The flower with the delicate name "lily" is very popular among both experienced gardeners and beginners. Not many people know that they come in two varieties: species (wild) and varietal (hybrid).
About species lilies
Growing species lilies is a rather complicated process, in some cases even impossible. It turns out only from the most experienced collectors who are well acquainted with all the features of their growth in the wild.
In the hot regions of the Black Earth Region, gardeners are quite capable of growing the species Candidium lily, whose homeland is Palestine. In central Russia, it will not have enough warmth, and it is unlikely to be able to please with its flowering. But here Martagon, Pumilum, Daurian and Pardal lily feel good here. Amateurs shouldn't even waste time on specialzum, auratum and especially nepalenza - these species are too capricious.
Cultivation of species lilies
About Liliaceae hybrids
They grow in large numbers in Russian gardens, parks and home gardens. Their beauty conquered people several centuries ago, but it was not possible to transfer them from natural conditions to gardens for a long time, the plants mercilessly died. Then, back in the 19th century, they began to study and create a new group adapted to home conditions.
The hybridizers were able to assume that after crossing new varieties of lilies should acquire special beauty and new positive qualities.
The breeders' assumptions were confirmed. With each new crossing, more and more beautiful specimens were obtained. In addition to beauty, gardeners have found extraordinary resilience in them. This quality conquered lily lovers. The process of creating varieties is being improved to this day - today there are just over 5 thousand hybrids. All of them have an unusual color, pleasant aroma and a lot of advantages that could not even be dreamed of several decades ago.
Description of TOP popular varieties
Especially popular among gardeners are:
- Asiatic lilies. The bulbs of these plants form small air bulbs on their surface, which gave rise to the second name of this group - bulbous. The flowers are cupped or turban-shaped with a traditional six-petal structure. The size of the flower does not exceed 10-20 cm, which, in comparison with other representatives, is considered low. For example, oriental hybrids have larger and more complex flowers. And the scent of Asian lilies is barely perceptible. The pedestal of honor is shared by: white-pink Marlen, early two-color lily Lollipop, "Sphinx", "Marseille", "Orange Electric".
Asiatic lilies
- "Silver" rightfully belongs to the LA hybrids group. The appearance of this variety dates back to the 90s of the last century. Its progenitors were Asian varieties and longiflorum hybrids. The flowers are much larger than those of the Asian representatives, and have a delicate, very persistent scent. The petals are characterized by a dense structure, so they can tolerate adverse conditions and transportation even over long distances without damage. The latter feature is very much appreciated by companies that sell flower products. The color of the petals depends on the degree of illumination. With high intensity of sunlight, bright colors are transformed into softer ones. Knowing about this feature, you can adjust the tonality of the color of the lilies.White-pink Top Gun and orange Indian Diamond will always delight you with persistence and showiness. Indoor low-growing varieties have become very popular: Royal Dream, Mount Hood, Royal Masquerade, Royal Love, Royal Fantasy, Mount Grace, Royal Inspection, Royal Lace, Opera".
- The white lily occupies a special place among all liliaceae. It was she who became the connecting link between the plant itself and its name. Indeed, in ancient Greek, "li" means "whiteness." The homeland of the white lily is considered the eastern Mediterranean. It does not form stem roots, the leaves are formed by a basal rosette. The color of the petals is white. When growing in a well-lit place with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, the flowers acquire a snow-white color.
- Another species - the Royal Lily, conquered flower growers with its mesmerizing aroma and beauty of flowers. Having entered the temperate climate from the Chinese province, this species even here reaches almost 2 meters in height with a relatively small size of buds (diameter - 15 cm). One plant is capable of carrying up to 3 dozen flowers. This species served as the basis for the emergence of tubular hybrids.
Royal lily
- The tiger lily, or the Asiatic species, cannot be confused with other species or hybrids. It got its name from the dark spots on the petals. Plant height does not exceed 120 cm, it begins to bloom from the second half of July. The stem is covered with a large number of flowers (no more than 15).
