Lilium martagon

Family: LILIACEAE Of the 80 recorded species belonging to this genus, most are native to three areas of the world: Europe, Asia and North America. Their culture depends in large part on their origin. Few can resist lilies in their garden for their magnificent flowers and ease of culture. Of the many ways of propagating lilies, seed is perhaps the best (if slowest) method of increase. Larger quantities may be raised in this way and unlike other methods of propagation, viral or fungal diseases that often affect lilies are not passed on.

Physical Characteristics

Bulb growing to 1.2m by 0.25m . It is hardy to zone 4. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The scented flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. We rate it 2 out of 5 for usefulness.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil.

Habitats and Possible Locations

Woodland, Sunny Edge, Dappled Shade.

Cultivation details

Succeeds in ordinary well-drained garden soil.Prefers a good leafy soil in sun or semi-shade. Prefers its roots to be in the shade. Prefers a calcareous soil according to some reports, whilst one says that it is probably best in an acid or neutral soil.

Propagation

Seed - delayed hypogeal germination.Best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, it should germinate in spring. Stored seed will require a warm/cold/warm cycle of stratification, each period being about 2 months long. Grow on in cool shady conditions. Great care should be taken in pricking out the young seedlings, many people leave them in the seed pot until they die down at the end of their second years growth. This necessitates sowing the seed thinly and using a reasonably fertile sowing medium. The plants will also require regular feeding when in growth. Divide the young bulbs when they are dormant, putting 2 - 3 in each pot, and grow them on for at least another year before planting them out into their permanent positions when the plants are dormant.

Scent

Flowers: Fresh