Turk's Cap Lilies, Mountain Lilies, Martagon Hybrid Lilies
Lilium martagon (Martagon Lily) is a stunning and elegant perennial with nodding flowers and a wide range of vibrant colors, adding beauty and charm to any garden.
Martagon Lily, scientific name Lilium martagon, is a charming and elegant perennial plant native to Eurasia, spanning regions from Portugal to Mongolia and extending into the northern areas of North America. The species, also known as Turk’s Cap Lily, is celebrated for its distinctive, downward-facing blooms.
Habit and Size: This lily grows from a bulb and has an upright growth habit, reaching heights of 2 to 4 feet (60-120 cm) and occasionally up to 6 feet (180 cm) in ideal conditions. Its stems are covered with whorls of dark green, glossy leaves up to 6 inches (15 cm) long. This vigorous bulbous perennial comes back year after year and constitutes an excellent border plant.
Flowers: Martagon Lily’s crowning glory is its abundant clusters of small, Turk’s cap-shaped flowers that appear in early to mid-summer. The flowers, which can number up to 50 on a single stem, exhibit recurved petals and come in a range of colors from white to pink, purple, and sometimes dark red, often speckled.
Hardiness: Martagon lily is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9, making it suitable for many temperate gardens. A fascinating fact about this plant is that unlike many lilies, which prefer to be planted in full sun, Martagon Lilies can thrive and bloom impressively in shadier spots, making them a great addition to partially shaded gardens.
Uses: Gardeners use Martagon Lily in borders, woodland gardens, and naturalized areas. Its towering height and abundant blooms make it an excellent choice for background plantings or as a focal point.
Pollinators: This plant will provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinating insects.
Toxicity: Martagon Lilies can be toxic to cats.
It’s important to note that Martagon Lilies may take a year or two to establish and bloom after planting, but they are long-lived and can flourish for years once settled.
Growing Martagon Lilies in your garden can offer several benefits:
Spectacular Blooms: Martagon Lilies are renowned for their unique, downward-facing, Turk’s cap-shaped flowers. The dramatic recurved petals and the sheer abundance of blooms, up to 50 on a single stem, create a stunning display that is hard to match in the garden.
Versatile Planting: Unlike many lilies that require full sun, Martagon Lilies can thrive and bloom well in partially shaded areas. This makes them a great choice for gardeners who have limited sunny spaces or for those looking to add color and height to shaded or woodland gardens.
Hardy and Long-Lived: Martagon Lilies are incredibly hardy, surviving in USDA zones 3 to 9. While they may take a year or two to establish and start blooming, once settled, these perennials are long-lived and can provide beauty in the garden for many years.
Low Maintenance: Once established, Martagon Lilies require minimal care. They are not prone to many pests or diseases.
Suitable for Different Garden Styles: Whether your garden style is a formal border, a casual cottage garden, or a naturalized woodland area, the elegant Martagon Lily can find a home.
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 |
Genus | Lilium |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Mid) |
Height | 2' - 6' (60cm - 180cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spacing | 7" (18cm) |
Depth | 7" (18cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Attracts | Bees |
Landscaping Ideas | Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Cutting Garden, Informal and Cottage |
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 |
Genus | Lilium |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Mid) |
Height | 2' - 6' (60cm - 180cm) |
Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
Spacing | 7" (18cm) |
Depth | 7" (18cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Attracts | Bees |
Landscaping Ideas | Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Cutting Garden, Informal and Cottage |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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