Martagon Lily

Description

Martagon lily (Lilium martagon), also known as Turk’s cap lily, is a strong-growing and elegant lily native to woodland regions of Europe and parts of Asia. It has dark green leaves arranged in graceful whorls along tall stems, which support its distinctive, nodding flowers.

Flower heads are typically pink to purple with dark spots, although flower colours can range from near white through to deep maroon or almost black. Blooming from early to mid-summer, martagon lilies bring height and structure to shaded borders and woodland gardens.

A member of the lily family (Liliaceae), Lilium martagon can be slow to establish, often taking a year or two before flowering. Like all true lilies, the lily bulbs are highly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested and can cause severe kidney failure.

Turk’s cap lilies can usually reach heights of 90-150 cm and are valued for their wildlife-friendly blooms, attracting bees and butterflies, while generally being left alone by deer and rabbits.

How to Identify

Lilium martagon is easily recognised by its tall, upright stems bearing whorls of narrow, pointed leaves. The flowers have a reflexed petal shape, creating the classic Turk’s cap shape, and hang in loose clusters or racemes. Each glossy bloom nods gracefully and is marked with darker spots, giving the plant an elegant, architectural appearance.

How to Grow

Martagon lilies grow best in full sun to partial shade, ideally in a sheltered position. They prefer humus-rich, well-drained soil and do not tolerate waterlogging, particularly in winter. Planting on a slight slope or adding grit to the planting hole will help improve drainage.

Lily bulbs should be planted 15–20 cm deep between autumn and spring for summer flowering. Although slow to establish, martagon lilies reward patience with long-lived plants that return year after year, becoming more impressive over time.

Plant 15-20cm down and 20cm a apart, PDF: Planting Instructions Here

Picture by böhringer friedrich – Own work