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Most lilies droop their heads, forcing you to crane your neck just to admire the bloom. A double Asiatic lily solves that by holding its layered, ruffled flowers upright, facing the sky, making every petal visible from above. These perennials return year after year, offering vivid color without the need for staking, and they are among the most reliable cut flowers you can grow for summer arrangements.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I spend my time comparing bulb specifications, studying regional hardiness data, and analyzing aggregated owner feedback to separate reliable perennials from disappointing annuals.
This guide walks you through five proven bulb packs that deliver strong stems, true colors, and reliable rebloom. Whether you need a bold border statement or a container-friendly option, you will find a clear winner among our picks for the best double asiatic lily options available this season.
How To Choose The Best Double Asiatic Lily
Picking the right bulb pack means looking beyond the packaging photo. The three factors that separate a one-season show from a lasting perennial colony are bulb size, hardiness zone alignment, and the specific hybrid type.
Bulb circumference determines first-year performance
Asiatic lily bulbs are sold by centimeter circumference, usually 14/16 cm or 16/18 cm. The larger the bulb, the more stored energy it carries, which translates to thicker stems and a higher number of flower buds in the first season. A 14/16 cm bulb is standard and will produce a respectable bloom, but a 16/18 cm bulb guarantees a more dramatic display from year one. Always check the listed size before buying.
Hardiness zone matching prevents winter loss
Double Asiatic lilies generally thrive in USDA zones 3 through 9, but not all bulbs are equally cold-tolerant. Bulbs sourced from Dutch growers and sized for colder zones (3-7) handle freeze-thaw cycles better. If you garden in zone 8 or 9, focus on packs that list those zones explicitly to avoid bulbs that melt out in warm, wet winters.
Hybrid type affects stem strength and color range
Not all “Asiatic” labels are identical. True Asiatic hybrids (AL) produce upward-facing flowers with six petals, while Tango types (AT) have speckled faces, and LA hybrids cross Asiatic with Longiflorum for taller stems and larger blooms. Double Asiatic varieties specifically carry extra petal layers. If you want the classic double form with no pollen mess, look for the words “double” or “multi-petal” in the description rather than a generic “Asiatic mix.”
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garden State Bulb Red Velvet | Premium | Bulk planting & red color | 20 bulbs, 14/16 cm size | Amazon |
| Willard & May Asiatic Mix | Mid-Range | Budget mix for borders | 10 bulbs, multi-color | Amazon |
| Easy to Grow 12-Bulb Mix | Mid-Range | Large color variety | 12 bulbs, AL & LA mix | Amazon |
| Forever Susan Asiatic Lily | Mid-Range | Unique maroon/orange bloom | 3 bulbs, 16/18 cm size | Amazon |
| Easy to Grow White Lily | Budget | Small-space white blooms | 3 bulbs, white color | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Garden State Bulb Red Velvet Asiatic Lily (Bag of 20)
This is the highest-count premium pack in the lineup, delivering 20 bulbs of Red Velvet Asiatic lily in the standard 14/16 cm size. Each bulb is temperature-controlled and treated to resist rot during shipping, and the bag is heavy enough to fill a 4-foot bed section with dense color. The mature height of 32 inches places these at the back of a border without overshadowing shorter perennials.
Buyers consistently report near-100% germination rates when planted in full sun to partial shade in spring. The red is deep and velvety, not washed out, and the stems hold up well in summer rain without lodging. The one-year limited growth guarantee from Garden State Bulb adds a layer of security that smaller sellers rarely offer.
A few customers received bulbs that bloomed white instead of red, which suggests possible mislabeling in isolated batches. If color accuracy is critical, buy from a retailer with a straightforward return policy. Still, for volume, stem quality, and the pollinator-attracting bonus, this pack is the strongest overall value.
What works
- Highest bulb count in the roundup (20 per bag)
- Guaranteed 32-inch mature height with sturdy stems
- One-year replacement warranty from the manufacturer
What doesn’t
- Occasional color mislabeling reported (red vs. white)
- Standard 14/16 cm size, not the jumbo 16/18 cm
2. Willard & May Asiatic Lily Mix (10 Bulbs)
This 10-bulb mix from Willard & May is designed for gardeners who want a rainbow effect without buying multiple single-color packs. The blend typically includes fluorescent orange, deep orange-yellow, and red blooms with yellow centers, all facing upward. The bulbs are pre-sized for naturalizing, meaning they can be left in the ground to multiply over three to four years.
Owners in cooler climates like Buffalo, NY, report that bulbs sprout within a week of spring planting and bloom by early June, reaching 18-24 inches. The plants are compact enough for the middle of a border and produce excellent cut flowers with a light, pleasant scent. Sandy soil and partial sun work well here, but the mix adapts to amended clay with added drainage.
Some customers note that after the first year, certain bulbs did not return, behaving more like annuals than true perennials. The color distribution is also not guaranteed — a few packs produced all orange blooms despite the “mixed” label. For the price per bulb, this is still a strong entry, but expect some variation.
What works
- Naturalizing habit spreads into a colony over time
- Fast sprouting — visible growth within 7-10 days
- Compact 18-24 inch height suits mid-border placement
What doesn’t
- Not all bulbs are reliably perennial; some act as annuals
- Color mix is random, often skewing all orange
3. Easy to Grow Asiatic Hybrid Lilies Mix (12 Bulbs)
This 12-bulb pack from Easy to Grow combines standard Asiatic (AL) with LA hybrids, which cross Asiatic and Longiflorum genetics for taller, more robust stems. The result is a mix that can reach 30-36 inches, with flowers that face upward and hold their color through summer heat. Each bulb arrives with a printed planting guide, which is helpful for first-time lily growers.
