MOST gardeners are familiar with the large-flowered Oriental and Asiatic hybrid lilies, which are usually planted in spring. However, there are two very beautiful lily groups that are best planted in autumn, for flowers in June, July, and August. The first is the Turk’s cap lily (Lilium martagon), which produces tall spikes of elegant, pink-purple blooms with swept-back petals. There are many varieties, in colors from yellow, pink, lavender, light orange, and deep red to white, often with whimsical flecks and spots. The flowers also have a light fragrance.
Compared to those of most hybrid lilies, the blooms of the Turk’s caps are small, but they are certainly plentiful – up to 50 can appear on a single stem of a mature, settled bulb. And once the petals fall in autumn, the upright seedheads have an attraction, too.
I find many garden lilies too garish for a flower border and much prefer to grow them in large patio pots. This doesn’t apply to the Turk’s caps, however – they grow very well in garden soil, enjoying part or dappled shade. In fact, those that are positioned in full sun tend to be somewhat stunted.
L. martagon prefers alkaline conditions, so if you have soil that’s acidic you’ll need to either provide some lime each year or grow your bulbs in containers. The really important thing, as with all lilies, is that the soil is free draining. If your garden has heavy clay, make sure you dig well before planting, adding plenty of grit as you go
Bu hikaye Amateur Gardening dergisinin September 12, 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Amateur Gardening dergisinin September 12, 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters