Turk's Cap Lily

Lilium superbum

Turk's cap lily is the most spectacular native flower in the eastern garden. Eight feet of stem topped with dozens of reflexed orange flowers with swept-back petals and dark spots. each one nodding on a long pedicel like an elaborate chandelier. The flowers open in July and August, and on a still morning the fragrance carries clearly. Hummingbirds probe them continuously; clearwing moths work them at dusk. It thrives at the woodland edge where it gets filtered morning sun and moisture-retentive soil. In a naturalized setting it multiplies into colonies over years, growing more impressive with each season. This is the plant that makes guests stop mid-conversation and walk toward it. Plant it at the back of a moist border or at the edge of a woodland path where the height works in your favor.