'Turk's Turban' Lily (Lilium x martagon)

Also known as Turk's Cap Lilies, this beloved species boasts dozens of small, spotted flowers with recurved petals atop tall stems. Highly fragrant, plant this mix among shrubs or in woodland conditions where it can naturalize and produce for years to come.

Lilium martagon, known as Martagon lily or Turk's cap lily, is a Eurasian species of lily native to much of Europe and central Asia. A mature martagon lily will typically reach 3-6' tall and bloom in mid to late-summer. The lance-shaped leaves form whorls along the length of the stem. The flowers emerge from the top half of the stem, up to 30 to 50 per plant, and range in color from pink to white, with dark maroon specks on the interiors of the recurved petals. Stems can be cut back in fall once the leaves turn yellow. The species can be a challenge to establish in the garden and even though this hybrid collection is a bit easier, they may not bloom their first year, and should not be moved once established. However, in ideal conditions this lily can form small colonies, creating a stunning mid-summer floral display. They should be planted in a woodland setting in the warmer ranges or at least protected from prolonged hot drying sun and wind. They are also long-lived, virtually free of pests and disease issues, and attractive to swallowtail butterflies and hummingbirds.

Zones 2-8