Hardy Lilium Martagon for Woodland Gardens
Plants and Flowers of Lily Species with Turk's-Cap Forms
Nov 3, 2009
Species of lilies with Turk’s-cap shaped blossoms have down-facing flowers with recurved petals on tall upright plant stems. Generally, Lilium species thrive in full sun to part shade and flower June through August. Gardeners, who grow plants in shady flowerbeds or woodland sites, will have good success with Lilium martagon which flowers early in summer.
Martagon Lily Cultivars
Lilium martagon cultivars are included in the group of lilies with a solitary flower form sometimes shaped like a Turk’s-cap; their whorled leaves are long, wide and tapering to a point. The plant hybrids are hardy as far north as zone 2, tolerate moist garden soils and bloom in early summer. These Lilium martagon cultivars are, once established, among the lily plants considered low maintenance:
- L. ‘Nepera’ has spotted orange petals on a 36” tall plant.
- L. ‘Mrs. R.O. Backhouse’ is the quintessential dependable hybrid that also grows up to 36”. The yellow flowers are overlaid with pink. The blooms open in late June.
- L. ‘Fort Knox’ grows up to 54” and prefers more sun. The flower colors are a blend of bright yellow and orange.
Lilium tsingtauense is part of the martagon family except that the bloom faces upward and thrives best in very well draining soil. Native and well established Lilium plants are able to withstand drought conditions.
Lilium ‘Black Beauty’ is a slightly fragrant oriental and trumpet lily hybrid. The flower has recurved deep maroon petals narrowly edged with white and extremely long anthers. The plant has a height of between 3’ – 6.’
Native Lilium Turk’s-Cap
Gardeners who create their gardens with native plants can consider some Lilium species. Lilium superbum is a Turk’s-cap, native to the United States east from Illinois and as far south as Florida.
The plant is hardy in zones 3 – 8 and blooms middle to late summer. The 3’ – 4’ tall plant supports many flowers that are orange with black dots.
How to Grow Lily Plant Information
Lilies prefer growing in garden beds where soil has been amended with organic matter. Plant lily bulbs in autumn for best results and mix a slow release granular fertilizer into the soil.
Especially because lilies react badly to being crowded in a garden, tall varieties should be staked rather than depending on near by plants to hold lily plants upright. Lily plants should also be protected against late spring frosts early in the growing season.
For shady locations or woodland gardens, Lilium martagon plants are reliable choices. Many Lilium species and hybrids are available to plant; it is simply a matter of the right lily in the right location to ensure successful gardening. Garden readers interested in more lily-like plants may also want to learn about ditch lilies.
Permission received for all photos used in this article.
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