Turk's Cap Lily
Currently flowering in the shade of the Pococke Tree we have some splendid examples of the Turk's Cap Lily (Lilium martagon). These lovely flowers are native of Eurasia from Portugal in the west to Mongolia in the east.
This is a very variable species of Lily varying in colour from white to near black and we are lucky enough to have examples of a very deep rich red variation, together with a few of the white form Lilium martagon var album. This species can grow to around 2m in height with each flower spike having up to 40 or more flowers, and prefers moist, but well drained shady conditions, enjoying growing amongst shrubs and under trees.
The flowers can have a strong, although not always pleasant smell, but be wary of getting too close to sniff as Lilies are very fond of depositing their orange pollen (which can stain) on your skin and clothes.
