Martagon lily Lilium 'Claude Shride' (Iic/d)
ABOUT
The Lilium 'Claude Shride' is an attractive plant known for its distinguished blooms that captivate the onlookers with their deep, saturated color. The flowers are usually of a vibrant maroon or dark red shade, often compared to the color of red wine. Each flower showcases a somewhat recurved shape, where the petals curl backward, giving the flowers a unique turk's cap appearance. The petals are accented with a spray of freckle-like spots in a darker shade, adding an extra layer of depth and texture to the overall floral display. In the center of the flowers are prominent, elongated stamens with anthers that carry a contrasting hue, often golden yellow, which stands out against the dark petals. The foliage of the Lilium 'Claude Shride' provides a lush green backdrop for the striking flowers. The leaves are generally lance-shaped, arranged in whorls or spirals that wrap around the stem, creating a pleasing visual rhythm that complements the bold blossoms perched above. This plant is said to carry a light, pleasing fragrance that is not overpowering but adds to its allure, making it a delightful addition to gardens where both visual beauty and aromatic experience are desired. The Lilium 'Claude Shride', with its unique shape and captivating color, is a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add a dramatic flair to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Liliaceae.
Synonyms
Martagon Lily, Turk's Cap Lily.
Common names
Lilium 'Claude Shride' (Iic/d)
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question, commonly known as Martagon lily, does not typically pose serious threats to humans. However, all parts of lilies may cause stomach upset if ingested. It's important to avoid eating any part of the plant, as it may lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Although the toxic effects are generally not severe for humans, it is still advisable to handle plants with care and keep them out of reach from young children who might accidentally ingest them.
To pets
Martagon lily is highly toxic to cats and can lead to severe kidney damage if any part of the plant is ingested. Symptoms of poisoning in pets, especially cats, may include vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite, and increased urination followed by a decrease in urination as kidney damage progresses. If a pet consumes any part of a Martagon lily, it is crucial to seek veterinary assistance immediately. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent kidney failure or even death. While it is less toxic to dogs and other animals, it is still advisable to prevent all pets from ingesting this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Maroon
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal - Adds vibrant color and exotic flair to gardens with its deep burgundy-red flowers.
- Pollinator Attraction - Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.
- Cut Flower Use - Provides long-lasting, showy blooms perfect for floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Low Maintenance - Once established, requires minimal care beyond regular watering and fertilization.
- Versatility in Landscaping - Can be planted in borders, containers, or as a focal point in garden beds.
- Adaptability - Tolerates a range of soil types as long as they provide good drainage.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Culinary Garnish: Petals of the Claude Shride Lily can be used as a colorful and edible garnish for salads and desserts, provided they have not been treated with chemicals.
- Ink Making: The petals can be crushed to create a natural dye or ink for art and craft purposes, giving a unique color derived from the plant.
- Fabric Dyeing: The colorful blooms can be used in the natural dyeing process of fabrics, yielding unique and subtle hues for textiles.
- Aromatherapy: The scent of Claude Shride Lilies can be incorporated into potpourris or sachets to create a natural air freshener with a relaxing fragrance.
- Photography Prop: These striking lilies provide an ideal subject or backdrop for photographers looking to add natural beauty to their compositions.
- Eco-Friendly Confetti: Dried petals of the Claude Shride Lily can be used as a biodegradable alternative to traditional paper confetti at celebrations.
- Floating Decorations: The blooms can be floated in bowls of water as elegant table centerpieces for events or home decoration.
- Bookmark Creation: Pressed Claude Shride Lily flowers can be laminated to create unique and decorative bookmarks.
- Plantscaping: Due to their distinctive color and form, these lilies can be used to create visually appealing arrangements in gardens or public spaces.
- Holiday Decor: The flowers and stems can be incorporated into festive wreaths or arrangements during the holiday season, adding natural flare to traditional decorations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Martagon Lily, which is the common name for Lilium 'Claude Shride' is not traditionally used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Martagon Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity and Virginity: The lily is often associated with purity and virginity, owing to its delicate and clean appearance, which aligns with the archetypal symbolism of many white flowers.
