In our article we want to talk about oriental lilies. They have large, beautiful, fragrant flowers. And undoubtedly, oriental lilies are aristocrats among summer plants. They are so beautiful that it is impossible to look away from them. And the intoxicating aroma is sometimes even too saturated.
Characteristics of oriental lilies
For many centuries, oriental lilies have been loved by many people for their exquisite beauty, elegance and, of course, aroma. Previously, they were used as food supplements, for medicinal purposes, and for decoration of temples and palaces. Whole legends and songs were composed about them. Oriental lilies are even immortalized on canvases and in various works of art.
These flowers have long been valued for their medicinal properties. Even ancient Greek doctors knew about the healing properties of lilies. And whites have generally become a symbol of purity and purity in Christianity.
Hybridization and plant breeding in various countries of the world have led to the emergence of a huge number of hybrids and varieties with excellent decorative qualities. Various lilies are divided into ninegroups by biological characteristics and origin.
Modern oriental lilies can be of completely different heights, including undersized ones (30-50 cm). And this suggests that they can be grown anywhere - along the edge of the flower bed, and in the middle, and in balcony boxes, and in containers.
It is these beauties that are most often grown for cutting. The reason is a beautiful and large flower.
Beauty lily
Oriental (described below) hybrids are perhaps the most beautiful. They have spreading racemose inflorescences. The flowers of most varieties are very large, in the form of stars. They reach twenty-five centimeters in diameter. Oriental Lily is very fragrant and fragrant. On the street, it smells so fragrant that it simply fascinates. But in closed spaces, her scent can become too heavy, as it is very rich.
Flowers can be pink, crimson, white. Some varieties have a contrasting golden stripe down the center of the petal.
Purchase of planting material
Lilies have a long growing season. And this must be taken into account. In general, it is better to buy bulbs in February or March, when the choice is still good. Purchased lilies are stored until planting in cellars or refrigerators under a layer of peat.
Sold also plants in containers. They can be planted with an earthen clod even in the summer. When purchasing bulbs, you should check the growing season to find out if this species is suitable for your region.
What kind of soil does he preferlily?
Oriental lily grows best in sunny areas, sheltered from the wind. Peaty soils with the addition of sand and leafy humus are well suited to it. Before planting, the earth must be dug up. It is advisable to make drainage. Lily does not like dampness. And in autumn and spring, when there is too much moisture, the bulbs can simply get wet.
In addition, you can apply the necessary fertilizers before planting. Lily is a perennial plant. So, before transplanting, it will grow in one place for three to four years. If you initially fertilize the soil when digging, then in the next few years you can forget about top dressing.
Oriental Lily: planting and care
Before planting, the bulbs must be disinfected. The easiest and surest way to pickle is to dip the lilies in a solution of potassium permanganate for half an hour. In addition, now there are fungicides that will not only destroy the bacteria present on the bulb, but will also protect it for some time.
The best time to transplant or plant bulbs is August and September. By this time, the plants will have flowered. If you purchased lilies in the spring, then you can plant them in open ground in May.
Oriental lilies prefer spring planting. Planting at this time is good because it allows the bulbs to develop even in the fall.
Planting lilies
Bulbs are planted in open ground, which were previously soaked in a solution of potassium permanganate. Planting depth will depend on the size of the bulb itself. Big andan adult should be planted at a depth of twenty centimeters.
For small and individual scales, a hole ten centimeters deep will suffice. It is better to throw a handful of clean sand at the bottom of the hole. The onion itself should be put on a sandy pillow, straighten the roots and cover with earth.
When planting, consider the future height of the plants. Therefore, between the bulbs, leave a distance of at least thirty-five centimeters. If you plant lilies for the winter, then be sure to cover them with dry leaves and branches on top. This will protect against freezing. Take it all away in the spring.
Caring for lilies
Imagine that an oriental lily (photos are given in the article) can give meter roots. So, during the summer period, plants need to ensure proper watering. In June and July, as well as during the period when the lilies have faded, you need to water not often, but plentifully. At this time, the accumulation of trace elements for the winter occurs in the bulbs. Of course, drip irrigation is good for lilies.
One must always remember that they do not like getting water on the leaves. Droplets of moisture in the sun can cause burns, and may develop gray mold or other diseases that lilies are susceptible to.
If you did not fertilize the soil when planting, you will have to periodically feed the plants. However, remember that fresh manure is strictly contraindicated for lilies. You can use only well-rotted three-year humus.
You can fertilize lilies with complex fertilizers, which are now sold quite a lot. You can also enterammonium nitrate and nitroammophoska. In general, the soil is fertilized in the spring, before the shoots of the plant appear. As soon as the first buds form, it will be necessary to reapply ammonium nitrate.
Foliar treatments, for example, with humates, have a positive effect on plants.
