Lilium michiganense (Michigan Lily)
Native to northern and central North America, Lilium michiganense (Michigan Lily) is an incredibly graceful species with slender stems clad with lance-shaped leaves arranged in whorls. In early to mid-summer, orange-red flowers, 3 in. wide (7 cm), resembling Turk’s cap Lilies appear at the top of the stems and last about 1 month.
Native to northern and central North America, Lilium michiganense (Michigan Lily) is an incredibly graceful species with slender stems clad with lance-shaped leaves arranged in whorls. In early to mid-summer, orange-red flowers, 3 in. wide (7 cm), resembling Turk's cap Lilies appear at the top of the stems and last about 1 month. Downward facing and strongly reflexed, they are covered with purple speckles, giving them the appearance of the skin of a tiger. They are commonly visited by butterflies and hummingbirds. Michigan Lily is amazingly decorative and quite prolific as mature bulbs can produce up to 8 blossoms per stem. This Lily is stoloniferous and will spread slowly in the garden.
- Grows up to 2-5 ft. tall (60-150 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm). Michigan Lily naturalizes well and comes back year after year. Wet soil tolerant.
- Performs best in full sun or light shade in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils.
- An excellent border plant providing striking color and contrast. Great for cottage gardens, prairies, meadows, and rain gardens.
- No serious pest or disease issues.
- Plant bulbs 5-6 in. deep (12-15 cm) and 12-18 in. apart (30-45 cm) in fall. Plant in groups of 3 bulbs at a minimum for a striking display! When flowering is over, cut back leaves and stems after they turn yellow.
- Toxic to cats (though not for dogs or any known species)
- Cultivation from seed is slow and difficult, while cultivation from bulbs or transplants is somewhat faster and easier.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 4 – 8 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
| Plant Family | Lilium – Lilies |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Early,Mid) |
| Height | 2' – 5' (60cm – 150cm) |
| Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spacing | 15″ – 18″ (37cm – 45cm) |
| Depth | 5" – 6" (12cm – 15cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, New York, Pennsylvania, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, Southwest, Oklahoma |
| Tolerance | Wet Soil |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Rain Gardens |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |