With unique flower shapes in lavish abundance, the Turk's-cuff lily puts other perennials in the shade. In order for it to achieve this masterpiece in your garden, a Lilium martagon should be given an appropriate care program. Read here how to properly water, fertilize, cut and overwinter this wonderful summer beauty.
How do you properly care for a Turkish lily?
Caring for the Turkish lily includes regular watering when the soil is dry on the surface, organic fertilization every two weeks between April and August, cutting off withered flowers and winter protection for the first 2 to 3 years.
How often should the Turkish lily be watered?
Water the plant whenever the soil has dried on the surface. The onions should never dry out because they will not recover from this. Please pour the normal tap water from the can spout directly onto the root disc without getting the shoots wet.
Should a Lilium martagon be fertilized?
The Turkish lily responds well to organic fertilization every two weeks between April and August. Alternatively, the summer flower happily accepts a liquid fertilizer for bulbous plants (€8.00 on Amazon). In this case, please follow the manufacturer's dosage instructions.
How do I cut the Martagon correctly?
If you do your rounds in the summer garden, the scissors should be with you. If you see withered flowers on a Turkish lily, cut them off immediately to make room for more flowers. However, you leave the main stem of the lily standing until it is completely absorbed in autumn. Until then, the remaining nutrients are relocated to the onion, where they act as a reserve for the next season.
Is the Turkish lily hardy?
By planting the onion in the ground three times its size, this care will help ensure that it overwinteres undamaged. In harsh locations, we still recommend taking the following precautions before winter:
- Before the first frost, cut the Turkish lily close to the ground
- Cover the bed with a thick layer of autumn leaves or conifers
- Cut the plant back in the pot and put it in a frost-free winter quarters
A well-rooted plant has developed a stable winter hardiness over the years that no longer requires any special measures. At least in the first 2 to 3 years we recommend the winter protection explained.
Tip
A Turkish lily presents itself impressively as a cut flower in a vase. Cut a strong flower stem once 2 to 3 of its buds have opened. If you leave about half of the leaves on the stem, the buds that are still closed will be well prepared to open within a few days.
