What Lilies Can Grow in Zone 5?

U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 5 crosses the continent, going from the eastern Maine coast through northern Missouri and into northern Washington State. Lily species in different colors and sizes grow in zone 5 — in such venues as flower gardens, rock gardens, perennial borders and open, naturalized areas of the landscape. Native and non-native species of lilies comprise the multiple types able to make it through a zone-5 winter and bloom year after year.

Types

• The types of lilies for zone 5 that develop from bulbs include the Persian lily, trumpet lily, foxtail lily, orienpet lily, spider lily, golden-rayed lily, Formosan lily and the Asiatic lily. Perennial lily species for the zone include dozens of cultivars of tetraploid daylilies and regular daylilies. The toad lily, candy lily and the wood lily also grow in zone 5. Aquatic lilies for water gardens and ponds in zone 5 are the yellow pond lily and the hardy water lily.

Size

• Certain cultivars of lilies grow small, with many struggling to reach a height of 18 inches. These include the Asiatic lily cultivar called America, as well as the Lemon Pixie cultivar. Daylily cultivars like English Pixie and Brookwood Ojo Poco grow no higher than 18 inches. The other end of the lily size spectrum includes species such as the trumpet lily called American Classic Hybrids, growing to 7 feet. Other lilies able to grow to 6, 7 and even 8 feet include different forms of the Formosan and Asiatic lilies.

Colors

• Yellow lilies for zone 5 include cultivars such as American Way, Dreamland, Connecticut King, Apricot and Baby Lamb. Orange-shaded lilies include several forms of the daylily such as Apricot Beauty and Double Doodah. Lilies for the zone able to turn out a purple or lavender flower include Swirling Water, Red Cloud and Purple D’Oro. White lilies for growing in zone 5 consist of cultivars such as Casa Blanca and Amethyst Temple; Miss Amelia and Sister Clara are white daylily forms. Many of these lilies suitable for the zone feature multiple colors, such as the red and yellow-green of the Christmas Is cultivar.

Uses

• Use lilies within USDA zone 5 for different landscaping taks, with the size of the plant factoring into its job. For example, a daylily cultivar growing only to 12 inches — Eenie Weenie — works as ground cover or in the front of perennial borders, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden. Taller lilies, such as Pink Heaven, work as container plants or in borders. The largest lilies in zone 5 are appropriate for cottage gardens, naturalized areas and the back of flower borders.