Turk's cap lily, swamp lily
lilium superbum
Also known as: ["Turk's cap lily","swamp lily","American tiger lily"]
Overview
A tall, herbaceous perennial native to eastern North America, known for its showy, orange-red flowers with dark spots.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Liliales |
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Genus: | Lilium |
| Botanical Name: | Lilium superbum |
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":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- 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 fall or early winter.
- 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 daily); tolerates dappled light in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to avoid scorching; provide afternoon shade in hot regions; adjust indoor placement to mimic natural light conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is ideal; avoid harsh afternoon sun; rotate pot for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce 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 organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is loose and crumbly; avoid waterlogging; enrich with organic matter annually.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights during dormancy.
Avoid sudden temperature swings; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly after planting; avoid over-fertilizing; water before and after feeding.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs or seed propagation; division is faster and more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide bulbs carefully.
- Replant at proper depth.
- Water well.
- Protect from extreme conditions.
Best Time: Divide bulbs in late summer or early fall after foliage dies back; sow seeds in fall for spring germination.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions for bulbs; cool, moist conditions for seeds; partial shade for both.
Medium
Well-draining bulb mix or sandy loam with added perlite; for seeds, use a sterile seed-starting mix.
Hormone
Not necessary for bulb division; optional for seeds to encourage germination.
Timeline
Bulbs establish in 1–2 seasons; seeds may take 2–3 years to flower.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, clean containers, bulb dibber.
Quick Tips
Divide only when bulbs are crowded; store seeds in a cool, dark place; be patient with seedlings.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower stalks at the base; trim foliage only when fully dead.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stalks to encourage bulb energy storage; cut back foliage only after it has yellowed and died naturally.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp knife, gloves.
Checklist
Remove spent flowers; check for disease; cut only dead foliage; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall after flowering has ceased and foliage has died back.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter if container-grown.
Method
Gently lift bulbs; remove old soil; inspect for damage; replant at proper depth with fresh soil.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become crowded or outgrow their container; every 2–3 years is typical.
Checklist
Choose right-sized pot; use fresh soil; plant at correct depth; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until soil is saturated; ensure water penetrates deeply to encourage root growth; allow excess to drain away to prevent root rot.
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; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature dormancy in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause root damage or delay growth; may enter early dormancy if exposed to prolonged cold.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from frost; move containers to a sheltered location if possible.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to dehydration, bud drop, or leaf burn; may struggle to flower in extreme heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Choose balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; water before/after; reduce in dormancy.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop feeding during dormancy.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Highly ToxicCats are exceptionally sensitive to Lilium superbum, with even small ingestions capable of causing severe, life-threatening kidney failure. The plant contains nephrotoxic compounds that rapidly damage renal tissues, leading to irreversible kidney damage.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Lilium superbum can lead to severe toxicity, particularly affecting the kidneys. The plant contains compounds that are nephrotoxic, leading to acute kidney injury and potentially fatal outcomes if not treated promptly.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicLilium superbum contains toxic compounds that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and other systemic effects upon ingestion. The plant's toxicity is due to the presence of cardiac glycosides and other irritant substances that disrupt normal physiological functions.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Lilium superbum toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How tall does Lilium superbum grow?
A: It can grow up to 2-3 meters tall.
Q: Does Lilium superbum attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Liliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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