Lilium martagon

The flowers of Lilium martagon, with a diameter of 5 cm, are certainly not big for a Lily, but the number of flowers more than makes up for that little flaw. Due to her abundant blooming and elegantly curved flowers she is considered to be among the graceful Lilies. This beautifully rounded arched flower brought her the nickname ‘Turks Cap Lily’.

In the wild you can find the species Lilium martagon in large parts of Europe and Asia, she feels at home over here and she is not picky when it comes to soil types. She grows in any reasonable garden soil, but she does prefer to be planted on a half shady location. When you plant her on a spot with full sun all day long, she might suffer. 

The true species Lilium martagon is hard to increase for growers and rare on the market. But there are a couple of hybrids available that perform very well in the garden and are easy growers. Strong floriferous plants that are certainly worthwhile to give them a try.

Planting Lilium martagon

Lilium martagon grows different than most of the other Lilies, she HAS to be planted in the fall. She also blooms earlier in the season than most other Lilies; in June she is at her peak. Due to her early blooming her plant also dies off sooner. In August she is ready for digging to be re-planted again in the fall. The bulb of a martagon Lily is also sensitive for dehydration so you will understand that you cannot store a martagon bulb till March after digging them in August. The bulbs of Lilium martagon need to be planted in the fall for a good flowering result in June/July the next year. Plant the bulbs at a depth of 10 cm soil on top of the bulbs.

Look at the Lilium martagon, even more than other Lilies, as if it is a perennial. Choose het location in the garden with care; little bit of sun, little bit of shade and well drained garden soil. Among low growing perennials she often also feels happy. Do not disturb her once she is settled. Years ago, I got some martagon Lily bulbs from the grower, I planted them half under an elderberry. In the morning they have direct sunlight and for the rest of the day some shade. Every year since planting they are just as nice as the first year.