Create Your Garden

Lilium martagon (Martagon Lily)

Turk's Cap Lilies, Mountain Lilies, Martagon Hybrid Lilies

Turk's Cap 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.

What is a Martagon Lily?

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.

Why Should I Grow a Martagon Lily?

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.

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
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 Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Cutting Garden, Informal and Cottage
Lilium ‘Arabian Knight’ (Martagon Lily)
Lilium ‘Claude Shride’ (Martagon Lily)
Lilium ‘Manitoba Morning’ (Martagon Lily)

Garden Design with Martagon Lily Flowers

Martagon Lily flowers bring height, color, and a unique shape to your garden design. They work well in various settings thanks to their hardiness and adaptability. Here are a few ideas for incorporating them into your garden:

Woodland Gardens: Because Martagon Lilies can handle partial shade, they are a great addition to woodland or shade gardens. Plant them among ferns, hostas, and other shade-tolerant plants. Their tall stems and colorful blooms will provide a striking contrast against the green backdrop.

Cottage Gardens: The charming, down-facing blooms of the Martagon Lily can contribute to the relaxed and abundant feeling of a cottage garden. Mix them with other perennials like delphiniums, peonies, and roses for a show of color throughout the season.

Borders and Backgrounds: Martagon Lilies can grow quite tall, making them excellent plants for the back of a border or as a backdrop to shorter plants. They pair well with shorter perennials that bloom at the same time, such as perennial geraniums and lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis).

Naturalized Areas: Martagon Lilies are an excellent choice for naturalizing in a meadow or along a woodland edge. They can be planted in large groups for a dramatic effect, and once established, they’ll come back year after year.

Containers: If space is a premium, Martagon Lilies can also be grown in large containers. They can provide height in a mixed container garden, or stand alone as a striking statement.

When designing with Martagon Lilies, consider their height and their preference for well-drained, humus-rich soil. Also, remember that their flowers are downward-facing, so placing them where you can view the blooms from below, perhaps from a deck or an uphill path, can be a clever design strategy.

Lilium ‘Chameleon’ (Martagon Lily)
Lilium ‘Fairy Morning’ (Martagon Lily)
Lilium ‘Orange Marmalade’ (Martagon Lily)

Companion Plants

When selecting companion plants for Lilium martagon, it’s essential to consider plants that thrive in similar conditions. Here are some suggestions:

1. Hostas (Hosta spp.): These leafy perennials thrive in shade and come in a variety of textures and colors, providing a nice contrast to the tall, slender stems of Martagon Lilies.

2. Ferns (Various spp.): Ferns can create a lush, woodland feel when planted with Martagon Lilies. Try lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina) or Japanese painted fern (Athyrium niponicum).

3. Astilbe (Astilbe spp.): Astilbe’s feathery plumes and fern-like foliage in partial shade would complement the Martagon Lily well.

4. Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis): This shade-loving perennial has a distinctive heart-shaped flower and delicate foliage, creating a beautiful contrast with the lily.

5. Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.): Many hydrangeas do well in partial shade and can provide a nice backdrop to the tall, slender Martagon Lilies.

6. Columbine (Aquilegia spp.): The delicate flowers and attractive foliage of columbines can provide a nice contrast to the robust structure of Martagon Lilies.

7. Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum spp.): The arching stems and hanging flowers of Solomon’s Seal can add an elegant touch to your garden when planted with Martagon Lilies.

Remember, Martagon Lilies like to have their “feet in the shade and their heads in the sun”, so low-growing companion plants can help keep the soil cool. These companions should also have non-competitive root systems to ensure the lilies get the nutrients they need.

Companion Plants for Martagon Lily

Hosta (Plantain Lily)
Astilbe
Athyrium (Lady Fern)
Dicentra (Bleeding Heart)
Aquilegia (Columbine)
Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf Hydrangea)

Growing Tips

Martagon lilies, also known as Turk’s cap lilies, are a wonderful addition to any garden due to their beauty and hardiness. Here are some steps to grow Martagon lilies:

Select the Right Location: Martagon lilies prefer partially shaded areas but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. They should be planted where they can receive morning sun and afternoon shade, if possible.

Prepare the Soil: These lilies prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is clay-heavy, you can improve its texture and drainage by adding some organic compost or well-rotted manure. The soil should have a slightly alkaline to neutral pH.

Planting: Plant the bulbs in the fall, about 7 inches (17 cm) deep and apart. The pointed end of the bulb should face upwards. Water the area thoroughly after planting.

Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch to help conserve moisture and keep the roots cool.

Watering: Martagon lilies need regular watering, especially during the growing season. However, avoid over-watering as this can lead to bulb rot.

Fertilizer: Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in spring when new growth appears.

Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to divert energy back to the bulb. However, leave the stems and leaves to die back naturally.

Pest and Disease Control: Watch out for pests like lily beetles and diseases like lily mosaic virus. Prompt action can prevent these problems from spreading.

Overwintering: In colder climates, apply a thick layer of mulch in late fall to protect the bulbs from freezing temperatures.

Patience: Martagon lilies are known to have a ‘sulk’ period, which means they may not flower the first year after planting or after being disturbed. Be patient and give them a year or two to establish.

Note that Martagon lilies can self-seed, so if you wish to prevent them from spreading, remove the seed pods in the fall. However, the seedlings may take several years to mature and flower.

Lilium ‘Gaybird’ (Martagon Lily)
Lilium ‘Mrs R.O. Backhouse’ (Martagon Lily)
Lilium ‘Pink Morning’ (Martagon Lily)

Discover These Helpful Lily Guides for Further Reading

Lilies for Long Summer Blooms
Great Companion Plants for Martagon Lilies
Lilies: How to Grow and Care with Success
Best Lilies For Pots and Containers
How to Choose Lilies
Most Fragrant Lilies
Compare All Lilium (Lily)
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Lilium (Lily)
Guides with
Lilium (Lily)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

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
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 Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Cutting Garden, Informal and Cottage
Compare All Lilium (Lily)
Compare Now
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Lilium (Lily)
Guides with
Lilium (Lily)

Related Items

Please Login to Proceed

You Have Reached The Free Limit, Please Subscribe to Proceed

Subscribe to Gardenia

To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of Gardenia
  • Add as many plants as you wish
  • Create and save up to 25 garden collections
Become a Member

Plant Added Successfully

You have Reached Your Limit

To add more plants, you must be a paid member of our site Become a Member

Update Your Credit
Card Information

Cancel

Create a New Collection

Sign Up to Our Newsletter

    You have been subscribed successfully

    Join Gardenia.net

    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.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Join Gardenia.net

    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.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Find your Hardiness Zone

    Find your Heat Zone

    Find your Climate Zone