Daylily & Lily – Bloom of the Week
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Welcome to Bloom of the Week—a new feature on my website and Pixels print shop where I highlight a seasonal flower and offer fine-art prints of it at special pricing for one week only. This week, we’re celebrating the stunning beauty of daylilies and lilies.
Daylilies vs. True Lilies – What’s the Difference?
- Family: Daylilies (Hemerocallis) are not true lilies—they belong to a different plant family (Hemerocallidaceae), while true lilies (Lilium) are in the Liliaceae family.
- Bloom Time: Daylily flowers last just one day, while true lily blooms can last several days per stem.
- Structure: Daylilies grow from fleshy roots and send up leafless scapes; lilies grow from bulbs with leafy stems.
- Landscape Use: Both are garden favorites—daylilies for their drought tolerance and low maintenance, lilies for their height and elegance.
- Cultural Note: Some daylily varieties are edible and used in Asian cuisine. Most true lilies are not edible and can even be toxic to pets.
Many of my photos in this series were taken during early-morning walks through San Diego’s neighborhoods—one of my favorite times of day to explore with my camera. Lilies and daylilies are among the most common and joyful blooms I come across this time of year. In July, their bright pops of orange, red, pink, and gold seem to spill out of front yards and garden beds, lining sidewalks with color. I’m always drawn to their sculptural petals and the way they catch the light. Through my vintage lenses, they take on a soft, painterly glow that reflects the quiet magic of these everyday garden moments.
Graceful Curves of a Red Daylily
This red daylily was photographed with my Helios 44-2, a vintage lens known for its iconic swirly bokeh. I loved how the curves of the petals seemed to echo the flow of the background, giving it a rich texture.
Purple Lily Portrait
I captured this elegant purple lily using the Pentacon 50mm f/1.8, a lens that brings out soft, creamy tones and delicate depth. The subtle gradient of purple hues in this bloom felt regal and calm. It stood tall among garden greens and immediately drew my eye.
Orange Daylily Swirl
This vibrant orange daylily was another Helios 44-2 capture. I love how the background swirls almost like a brushstroke around the flower, emphasizing its fiery center.
🌸 Explore my Lily & Daylily Gallery on Pixels to view and purchase fine‑art prints of these radiant summer blooms. Prints from this week’s featured flowers are on sale for a limited time!
Thanks for reading—until next bloom! 🌼 Diana