Martagon Lilies

Martagon Lilies (Lilium martagon) have been gaining in popularity the last few years and for good reason. These lilies will grow to a height of 3 to 4 feet high with beautiful flowers that are held downward but with re-curved petals. The petals are very thick and have a hard plastic appearance. Each stem can have between 20 and 50 flowers on them once the plant matures which is about the third to fourth year after planting. Martagons are also known as the Turks Cap Lily because of the shape of the flowers.

Plant your new bulbs 4 to 6 inches deep in a well drained location. Martagons are slow to get going and often don't do much the first year after planting but you will be rewarded for your patience on the second to third season. It is important to not disturb the bulbs after planting even if they don't do anything the first year. Keep the soil well watered during the growing season and fertilize your Martagons once when they emerge and again after flowering. A balanced 10-10-10 granular fertilizer works fine.

Martagon Lilies pair nicely with hostas as they still perform in dappled shade. We love planting them in between the hostas as they take up that small space where the hostas just don't touch and nothing else fits. This also helps the Martagon Lilies as they prefer their roots shaded. The stems will shoot up above the hosta foliage and hold their flowers above as well. I often get asked what kind of hosta has that flower because the stems look like they could be coming out of the hosta foliage. They also grow in full sun where they may be slightly smaller but more floriferous. Martagons will not flourish in deep shade.

Martagon Lilies are hardy to zones 3 through 9 and prefer a moist soil with good drainage. Not staying wet during winter months is a must so good drainage is key.