- Renewal and Rebirth: Lilium 'Claude Shride', like other lilies, can signal renewal and rebirth because it blooms every year, reminiscent of the cycle of life.
- Passion: The deep red hues of this hybrid lily can symbolize intense passion and love.
- Royalty and Nobility: Lilies have historically been associated with royalty and nobility, representing the regal bearing and grace of the plant.
- Transitions and Life Events: Lilies are commonly used in important life events like weddings and funerals, symbolizing transitions and significant life changes.
WaterMartagon lilies, such as 'Claude Shride', do best when they receive consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. Aim to water the plant thoroughly every week, providing about 1-2 gallons of water per event to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. In periods of drought or high heat, increase watering frequency to twice a week. Always water at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease. During the dormant season, reduce watering significantly to prevent bulb rot.
LightMartagon lilies like 'Claude Shride' thrive in full sun to partial shade conditions. They do well in a spot that receives morning sunlight and is sheltered from the harsh afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates. Ideal lighting encompasses about 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. They can tolerate more shade than most lilies, but too little light can lead to weak stems and fewer flowers.
TemperatureThe Martagon lily 'Claude Shride' prefers temperate climates and can typically withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit during its dormant season and can survive up to about 85 degrees Fahrenheit during active growth. The ideal temperature range for this lily is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They are quite hardy and can survive winter if the ground is not prone to freezing and thawing, which can damage the bulbs.
Pruning'Claude Shride' Martagon lilies often require minimal pruning. Deadhead spent flowers to redirect energy from seed production to bulb strengthening, unless you desire seed propagation. After bloom, allow stems and leaves to remain until they turn yellow and die back naturally, as they are replenishing the bulb for the next year's growth. In late fall, cut the stems back to the ground level once all foliage has died back.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor the Martagon Lily, the best soil mix is well-draining with a good amount of organic matter, like leaf mold or compost. It should have a slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 6.0 to 7.0, to support this lily's growth.
RepottingThe Martagon Lily should be repotted every 3 to 4 years, or when the bulb outgrows its current container. It is best to repot after the plant has finished blooming and entered dormancy.
Humidity & MistingThe Martagon Lily thrives best in moderate humidity levels, similar to what is found in its native woodland habitats. Aim for around 40-60% ambient humidity for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright indirect light and cooler temperatures for indoor Martagon Lilies.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, with well-draining soil, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleLilium 'Claude Shride', commonly known as a type of Martagon Lily, begins its life cycle from a bulb that undergoes a period of dormancy, typically in winter. With the onset of spring, fresh shoots emerge from the bulb, developing into stems with narrow leaves, and the plant enters a vegetative growth stage. As the weather warms, the lily transitions to the reproductive stage, producing distinctive turk's-cap style flowers that are deep red with spotted patterns, commonly appearing in early to mid-summer. After pollination by insects, the flowers develop into seed pods if not deadheaded. If the seeds are allowed to mature, they are spread in late summer or fall to potentially germinate and form new bulbs, continuing the cycle. Throughout its life, the Martagon Lily requires a period of winter chilling to trigger the subsequent year's growth, ensuring the cycle's perpetuation.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The Lilium 'Claude Shride', commonly known as the Martagon Lily, is generally propagated by division of its bulbs, a process best undertaken in the late fall after the foliage has died back or in early spring before growth resumes. To propagate by division, carefully uplift the parent plant, and gently separate the bulblets from the main bulb. Each bulblet should have a portion of the basal plate to ensure it can produce roots. Once separated, the bulblets can be immediately replanted at a depth approximately three times their height in well-draining soil. The new plants often take a couple of years before they commence flowering. This method leverages the plant's natural reproduction cycle and maintains the genetic characteristics of the parent plant.
