Melinda Myers

Turk's Cap Lily

Botanical Name

Lilium superbum

Min Zone

4

Max Zone

8

Height

6 to 9 feet

Width

6 to 12 inches

Flowers

Summer: reflexed petals of mauve, pink, burgundy, yellow-orange, yellow or white, often freckled

Light

Sun to part shade

Soil

Moist, well-drained

Planting & Care

• Plant lily bulbs in fall
• Plant bulbs at a depth two to three times their length and space at least three times their width apart
• Use a minimum planting depth for those planted in clay soil, the deeper the bulb is planted, the greater the risk of bulb rot
• Add organic matter to heavy clay soil to improve drainage
• Purchase and plant precooled bulbs in the spring as soon as the soil is workable
• Lilies are also sold as plants during the growing season and can be planted whenever available
• Mulch the soil to keep lily roots cool and moist
• Avoid overwatering, especially in clay soil, this can lead to root rot
• Apply a winter mulch after the ground freezes for added insulation and for help in getting the bulbs through challenging winters

Problems

None serious

Varieties

• Alba - white, 4 to 6 feet
• Early Bird - orange-gold, 4 to 6 feet
• Claude Shide - dark red, 4 to 5 feet