Martagon Lily

How to grow Martagon Lily

Written by the GardenDecoded editorial team · Last reviewed 21 July 2026 · Written for UK gardens · How we research our guidance

Planting

Plant bulbs in autumn about 15 cm deep in light woodland conditions — under deciduous shrubs, at the back of a shaded border, or naturalised in rough grass. It is one of the few lilies genuinely happy in shade and on chalk, and it is long-lived once settled.

Pruning

Deadhead if you do not want seed, or leave the pods to ripen and self-sow. Cut the stems down after they yellow in autumn.

Propagation

Self-sows where conditions suit, though seedlings take around five to seven years to reach flowering size. Scaling in late summer gives faster results but still requires patience.

Pests and diseases

Scarlet lily beetle is the main problem — check plants regularly from April and remove the adults and the grubs, which cover themselves in their own excrement. Botrytis affects the foliage in wet seasons.

Value to wildlife

The recurved nodding flowers are pollinated mainly by long-tongued moths in the evening, and the scent is strongest at dusk. Bumblebees also visit during the day.

Notes

Newly planted bulbs frequently do nothing in the first year and sometimes skip the second as well — this is normal, not failure, so do not dig them up to check. The scent is often described as unpleasant at close range, so site it away from a seating area. Lilies are well known to be dangerous to cats; check toxicity before planting where cats have access.

This guidance was researched and written by GardenDecoded — see our editorial policy for how guides are checked and reviewed.

Other names for this plant

These names have all been used for Lilium martagon but are no longer the accepted name. You may still meet them on old labels, in books, or in nursery catalogues.

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