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Lilium michiganense (Michigan Lily)

Michigan Lily, Turk's Cap Lily

Lilium michiganense, Michigan Lily, Summer flowering Bulb, Orange Lilies, Lily Flower

Native to northern and central North America, Lilium michiganense (Michigan Lily) is an incredibly graceful species with slender stems clad with lance-shaped leaves arranged in whorls. In early to mid-summer, orange-red flowers, 3 in. wide (7 cm), resembling Turk’s cap Lilies appear at the top of the stems and last about 1 month. Downward facing and strongly reflexed, they are covered with purple speckles, giving them the appearance of the skin of a tiger. They are commonly visited by butterflies and hummingbirds. Michigan Lily is amazingly decorative and quite prolific as mature bulbs can produce up to 8 blossoms per stem. This Lily is stoloniferous and will spread slowly in the garden.

  • Grows up to 2-5 ft. tall (60-150 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm). Michigan Lily naturalizes well and comes back year after year. Wet soil tolerant.
  • Performs best in full sun or light shade in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils.
  • An excellent border plant providing striking color and contrast. Great for cottage gardens, prairies, meadows, and rain gardens.
  • No serious pest or disease issues.
  • Plant bulbs 5-6 in. deep (12-15 cm) and 12-18 in. apart (30-45 cm) in fall. Plant in groups of 3 bulbs at a minimum for a striking display! When flowering is over, cut back leaves and stems after they turn yellow.
  • Toxic to cats (though not for dogs or any known species)
  • Cultivation from seed is slow and difficult, while cultivation from bulbs or transplants is somewhat faster and easier.

Lilies: How to Grow and Care with Success


Want to learn how to grow and care for lilies like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of these striking plants.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Liliaceae
Genus Lilium
Common names Michigan Lily, Turk's Cap Lily, Lily
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 2' - 5'
(60cm - 150cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 15" - 18"
(40cm - 50cm)
Depth 5" - 6"
(13cm - 15cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Northeast, Pennsylvania, New York, Nebraska, Minnesota, South Dakota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, Midwest, Michigan, Kansas, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Southeast, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Southwest, Oklahoma
Tolerance Wet Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Lilium ‘Fairy Morning’ (Martagon Lily)
Lilium ‘Candy Club’ (Orienpet Lily)
Lilium lankongense (Lankong Lily)
Lilium ‘Forever Susan’ (Asiatic Lily)
Lilium ‘Chameleon’ (Martagon Lily)
Lilium ‘Flavia’ (Orienpet Lily)

Recommended Companion Plants

Chelone glabra (White Turtlehead)
Eupatorium maculatum (Spotted Joe-Pye Weed)

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Species and Wild Lilies
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Most Fragrant Trumpet Lilies
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How to Choose Lilies
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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Liliaceae
Genus Lilium
Common names Michigan Lily, Turk's Cap Lily, Lily
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 2' - 5'
(60cm - 150cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 15" - 18"
(40cm - 50cm)
Depth 5" - 6"
(13cm - 15cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Northeast, Pennsylvania, New York, Nebraska, Minnesota, South Dakota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, Midwest, Michigan, Kansas, Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, Southeast, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Southwest, Oklahoma
Tolerance Wet Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Rain Gardens
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Lilium (Lily)
Guides with
Lilium (Lily)
Not sure which Lilium (Lily) to pick?
Compare Now

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