Russian Lily: What the Name Means and How Lilies Are Given in Russia
"Russian lily" is not one botanical species. Most often it means the wild martagon lily, Lilium martagon, which Russians call saranka or "tsar's curls" for its nodding, swept-back purple-pink petals; in Siberia and the Far East the name also covers the orange Daurian lily and the small scarlet coral lily. In flower shops, a Russian lily simply means liliya - the large cut lilies that appear in bouquets for weddings, birthdays and formal thanks.
Customers in our Saint Petersburg shops ask about lilies in two ways: people abroad who remember saranka from a dacha or a childhood in Siberia, and people who want to send lilies to Russia and are not sure whether they are appropriate. This article covers both: the wild species, the cut varieties we actually put into bouquets, the etiquette and how to keep them fresh.
Saranka and the wild lilies of Russia
The martagon lily grows wild in forest edges and meadows from the European part of Russia across the Urals into Siberia. It is a tall plant with whorls of leaves around the stem and dozens of small turban-shaped flowers hanging downwards, usually dusty pink to purple with dark spots. Its bulbs were eaten in Siberia in the past, and saranka is the old folk name for edible lily bulbs.
Further east grow lilies with a different character. The Daurian lily (Lilium pensylvanicum, often listed as Lilium dauricum) has upward-facing orange cups with brown freckles, and the coral lily (Lilium pumilum) produces small, glossy scarlet flowers on thin stems. Both are hardy enough for Siberian winters and are popular with Russian gardeners who want something native and undemanding.
Wild lilies are not used in shop bouquets: they are protected in a number of Russian regions, short-lived once cut and too delicate for transport. When someone abroad asks us for "saranka" for their mother, we suggest a bouquet in the same palette - pink and burgundy with spotted petals - built from cultivated flowers.
The lilies that go into Russian bouquets
Cut lilies in Russia fall into three groups. Oriental lilies are the large, strongly scented ones in white, pink or crimson, with wide open flowers; they are the classic gift lily. Asiatic lilies have smaller, often orange or yellow flowers with almost no scent. LA hybrids sit between them: firm petals, a light fragrance, and good stamina in the vase.
A single stem of a good lily carries three to five buds, and they open one after another over a week or more. That is why we send lilies with some buds still closed: the recipient gets a bouquet that keeps changing rather than one that peaks on the first day. In a mixed bouquet, two or three lily stems are enough to give height and a focal point, with roses, alstroemeria or eustoma around them.
White lilies are the most requested colour. Pink oriental lilies are chosen for birthdays and for mothers, while orange LA lilies work well in bright autumn bouquets. You can see current compositions with lilies in our bouquets catalogue.
Bouquets we can deliver
What lilies mean in Russia and when to give them
In Russia the white lily stands for purity and is closely tied to weddings: it appears in bridal bouquets, in the hall decoration and in gifts to the bride's mother. Pink and crimson lilies read as admiration and celebration and are a common choice for a significant birthday, an anniversary or thanks to a teacher. A large lily bouquet also looks formal enough for a premiere or an official occasion.
White lilies are also brought to funerals and memorials in many families, always in an even number of stems. For a celebration, keep the count odd. If you are sending flowers to an older relative and are unsure how white lilies will be read, a mix of white lilies with pink roses or eustoma removes any ambiguity.
Think about the scent before you send oriental lilies. In a small flat, an office shared by several people or a hospital ward the fragrance can be overwhelming, and some people get headaches from it. For a doctor or a patient we usually suggest something gentler - see flowers for a Russian doctor or nurse. If you want fragrance without lilies, matthiola is a softer alternative.
How to care for cut lilies
Trim the stems by 2 cm at an angle, strip leaves below the waterline and put the lilies in cool, clean water. Change the water every two days. As each flower opens, remove the anthers - the rust-coloured stamens - with your fingers or tweezers before the pollen ripens. The flower lasts just as long without them, and you avoid stains on petals, tablecloths and clothes.
If pollen does get on fabric, do not rub it or wet it. Lift it off with sticky tape or shake and brush it away dry, then leave the item in daylight; rubbing pushes the pigment into the fibres. Remove each flower once it fades so the remaining buds get the water and the bouquet keeps a tidy shape.
Lilies are highly toxic to cats: the pollen, leaves and even water from the vase can cause kidney failure. If the recipient has a cat, choose a bouquet without lilies. Dogs are far less sensitive, but it is still sensible to keep the vase out of reach.
Sending lilies to Russia from abroad
We deliver bouquets across Russia, and in Saint Petersburg delivery is around the clock. City delivery costs 500 RUB; for remote districts and suburbs the operator confirms the price when confirming the order. In large cities express delivery takes 1-2 hours after the order is confirmed, and you can also choose an exact time, a window - 09-12, 12-15, 15-18 or 18-21 - or pre-order 1 to 30 days ahead.
You can pay on the site by bank card, SBP or Yandex Pay, and foreign bank cards are accepted through Robokassa. A card with your text is free; delivery is anonymous by default, so sign the card if you want the recipient to know who sent the lilies. The courier calls about 15 minutes before arrival, and if nobody is home we agree a second delivery the same day or, with your consent, leave the bouquet with a neighbour or concierge.
If you want lilies in a specific colour or a bouquet without them because of a cat in the house, call us on 8 (812) 507-67-05 before ordering. Full terms are on the delivery and payment page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Russian name for the martagon lily?
It is called lilia kudrevataya, and in folk usage saranka or tsarskiye kudri, "tsar's curls". It grows wild from European Russia to Siberia.
Are lilies a good gift in Russia?
Yes, lilies are given for weddings, birthdays and formal thanks, always in an odd number of stems for a celebration. Avoid strongly scented oriental lilies for hospitals and small rooms.
How long do cut lilies last?
With fresh water every two days and trimmed stems, a lily bouquet lasts around one to two weeks, because the buds open one after another.
Should I remove the stamens from lilies?
Yes. Removing the anthers as the flowers open prevents pollen stains and does not shorten the life of the flower.
Are lilies safe if the recipient has a cat?
No. All parts of the lily, including pollen and vase water, are toxic to cats, so choose a bouquet without lilies.
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