Don't get true lilies confused with other flowers with "lily" names, such as daylilies, blackberry lilies or pineapple lilies. True lilies grow from bulbs that look a bit like artichokes. They produce single, straight stems with short leaves sticking out all the way up to where the flowers start. They are hardy and don't need to be lifted in the fall. Lily bulbs are best planted in September or October, but they can also be planted in early spring. Container-grown lilies are usually planted in spring as well, although over-wintering them in their pots is a challenge.

Three main groups of lilies grow well in Colorado gardens. Hybrid Asiatic lilies bloom in June and July and are noted for their bright colors and ease of culture. Some have spots or freckles that show that the classic brown-spotted orange tiger lily figures in their parentage. Asiatic lilies are derived from several Asian species and are often sold as cut flowers. Colors range from white and yellow to pink, orange and red. They have little or no scent. Like all lilies, they grow best in a sunny spot (with some afternoon shade a good idea) in well-drained soil.

Trumpet lilies also are derived from Asian species. The flowers are big, the plants are tall, and the fragrance is powerful and sweet. Trumpet lilies may be white, yellow, orange and even purple. Some plants may grow five or six feet tall and may need staking.

Oriental lilies--needless to say--are also derived from Asian species. Wild species of lilies are found in North America and Europe as well, but the Asian species are the easiest to grow. Oriental lilies are also very fragrant. The best known is the classic 'Stargazer' lily, with white and raspberry-red flowers with red freckles. This short lily is often grown in pots. Many other Oriental lily hybrids can be grown, ranging in color from white and pink to lavender and red. All have a delicious perfume that is strongest at night.

Hybridizers have managed to blur the lines between these groups of lilies, particularly by breeding them with Easter lilies. These resulting hybrids often display the best traits of the parents, with beautiful colors, lovely scent and strong constitutions.

I hate to raid my garden to cut lilies for bouquets. To enjoy them inside, I just remove a few blossoms and float them in a bowl, mixing in a bit of greenery and other smaller flowers. A single blossom is enough to perfume a room. Lily pollen will stain tablecloths and clothing. Florists regularly remove the pollen from flowers. I don't worry about it when I display them in bowls.

After you lilies have finished blooming, remove the faded flowers to prevent them from setting seed and wasting their energy. Let the foliage mature, removing the old stalks in spring. Mark your calendar to shop for lily bulbs in late August and Early September, so that you can enjoy these beautiful flowers next summer.