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. A stupefying 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 additives, for medicinal purposes and for decorating temples and palaces. Entire legends and songs were composed about them. Oriental lilies are even immortalized in canvases and in various works of art.
Since ancient times, these flowers have been valued for their medicinal properties. Even ancient Greek doctors knew about the healing properties of lilies. And whites in general have become a symbol of purity and integrity in Christianity.
Hybridization and breeding of plants in different countries of the world has led to the emergence of a huge number of hybrids and varieties with excellent decorative qualities. A variety of lilies are divided into nine groups according to biological characteristics and origin.
Modern oriental lilies can be of completely different heights, including short ones (30-50 cm). And this suggests that they can be grown anywhere - and on the edge of the flower bed, and in the middle, and in balcony drawers, and in containers.
It is these beauties that are most often grown for distillation under a slice. The reason is a beautiful and large flower.
Beauty lily
Oriental (description below) hybrids, 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 is so fragrant that it is simply mesmerizing. But in closed spaces, its aroma can become too heavy, because it is very saturated.
Flowers can have pink, raspberry, white colors. Some varieties have a contrasting golden stripe in the center of the petal.
Acquisition of planting material
Lilies have a long growing season. And this must be taken into account. In general, bulbs are best purchased 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.
Plants are also sold in containers. They can be dropped off with an earthen lump even in the summer. When purchasing bulbs, you should clarify the growing season to determine if this species is suitable for your region.
What soil does lily prefer?
Oriental lily grows better in sunny areas, sheltered from the wind. Peaty soils with the addition of sand and deciduous humus are well suited to it. Before planting, the ground must be dug up. It is advisable to make a drain. Lily does not like dampness. And in autumn and spring, when there is too much moisture, the bulbs can simply get wet.
In addition, before planting, you can make the necessary fertilizers. Lily is a perennial plant. So, before the transplant, 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 fertilizing.
Eastern lily: planting and care
The bulbs must be sanitized before planting. The easiest and surest way to pickle is to lower 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 on the bulb, but will also protect it for some time.
The best time for transplanting or planting bulbs is August and September. By this time, the plants will already fade. If you purchased lilies in the spring, then they can be planted in open ground in May.
It is spring planting that Oriental lilies prefer. Planting at this time is good in that it allows bulbs to develop in the fall.
Planting lilies
Bulbs that were previously soaked in a solution of potassium permanganate are planted in open ground. Planting depth will depend on the size of the bulb itself. Large and adult need to be planted to a depth of twenty centimeters.
For small and individual scales, a pit ten centimeters deep will suffice. At the bottom of the hole it is better to throw a handful of clean sand. The bulb itself should be placed on a sand cushion, straighten the roots and cover with earth.
When planting, consider the future height of the plants. Therefore, leave a distance of at least thirty-five centimeters between the bulbs. If you plant lilies for the winter, then be sure to cover them with dry leaves and branches. This will protect against freezing. Take it all away in the spring.
Lily Care
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 bloomed, watering should not be often, but plentifully. At this time, onions are accumulating trace elements for the winter. Of course, drip irrigation is good for lilies.
You must always remember that they do not like water falling on the leaves. Droplets of moisture in the sun can cause burns, and gray rot or other diseases that lilies are prone to may develop.
If during planting you did not fertilize the soil, you will have to periodically feed the plants. However, remember that fresh manure is strictly contraindicated to lilies. You can use only a well-rotted three-year humus.
You can fertilize lilies with complex fertilizers, which are now sold quite a lot. Ammonium nitrate and nitroammophos can also be added. In general, the soil is fertilized in the spring, before the shoots of the plant. Once the first buds are formed, it will be necessary to re-add 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 correct, then this will protect the plants from a disease such as gray rot. However, rainy weather can ruin everything. Therefore, when establishing dampness, it is better to additionally treat systemic fungicides as prophylaxis.
Lily species diversity
Lily is a beautiful flower that is very harmonious in bouquets and combines wonderfully with other flowers. Cut them off when one or two flowers open. The little buds will gradually open already in a bouquet. You need to remember the strong aroma of plants. In the garden, the smell is incredibly beautiful. But in the room it can become suffocating, so do not put bouquets in the bedroom.
After flowering, seed boxes are formed on the stem. They ripen in November. If you grow lilies in your garden, then after flowering, it is better to cut off the cuttings so that the plant does not waste in vain on the formation of seeds.
Lilies are so popular in the world that ever new varieties are constantly appearing. Imagine that now there are more than ten thousand of them!
The international classification divides them into nine groups:
- Curly.
- Asian.
- American
- Snow-white.
- Tubular.
- Long-flowered.
- Oriental.
- Natural varieties.
- Interspecific.
The most beautiful lilies are eastern hybrids. They are distinguished by large flowers and indescribable coloring.
Domestic lily
Blooming lily in the house will create a cozy and favorable atmosphere, fill the air with a wonderful aroma. Oriental lily in a pot is a very common occurrence at present. Special varieties are developed that are perfectly adapted to home conditions. Oriental hybrids - the most suitable option for growing in pots. The fact is that lilies of this group give few children, and therefore do not need an annual transplant. So, the plant will be able to grow without transplantation 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 can adjust the flowering period, which means you get a fragrant beautiful bouquet for any holiday. For this, it will only be necessary to correctly determine the landing time, and then provide good care.
How to plant a lily in a pot?
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 stunted flower, then select the appropriate type. Oriental lilies are represented by many varieties.
How to pick up a pot? The height of the pot will depend on the growth of the plant itself. Naturally, for a tall flower you will need a larger container. For example, for a lily with a stem one and a half meters, a container with a height of forty centimeters is needed. Remember that for one bulb, a landing area of sixteen centimeters square is needed. In a pot, the diameter of which is forty centimeters, three or four onions will fit. It would be inappropriate 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 it, otherwise you will not see flowering until the moment when the whole space is full. The process can drag on for years.
What soil to use?
Lily in one pot can grow up to three years. But she needs to provide good conditions for the winter. You can not take out pots with plants on the street or balcony in the cold season. Bulbs can just freeze.
Before landing, you need to choose a good soil. Suitable sod mixes with compost and humus. 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 have already taken into account all the features of the flower.
A drainage must be placed at the bottom of the pot for planting. As we already say, lilies are afraid of waterlogging, so you need to play it safe. Expanded clay, polystyrene, sea pebbles or even broken brick can be used as drainage.
Ten centimeters of soil are poured on top. Next, 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 in care. 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, raspberry, yellow, with gold stripes and tiger spots - are all beautiful.
So, the bulbs are planted, how then to properly care?
Until sprouts appear, you need to water as the soil dries. This is usually every three days. After the emergence of seedlings, you need to carry out the first top dressing. After seven days, repeat the procedure. 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 plant buds for future flowers. As soon as the plant reaches ten centimeters in height, you need to add earth to the pot. And then you must definitely loosen the soil. This will provide airflow to the roots. Plants are watered daily at this stage. Top dressing is applied once a week. At the age of one month, a lily can be taken out on the street only after hardening the plant a little. Before flowering, you can spray. And after opening the flowers, you need to stop, since the ingress of moisture reduces the flowering period.
If necessary, you can install supports that will support the plant.
