I just got my first (from Brent & Becky's half price sale). It's name is 'Arabian Night'. Is there any special cultural needs for successful cultivation?

Martagon lilies prefer cooler conditions than most lilies, but easily tolerate heat, even in full sun, although you may find that they go dormant in the late summer in hotter/drier conditions, rather than the fall. As you probably know, they will bloom well even in shade, but the more sun the more flowers and faster build up of plant size. Of course, good drainage is essential. Arabian Night is a nice one, but requires nothing special compare to other martagons.

Especially since you are planting in spring, don't be surprised if nothing emerges above the surface this season. People call it sulking, but really, the bulb just needs to produce a good root system to support top growth, and martagons are just not as vigorous in that respect as other lilies. It will come up next year, then, and be more robust than the growth would have been this year.

Martagons don't grow stem roots of any consequence. All roots are from the base of the bulb, so make sure you have ample fertile soil below the bulb.

Thanks Rick

interesting,i just purchased some 'lake talure' ,'album' ,,..,and medeoloides[now my pockets are empty],.,.ive grown 2 potted martagons[in mostly shade] for about 3 yrs,with good results,..,i think ill place these new ones nearby-and follow your advice Rick

Congratulations on your great finds, Anthony!

Of course, Lake Tulare is not a martagon at all. It is a complex cross of four western American species. Growing preference will be very different from martagons, but I am betting that the crossings might have made its requirements more forgiving than any individual species. That's why I was excited to see that Faraway Flowers offered it for sale.

Medioloides is from the martagon section of Lilium, and should take similar conditions that L. martagon likes. I would expect that it might not tolerate the heat as easily, and might go dormant quite early. L. distichum (another close relative) does this for me, but without detriment. I have only gotten a hold of L. medioloides seeds last year. They have produce their tiny bulb over the winter, now going through there winter stage, and are slated to be planted out in five days.