Customer reports show that bulbs sprout quickly — one Florida gardener saw growth within two weeks after an April 1 planting in a container with Miracle-Gro soil. The flowers are excellent for cutting, and the stems do not require staking even in windy spots. The variety within the pack means you get a spread of colors from white and yellow to pink and red.
Rabbits are attracted to the young shoots, so gardeners in areas with heavy rabbit pressure should pot these or use a repellent until the stems toughen. The bulbs are not all the same size, so early-season growth rates can vary within the same pack. Still, for the price-per-bulb ratio and the inclusion of LA hybrids, this is a smart mid-range buy.
What works
- Includes LA hybrids for taller, stronger stems
- Printed planting guide included with every order
- Fast growth reported in both containers and beds
What doesn’t
- Young shoots are a magnet for rabbits
- Mixed bulb sizes lead to uneven first-year growth
4. Forever Susan Asiatic Lily (3 Bulbs)
Forever Susan is a named variety, not a random mix, which means you get consistent maroon flowers with a striking yellow-orange edge every time. Each bulb is graded at 16/18 cm — the jumbo category — so the first-year flowers reach 4-6 inches across on stems 24-36 inches tall. The upward-facing habit makes these ideal for patio containers or the front of a border where the bloom face is visible.
Growers in zones 3-10 report strong rebloom in the second year, with taller stems and more flowers than the first season. The bulbs are organic and attract both butterflies and hummingbirds, adding ecological value beyond the visual display. The premium price for three bulbs reflects the larger size and the guaranteed color accuracy of a named cultivar.
A small number of buyers received bulbs that bloomed solid orange instead of the advertised maroon and orange trim. This suggests that pack-level mixing errors happen occasionally, especially with smaller sellers. If you need the exact Forever Susan color, order early in the season when stock is freshest.
What works
- Jumbo 16/18 cm bulbs produce large first-year blooms
- Named cultivar guarantees consistent maroon/orange color
- Strong perennial habit with increasing returns year over year
What doesn’t
- Only 3 bulbs per pack — low count for bed filling
- Occasional miscolored blooms reported
5. Easy to Grow White Asiatic Lily (3 Bulbs)
This three-pack of white Asiatic lilies from Easy to Grow is the most affordable entry point in the roundup, offering a clean, bright color that pairs well with darker perennials like purple salvia or blue delphinium. The bulbs are standard-grade, not jumbo, so first-year flowers are smaller — around 3-4 inches — but the white petals are pure and reflective, standing out in evening light.
Customer feedback highlights rapid sprouting and healthy growth, with one verified buyer noting sprouts from all three bulbs just two weeks after an April 1 planting. The plants reach a moderate height and fit comfortably in containers or the front of a mixed border. The moderate watering requirement makes these easy to maintain even in dryer summers.
Rabbits are a recurring issue with this variety — one reviewer reported that rabbits ate the buds before they opened, recommending potted placement on a raised surface. The pack is also small, so covering a large area requires multiple orders. For a low-cost white accent, however, this pack delivers reliable color with minimal effort.
What works
- Lowest price in the roundup for a clean white bloom
- Fast sprouting — visible growth in two weeks
- Suitable for container growing in small spaces
What doesn’t
- High rabbit attraction — buds eaten before opening
- Only 3 bulbs, insufficient for large bed coverage
Hardware & Specs Guide
Bulb Size (Circumference)
Bulb size is measured in centimeters around the equator of the bulb. A 14/16 cm bulb is the industry standard and will produce a 3-4 inch flower in its first season. A 16/18 cm bulb (jumbo) stores more energy, yielding 4-6 inch blooms and thicker stems from year one. Always select the largest size your budget allows for maximum first-year impact.
USDA Hardiness Zones
Asiatic lilies thrive in zones 3-9, but not all bulbs are preconditioned for extreme cold or heat. Bulbs from Dutch suppliers are typically hardened for zones 3-7, while those from southern growers may struggle below zone 5. Check the specific zone range on the package — a bulb rated for zones 4-8 will perform differently in zone 9 than one rated for zones 3-10.
Mature Height
Asiatic hybrids range from 18 inches (dwarf varieties) to 36 inches (standard). Height affects placement in the garden: short varieties belong at the front of a border, tall ones at the back. LA hybrids (Asiatic crossed with Longiflorum) are the tallest and most wind-resistant, often reaching 32-36 inches without staking.
Bloom Time & Duration
Asiatic lilies bloom in early to mid-summer, typically June through July, with each flower lasting about two weeks. Staggered planting — setting bulbs in the ground two weeks apart in spring — extends the bloom window by three to four weeks. Deadheading spent flowers redirects energy to the bulb for the next season rather than seed production.
FAQ
Do double Asiatic lilies come back every year?
How deep should I plant double Asiatic lily bulbs?
Why did my Asiatic lilies bloom a different color than the package photo?
Can I grow double Asiatic lilies in pots?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best double asiatic lily winner is the Garden State Bulb Red Velvet Asiatic Lily because it combines a high bulb count (20 per bag) with a named red cultivar and a one-year replacement guarantee. If you want a unique maroon bloom with jumbo bulbs, grab the Forever Susan Asiatic Lily. And for a budget-friendly white accent, nothing beats the Easy to Grow White Asiatic Lily.