- Tubular hybrids can be up to 2.5 meters in height. They got their name thanks to the shape of the flowers, which in the very first specimens had the form of a tube at the base and only a little later opened their petals. Modern tubulars have a wide variety of flower shapes (drooping, cupped, star-shaped). Reproduction can be both vegetative and with the help of seeds. The aroma is able to build up, reaching its peak towards the end of the day. Among the tubular hybrids, Pink Perfection Lily and White Haven are especially prized.
- Oriental (oriental) hybrids. The prevailing opinion about the capriciousness and excessive tenderness of this group should remain in the past today. Modern genetic engineering methods have allowed the birth of numerous hybrids with a shorter growing season and earlier flowering. Against the background of continued attractiveness, the vitality and fitness of oriental lilies have increased significantly. Prominent representatives are Barbados, Anais Anais, Ascari.
Lily oriental
- OT hybrids. These are complex hybrids resulting from the crossing of tubular and oriental (oriental) hybrids. For their high growth (120-180 cm) and a strong and durable stem, they are often called "lily trees". The most popular member of this group is Lily Purple Prince. Her flowers are purple-burgundy. While the bud is closed, it looks almost black. Loves sunny places.
- A distinctive feature of long-flowered hybrids is the shape of the flowers in the form of bells. With the success of lilies Deliana, Devine, White America, Cyrano, Elegant Lady can grow in pots, greenhouses, greenhouses.
- Martagon hybrids have a special decorative effect. For not yet experienced lily growers, these are ideal representatives for breeding - the most unpretentious. The flowers are medium-sized, the most numerous during the flowering period, in comparison with other liliaceae. Developed a tendency to mutate, depending on the characteristics of the growing conditions. The most famous representatives are curly lily (Martagon), two-row lily, Hanson's Lily.
Agrotechnics
The wide distribution of Asiatic lilies is associated with the special endurance, unpretentiousness, winter hardiness and rapid reproduction of these hybrids. Comfortable places for the growth of such lilies will be both sunny, well-lit places, and areas with light partial shade and drained soil.
Growing Asiatic Lilies
The progenitors of LA-hybrids were able to endow their "child" with unpretentiousness and a unique combination of decorativeness.At the same time, LA hybrids are so easy to reproduce and care for that even a novice lily breeder is able to please himself with beautifully flowering specimens in the very first year from the moment of cultivation. The bulbs successfully survive winters in central Russia, so there is no need to dig them up for this period or additionally cover them. Planting is acceptable in both autumn and spring. Provided that the earthen coma is preserved, the plant will easily survive the procedure at the moments of flowering and the formation of buds.
White lily prefers slightly alkaline soil, grows with difficulty in clay environments. Unlike the rest, it feels great in one place and does not require a transplant for many years.
The tiger lily evokes a special attitude towards itself. Experienced breeders claim that it is strictly forbidden to grow it at the same time as other species and varieties of lilies. The fact is that this particular species is the natural carrier of the mosaic virus. This disease is characterized by the presence of spots or streaks that are visible on the buds that have not yet opened.
The tiger lily itself was able to develop immunity to this disease and is not subject to it, but it may well infect other varieties of liliaceae that grow nearby. The mosaic virus lives in the cell sap of the tiger lily; flying female insects (aphids) are able to transfer this disease to other plant species and varieties. It cannot be cured, so the tiger lily should not be planted in the same area with other representatives of liliaceae. If the love for lilies is great, tulips, which are direct carriers of this disease, should be excluded from the vegetation of your site.
Tiger lily
The optimal time for planting oriental hybrids is August. It is necessary to feed the plants only when its size exceeds 15 cm. For a good overwintering of the bulbs, it is necessary to create soil conditions: dry soil for the winter is covered with waterproof material.
Long-flowered representatives, like oriental hybrids, are very fond of dry conditions and a lot of heat.
The variety of species and varieties of liliaceae is very great. Amazingly beautiful lily lollipop, lily purple prince, asiatic terry lily mystery dream, lily muscadet, lily shaherezada, lily saltarello, lily mapira, lily big brother, lily black beauty, lily saturation, lily landini, lily exotic sanugi Konka dor, lily stargeiser, lily purple lady, lily golden splendor, lily of the altars, lily zelmira, lily miss fairy have long conquered the lovers of these plants.
