Martagon Lilies
Among the earliest to bloom, these lilies are quite decorative with their pendant flowers sporting backward-curling petals, resembling Turk’s caps and presenting shades of pink, lavender, orange, red, yellow and white often with speckles and freckles. Their leaves grow in whorls around the stem and are not alternatively scattered as with Asiatic or Oriental Lilies. While they may take a year to adjust to a new garden, they will thrive for years, once established. They enjoy full sun or part shade, slightly alkaline soils and don’t seem to be bothered by pests. They usually do not like hot, humid climates. Planted in spring, they are great companions for ferns and hostas.
Amazingly decorative and easy to grow, Martagon Lilies feature bountiful 2-4 inch blossoms (5-10 cm), mostly downward facing with strongly recurved tepals and resembling a Turk's cap (hence their common name). Yellow, pink, lavender, light orange, deep dark red and white are the colors most frequently seen and are often accompanied by whimsical speckles and freckles. There is a form of the species called Lilium Martagon 'Album' that is a pure spotless white.
- Blooming in early – mid summer, they come back year after year and constitute excellent border plants, providing striking color and contrast to the perennial border and mix beautifully with annuals and other summer flowering bulbs. Their colors are at their loveliest next to ferns and/or hostas. They are well suited to containers and the cutting garden too.
- There may be up to 50 flowers on a stem, although the average is generally 12 to 24 blossoms.
Guide Information
| Hardiness | 3 – 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 1 – 7 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
| Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
| Plant Family | Lilium – Lilies |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Early,Mid) |
| Height | 3' – 6' (90cm – 180cm) |
| Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spacing | 7" (17cm) |
| Depth | 7" (17cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Cutting Garden, Informal and Cottage |