Lilium martagon var. albiflorum

The white-flowered martagon lily is a spontaneous variety of Lilium martagon, highly sought after by enthusiasts of unusual plants. It is a protected plant in its natural habitat. It has delicate, curious, turban-shaped flowers with white petals speckled with deep pink, and dark ochre anthers. It is a wild and refined plant, native to the European mountains. Its flowers have a particular fragrance and appear on tall stems in long clusters. It is a great addition to wild gardens or large flowerbeds. It does not mind limestone, it is hardy and resistant.

Lilium martagon var. albiflorum belongs to the Liliaceae family. It is a rare plant, with a fairly restricted distribution area in former Yugoslavia. It is a bulbous and deciduous perennial plant. This species will reach a height of 1.50 m (5ft) when in bloom, with a spread of 45 cm (18in). Flowering takes place from June to August, depending on the climate. Numerous flowers bloom along the stems, releasing a sweetish scent in the evening. Curved petals with long, dark ochre stamens emerge. These astonishing lanterns are visited at night by butterflies such as the Hummingbird Hawk-Moth (macroglossum stellatarum), which hovers in front of the flower, like hummingbirds do. The foliage is light green, with spatulate leaves.

This lily establishes itself slightly more slowly than Asiatic, trumpet, or Oriental lilies. It may take an additional season before flowering, and planting conditions must be correct. Martagon lilies sulk when moved and need time to settle. You can grow these lilies with non-invasive perennial plants as they like having their feet in the shade, and the perennials will help prevent the stems from bending in the wind. This lily is ideal for borders, moist rockeries, and of course, bouquets. As a quintessential botanical lily, it is one of those exceptional plants that every collector likes to have in their garden, but it is strictly prohibited to pick it in the wild. It has given rise to a lineage of equally remarkable hybrids.