Hybridisation has somewhat broken down these definitions. Happily for gardeners with lime-rich or alkaline soils, Oriental lilies grow well in containers of peat-free ericaceous potting compost.
There are two main types: Asiatic lilies and oriental lilies. ‘Asiatic lilies are easier to grow and come in a greater variety of colours,’ explains Samantha. ‘They grow best in alkaline soil.