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L. martagon x 'Mrs. R.O. Backhouse' (Martagon hybrid)

L. martagon x 'Mrs. R.O. Backhouse'  (Martagon Hybrid)

Flower Description: Bred from L. martagon, a native to Europe, these graceful flowers are straw yellow in color with a soft magenta reverses and tiny red spots. Bloom size is small, anywhere from one and one half to two inches across when the petals are tightly curled. Frequently used in cottage gardens, along with Lilium regale, Martagon lilies are classic choices for old style gardens. Perfect for the edge of treed woodlots, but as with all bulbs in such areas, protect from tunneling moles, gophers, etc., using wire cages or raised planters with hardware cloth stapled to the bottom as a barrier.

Mrs. R. O. Backhouse, first introduced 96 years ago in 1921 carries with it the Prestigious Award of Garden Merit presented by the Royal Horticultural Society of England. This is a slow grower which we rarely offer. Normally these are offered as flowering size bulbs about the size of a hazel nut. As the buds develop, they carry a soft pink flush which remains after the soft Indian Yellow flowers open. 3 to 5 Feet. May to June Flowering, Fragrant.

Martagon species, as well as their hybrids, resent being moved and fall is their best time for planting for success. Actually, the optimal time for moving a martagon is while it is in full bloom. While the jobber companies (those that just buy and resell) are either not aware of this, or simply don't care being they are not growers, we are and we do. Spring planted martagons often times do not emerge the first season and those that do, often fail to bloom their first season. It is for that reason, we here at B & D Lilies only ship these magnificent lilies in the fall giving you the absolute best chances for success.

More difficult to establish than our Asiatic, Trumpet or Oriental lilies, our Martagon lilies are guaranteed to be healthy and true-to-name, but not for failure to grow. May take an additional season before blooming and conditions need to be more exacting. Martagons pout when they are moved and need to settle back in to their new homes. Provide perfect drainage, rocky soil is fine, and don't over water the bulbs during summer while they are in dormancy. Bulbs resent transplanting and could rot during a cold, wet winter/spring or during the summer, if you add any moisture retentive materials to the soil around the bulb itself. Under no circumstances use peat for L. martagon or its hybrids, but leaf mold and/or compost as a top dressing in the fall is desirable.

Classification: Martagon Hybrid Lily (USDA Zones 3-9, lows to -40° F.)

Stock #4301 - 'L. martagon x Mrs. R. O. Backhouse' - Martagon Hybrid Lily Bulb
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