Pest Protection
Lilies are very delicate plants. For them, protection from pests and diseases is extremely important. If watering is carried out correctly, then this will protect the plants from diseases such as gray rot. However, rainy weather can ruin everything. Therefore, when dampness is established, it is better to additionally treat with systemic fungicides as a preventive measure.
Species diversity of lilies
Lily is the most beautiful flower, which is very harmonious in bouquets and goes well with other flowers. Cut them off when one or two flowers open. The buds will gradually open already in the bouquet. Be aware of the strong aroma of plants. The smell in the garden is indescribably beautiful. But indoors, it can become suffocating, so you should not put bouquets in the bedroom.
After flowering, seed pods form on the stem. They ripen in November. If you grow lilies in your garden, then after flowering it is better to cut off the layering so that the plant does not waste energy on the formation of seeds.
Lilies are so popular in the world that new varieties are constantly appearing. Imagine there are over ten thousand now!
The international classification divides them into nine groups:
- Curly.
- Asian.
- American.
- Snow white.
- Tubular.
- Long-flowered.
- Oriental.
- Natural varieties.
- Interspecies.
The most beautiful lilies are oriental hybrids. They are distinguished by large flowers and indescribable coloration.
Home lily
A blooming lily in the house will create a cozy and favorable atmosphere, fill the air with a wonderful aroma. An oriental lily in a pot is quite common nowadays. Special varieties have been bred that are perfectly adapted to home conditions. Oriental hybrids are the most suitable option for growing in pots. The fact is that the lilies of this group give few children, and therefore do not need an annual transplant. This means that the plant will be able to grow without transplanting in one pot for several years.
Those who doubt, we hasten to assure that growing a lily at home is much easier than it seems. You yourself will be able to regulate the flowering period, which means you will get a fragrant beautiful bouquet for any holiday. To do this, you just need to correctly determine the landing time, and then provide good care.
How to plant a lily in a pot?
A lily planted in a pot can grow up to one and a half meters. The height of the stem depends primarily on the variety. If you want a low-growing flower, then choose the appropriate type. Oriental lilies come in many varieties.
Which pot should I choose? The height of the pot will depend on the growth of theplants. Naturally, a tall flower will need a larger container. For example, for a lily with a stem of one and a half meters, a container with a height of forty centimeters is needed. Remember that for one bulb you need a landing area of sixteen centimeters square. In a pot, the diameter of which is forty centimeters, three or four onions will fit. It would be impractical to plant each plant in a separate pot. The fact is that in the presence of free space, lilies begin to produce children. And you do not need this, otherwise you will not see flowering until the moment when the entire space is filled. The process could drag on for years.
Which primer to use?
Lily in one pot can grow up to three years. But she needs to provide good conditions for wintering. It is impossible in the cold season to take out pots with a plant on the street or balcony. The bulbs may just freeze.
Before planting, you need to choose a good soil. Sod mixtures with compost and humus are suitable. If you decide not to purchase ready-made soil, but want to make it yourself, then do not forget about adding complex mineral fertilizers.
In general, specialized stores sell ready-made mixtures for lilies. They already take into account all the features of the flower.
Drainage must be placed at the bottom of the pot for planting. As we have already said, lilies are afraid of waterlogging, so you need to play it safe. Expanded clay, foam plastic, sea pebbles or even broken bricks can be used as drainage.
Ten centimeters of soil are poured on top. Next, you need to put the onions with the kidneys up. The soil should be watered a little.
When planting lilies, you must calculate the distance so that seven centimeters remain to the top of the pot. This is due to the fact that after the plant comes out of the ground, it will be necessary to fill up the ground, since lilies give additional roots.
Care
Oriental lilies are demanding to care for. To get a long and abundant flowering, you need to follow all the rules. In general, growing lilies is a very exciting process. If you provide the plants with proper care, they will thank you with beautiful flowers. Oriental lilies - white, pink, black, crimson, yellow, with gold stripes and tiger spots - all are beautiful.
So, the bulbs are planted, how to properly care for them?
Until sprouts appear, water as the soil dries. As a rule, this is once every three days. After the emergence of seedlings, you need to carry out the first top dressing. We repeat the procedure after seven days. At the initial stage, it is recommended to spray the plant with growth stimulants about a couple of times a week. This is necessary so that the sprouts lay buds for future flowers. As soon as the plant reaches ten centimeters in height, you need to add soil to the pot. And then be sure to loosen the soil. This will ensure air flow to the roots. Plants are watered daily at this stage. Fertilizers are applied once a week. At the age of one month, a lily can be taken out into the street, only after hardening the plant a little. Before flowering can be sprayed. And after the flowers openstop, as moisture will shorten the flowering period.
If necessary, you can install supports that will support the plant.
Instead of afterword
One of the most beautiful representatives of the world of flowers - lilies. Oriental terry hybrids are especially beautiful. In general, each variety is unique in its own way, it is difficult to choose the best one when purchasing bulbs for planting. If you decide to grow a lily, use our advice and you will get a beautiful flower that will delight you with its beauty and smell for a long time.
