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Overview
Lilium martagon is a bulbous, herbaceous perennial reaching 36–72 inches (0.9–1.8 m) tall. This Eurasian species produces pendant, Turk's cap-form flowers with strongly recurved petals, 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) across, in pink-purple to dusky mauve with darker purple-brown spots. Each stem carries 10–50 flowers in a tall, open, pyramidal raceme from June through July—more flowers per stem than most lily species. The dark green, broadly lance-shaped leaves are 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) long, arranged in dense whorls of 6–14 on the unbranched stem. The large, yellow, scaly bulb reaches 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) in diameter. The flowers have a musky scent. Slow to establish—may not bloom until the second or third year after planting. Dormant in winter. Long-lived once established—clumps persist for decades. Hardy to zone 3.
Native Range
Lilium martagon is native to a broad range across Eurasia, from Portugal and France east through central Europe, Turkey, the Caucasus, and Siberia to Mongolia, in mountain meadows, open woods, and limestone grasslands at elevations up to 8,200 feet (2,500 m).Suggested Uses
Planted in woodland gardens, perennial borders, and naturalistic plantings at 10–14 inch (25–35 cm) spacing in groups of 5–10 bulbs. The tall stems with up to 50 flowers per stem create a vertical accent. Tolerates alkaline soil—suitable where other lilies fail. Long-lived once established—clumps persist for decades. Slow to establish (2–3 years to first bloom). The musky fragrance is unpleasant to some. Dormant in winter. Lily beetles can defoliate stems.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 6'
Width/Spread8" - 1'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Pendant, Turk's cap-form flowers 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) across with strongly recurved petals, pink-purple to dusky mauve with darker purple-brown spots, 10–50 per stem in tall pyramidal racemes, from June through July. Bloom duration is 3–4 weeks. The musky fragrance is stronger in the evening.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pink-purple to dusky mauve with darker purple-brown spots; pendant Turks cap form 1.5-2 inches; strongly recurved petalsFoliage Description
Dark green, broadly lance-shaped 4-6 inches; dense whorls of 6-14 on unbranched stemGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-7 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant bulbs 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) deep in autumn in partial shade in moist, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil (pH 6.0–7.5). Hardy to zone 3. Tolerates alkaline soils—one of few lilies that thrives in lime. Slow to establish—may take 2–3 years to bloom after planting. Do not disturb established bulbs. The musky flower scent is unpleasant to some.Pruning
Allow foliage and stems to die back naturally after bloom—the bulb stores energy through the foliage. Remove only fully dead stems in late autumn. Do not cut back green foliage.Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons