0

Martagon Lilies for Shade Gardens

It is way past the time for another posting on this website and today I want!

As I worked  at replacing lost plants from the winter in the perennial beds this spring, I wondered what should I write about for the next newsletter.  I thought everyone was probably tired of hearing about the cold wet spring we had and all the plants that died so I needed to come up with a totally new subject, Martagon Lilies for Shade Gardens.

Martagon Lilies for Shade Gardens

Then yesterday I was mowing the lawn and rounded the corner of the house and saw the Martagon Lilies blooming and I knew I had a great subject.  They are glorious this year.  My white one has three tall stalks of blooms this year too!

I first saw Martagons on a Garden Tour many years ago and knew some day I had to have some.  The lady that I was standing next to – an astute gardener – didn’t know what they were, but I had seen some in garden catalogs and remembered the name.

Sticker Shock!

They were in a corner of an old shed and sure dressed up the area.   I vowed someday I would have some.  Well, it took many years!  Then, I had to get over the price shock before I got up the “nerve” to spend  ten to twenty dollars on a single Martagon Bulb.  But, once they are in the ground, and they bloom for you, and start to multiply, you slowly forget the cost.

Where to Purchase Martagon Lilies

Martagons are not something that you will see very often to purchase, as the best time/only time to plant them is in the fall.  I purchase mine mostly from B & D Lilies located in Oregon.

Martagons are expensive, but worth it in the end with nice color right in the middle of June each year with their stalks reaching 4-6 feet tall.

B & D Lilies also have sales on these bulbs from time to time.  Just go the website and sign up for their newsletter.  They have many useful articles on growing Hardy Lilies also.  And, also, sell tons of Gorgeous “Lilium” or  Hardy Lilies!

Martagon Lilies Are Worth The Wait!

Martagons grow slowly but are definitely worth the wait.  The tiny little downward facing petals are so pristine.  The petals have a waxy feeling to them,  and are thick and rather 3 dimensional.

The whole flower is only about 2 and a half inches wide, but there are many, many flowers on each stem.   Martagons will also bloom in the shade and look great in the shady Hosta bed.  They do grow and bloom in the sun but do best in the shady areas.  Plant them where they will not get disturbed and as with any lily bulbs, in well drained soil.

Soil Needs and Transplanting Martagon Lilies

They are European natives,  and like sweet soil.  Lime can be added to the soil each year to make it a great home for the Martagons. They do not like to be moved and so are best planted where they will stay put.  However, I have read that the best time to move them if you need to, is when they are in full bloom.

Maybe you will order some Martagons this year for fall planting and many pretty flowers in mid-June for years to come.