Martagon Lily
lilium martagon
Also known as: ["Turk's cap lily","Turk's turban lily","Dutchman's pipe lily"]
Overview
A species of lily native to Europe and parts of Asia, known for its distinctive downward-facing, turban-shaped flowers with recurved petals.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Lilium |
| Botanical Name: | Lilium martagon |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed with good air circulation, protected from strong winds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining loam with organic matter; avoid heavy clay.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; annually in late summer/early fall if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing dead or damaged parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight or bright indirect light); adjust for intense summer sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh midday sun; provide dappled shade in hot climates.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is ideal; avoid intense afternoon sun; adjust shade as needed.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water at the base to avoid foliage; ensure soil is moist but not waterlogged; allow top inch to dry between waterings.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights during dormancy.
Protect from frost; avoid extreme heat; maintain consistent temperatures during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; avoid over-fertilizing; apply before active growth begins.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation or division of bulbs; seeds take longer but yield more genetic diversity.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Collect seeds or divide bulbs.
- Sow seeds shallowly or plant divided bulbs at the correct depth.
- Keep moist and protected.
Best Time: Divide bulbs in late summer or early fall; sow seeds in autumn for stratification.
Environment
Cool temperatures (50–60°F or 10–15°C) for seeds; warm, humid conditions for bulb division.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand for seeds; bulb division requires minimal soil.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division; optional for seedlings to encourage root development.
Timeline
Seeds: 2–3 years to flowering; bulb division: immediate growth in the next season.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, small trowel, seed trays, rooting medium.
Quick Tips
Label seedlings; protect bulbs from pests; be patient with seed propagation.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off faded flowers; cut back yellowed foliage only when it has died down naturally.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage bulb energy storage; cut back foliage only after it has yellowed and died naturally.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, scissors.
Checklist
Remove spent blooms; check for disease; wait for foliage to die back before cutting.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall after dormancy ends but before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches (5–7 cm) if repotting in containers.
Method
Gently lift bulbs; remove old soil; replant at the correct depth with fresh, well-draining soil.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become crowded or every 3–4 years; avoid disturbing bulbs unnecessarily.
Checklist
Check for crowded bulbs; use fresh soil; ensure proper depth; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture distribution; focus on the root zone; avoid wetting leaves to prevent fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth; reduce frequency in winter dormancy; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; avoid compacting soil.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature dormancy in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause root damage, or delay flowering if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C) for prolonged periods.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from frost; move containers to a sheltered location if possible.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, growth may slow, and flowering can be reduced in temperatures above 85°F (29°C) without adequate water.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid excess nitrogen; reduce in winter.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce feeding during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Highly ToxicCats are exceptionally sensitive to Lilium martagon, with even small ingestions capable of causing severe, potentially fatal kidney failure. The toxic compounds rapidly damage renal tissues, leading to acute renal failure.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Lilium martagon can lead to severe toxicity, particularly affecting the kidneys. The plant contains compounds that cause acute kidney injury, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicLilium martagon contains toxic compounds, primarily cardiac glycosides, which can cause significant physiological effects when ingested. These compounds interfere with cardiac function and can lead to severe gastrointestinal and neurological disturbances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Lilium martagon toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Does Lilium martagon require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade, especially in hotter climates.
Q: How tall does Lilium martagon grow?
A: It typically grows to 3–6 feet tall.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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