-rich, slightly acidic. Waterlogging = bulb rot
- Hardy: Most tolerate temperatures down to -20°C
Order lilies from MoBlumen Vienna
Fresh lilies — single stems or in a bouquet. Available all year round, with delivery in Vienna.
Frequently asked questions about lilies
Yes, extremely. All parts — flowers, leaves, pollen, stems, vase water — can cause kidney failure. Safe alternatives: gerbera, roses, sunflowers, baby’s breath.
Don’t rub! Press sticky tape onto the stain and peel it off. Put any remaining marks in the sun — UV light bleaches the pollen. Prevention: remove the anthers before they open.
Asiatic lilies have no fragrance — ideal for sensitive people. If you want fragrance, choose Oriental lilies. Ask your florist about the variety.
Fresh flowers at MoBlumen Vienna
Lilies, roses, bouquets and more — hand-tied, delivered fast.
