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Description
Lilium Superbum, also known as Turk’s cap lily, is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Liliaceae. It is native to the eastern United States and can grow up to 6 feet tall. The plant produces a single stem with whorls of leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in mid to late summer. The flowers are orange-red in color and can have up to 40 blooms per stem. The plant’s large size and bright, showy flowers make it a popular addition to gardens and landscapes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Genus | Lilium |
Appearance
Lilium Superbum has a tall, single stem with whorls of leaves that can grow up to 6 feet tall. The plant’s trumpet-shaped flowers are orange-red in color and can have up to 40 blooms per stem. The flowers have recurved petals that curl back, giving them a distinct “turk’s cap” appearance. The plant’s leaves are lance-shaped and can grow up to 6 inches long. The plant’s large size and bright, showy flowers make it a popular addition to gardens and landscapes.
Care Guide
Lilium Superbum requires regular maintenance to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:
- Water: Lilium Superbum requires regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
- Soil: Lilium Superbum prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Amend the soil with compost or peat moss to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: Lilium Superbum prefers full sun to partial shade. Plant in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: Lilium Superbum is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lilium Superbum is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including:
- Red Lily Beetles: These beetles feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant, causing damage and defoliation. Handpick and destroy the beetles, or use an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Gray Mold: This fungal disease causes grayish-brown patches on the leaves and flowers of the plant. Remove infected plant material and treat with a fungicide.
- Lily Leaf Beetle: These beetles feed on the leaves of the plant, causing damage and defoliation. Handpick and destroy the beetles, or use an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Botrytis Blight: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves and flowers of the plant. Remove infected plant material and treat with a fungicide.
Habitat
Lilium Superbum is native to the eastern United States, where it can be found growing in damp meadows, open woods, and along streams and riverbanks. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Lilium Superbum?
A: Lilium Superbum requires regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged.
Q: What pests and diseases are common to Lilium Superbum?
A: Lilium Superbum is susceptible to red lily beetles, gray mold, lily leaf beetle, and botrytis blight.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Lilium Superbum?
A: Lilium Superbum is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Q: What is the best soil type for Lilium Superbum?
A: Lilium Superbum prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Amend the soil with compost or peat moss to improve drainage.
Related Plants
- Lilium canadense
- Lilium philadelphicum
- Lilium catesbaei
- Lilium michiganense
- Lilium grayi
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Lilium Superbum
- Gardening Know How: Turk’s Cap Lily Care – How To Grow Turk’s Cap Lilies
- University of Illinois Extension: Lilies
- North Carolina State University Extension: Lilies for Southern Gardens
