ARCADIAN ARCHIVES
Lilium martagon Turk’s-cap lily
I remember the first time I saw Turk’s-cap lilies. They were growing in speckled sunlight beneath a cherry tree clothed in fresh, late spring foliage. Hundreds of tall stems bearing candelabras of flowers in shades of dusky pink, purple and cream formed a large grove that flowed out from under the canopy of the cherry tree to mingle with wild grasses and foxgloves. Since then, whenever I have had the opportunity, I have planted Turk’s-cap lilies beneath fruit trees in the hope of eventually recreating that scene.
Turk’s-cap lilies, botanically known as Lilium martagon, are ideal for naturalising in wild flower borders in woodland settings. Like most lilies, they are content when their roots are in cool shade and their flowering stems are bathed in sunshine, but Turk’s-cap lilies are particularly well suited to growing in dappled shade. Many fruit trees, such as cherries or damsons, have crowns that are not too dense and shade bearing, therefore allowing some sunlight to reach the areas directly below their branches. Their cover provides the ideal habitat for Turk’s-caps. Flowering times are also perfectly matched. Just as cherry or damson blossom is falling, you can already see the spires of lilies pushing up through the grass, with the promise of their charming flowers that will be in full bloom as late spring gives way to early summer.
Although these lilies are most usually associated with naturalised planting and lightly shaded areas, they can also be grown in herbaceous or mixed borders where neighbouring foliage provides coolness and full shade around the base of their stems. The petals of each flower are elegantly turned-back to expose a cluster of golden stamens. The flowers may be relatively small in comparison to those of other lilies but each stem displays around thirty blooms opening in succession to form tall, robust spires. By the time the topmost flowers have opened, the flowers lower down on the stem have not yet faded – a long lasting display is another attraction of this species.
Bulbs should be planted 8 – 10 cm (3 – 4 in) deep in well-drained soil. Deep planting is essential for the development of root systems. Soil should remain moist, but never waterlogged, all year round. Moisture is required by the bulbs in late winter and early spring when they are preparing for flowering. In summer, after the flowers have faded, the bulbs replenish their stores – moist soil is also essential for this. For best results, some grit and a generous quantity of leafmould or other organic material should be mixed through the soil until it is crumbly and open in texture. In areas where subsoil is heavy and dense, bulbs can be placed on top of a layer of grit or sand to give extra protection from wet conditions.