Description of the best varieties of Martagon lily, planting and care, breeding methods
A lily called Martagon is known for its longevity and beauty. This species perfectly tolerates problems with diseases and pests, which allows it to be grown in large quantities and does not require much effort. The first examples of this hybrid were exclusively white, but later the breeders managed to bring out more than 200 new varieties of bright colors.
Description and characteristics
The plant is quite tall, its size reaches two meters. The petals of almost all flowers are bent back, which gives them volume. These flowers arrived in Europe many years ago, and new hybrids are still being developed, which are actively used to decorate gardens, alleys and parks. Usually plants grow side by side, while they form something like bushes. Martagon lilies can grow in the same place for more than 10 years.
Also, cut flowers may not fade for a long time, but it is not recommended to put a vase in the house, because of the strong smell, the head is often dizzy. There is a sugary sweet aroma. Such a hybrid can grow both in a sunny area and in the shade.
Types and varieties of Martagon
There are not so many varieties of this flower, but still these specimens are worthy of attention. Crossbreeding makes it possible to develop new hybrids, colors and find a suitable variety for each gardener, improve its general characteristics:
- The most beautiful varieties are considered lilies under the names Maroon King, "Mr. RO Backhouse", "Sunny morning", as well as Canadian lilies.
- Russian morning. The height of the stems reaches 80-110 centimeters, the flowers are medium in size. They are lowered, and the petals are bent back and slightly twisted at the ends. The color of the lily is from light yellow to bright orange. The flower begins to bloom in early summer and until late August or early September. The smell is delicate, sweet.
- "Henry". Lily is originally from China. Quite a popular variety that grows in almost all gardens in the world. Thanks to the Chinese lily, it was possible to develop new varieties by crossing the plant with other oriental lilies. The lily can grow up to 2.5 meters in height, the stems are very long and resilient. The foliage covers the stems completely and has medium-sized leaves. The hybrid tolerates frost well, rarely gets sick.
Main advantages and disadvantages
No matter how praised the plant, it still has its drawbacks:
- Lilies grow their bulb for a very long time, so in the early years there will be few flowers.
- The first bloom will be poor, the price of Martagon lilies will be high.
- The dried parts spoil the whole general appearance, they cannot be cut off if the gardener wants to have abundant flowering in the following years.
- It is also not recommended to transplant the plant, so if you need free space in the flower bed, you will have to find another replacement.
But lilies tolerate frost, drought well and are not picky about the place of growth, the main thing is not to forget to water the flowers from time to time. Also, culture will give the garden a wonderful aroma and will delight the eye.
How to grow properly
Before you start a lily in your garden, you should familiarize yourself with the planting and care rules, which are very important if gardeners do not want their work to be done in vain.
When and where to plant
Planting is carried out at the end of summer, when it is still warm and not too hot. You can also carry out this procedure in early September. They choose a place where there will be no strong drafts; the area under the trees is perfect. It is recommended to plant Martagon lilies alongside other lily hybrids. They are looking for a higher place so that the sun's rays reach the young plant. Wells are pre-prepared.
Preparation of planting material
They buy planting material in special stores, monitor the quality of the bulbs. It is very important to pay attention to this to be successful after planting. Damaged bulbs will simply rot in the ground. The surface is smooth and not too damp. It can be very difficult to find good specimens, since this variety is rare and almost not on sale.
How to plant
The planting process requires care and quality execution. Before planting the bulb in the ground, it is pre-treated with a solution of "Fundazol". The dug holes should be 2.5-3 bulbs deep to leave room for future young specimens and stems. The soil dug out of the pit is mixed with mineral fertilizers and ash. After that, humus is added to the mixture so that at first the plant feeds on substances from the soil. The roots must be carefully straightened and inspected again for defects. Sprinkle the onion with the resulting mixture and add humus on top.
The planting site is well watered and allowed to soak in water; too abundant watering will be harmful to the lily. With the arrival of cold weather, the soil around the planting site is mulched, but not covered.
The subtleties of flower care
After planting, it is important to take good care of the plant in order to get the desired result. Watering, feeding, loosening and mulching is all the key to the successful cultivation of Martagon lilies.
How to feed
The plant is regularly fed so that the flowers are large and lush, and the stems themselves are strong and less sick. After the snow melts and the soil warms up a little after winter, the place where the lily grows is watered with nitroammophos and ammonium nitrate. The next fertilizer is applied after the first buds appear. For this, phosphorus fertilizers are used.
Watering
Watering the crop is considered an important point. Water is not spared, because the liquid must penetrate to a depth of 30 centimeters. The place must be well drained. But you should try too hard, because in a too humid environment, the bulb will begin to rot.
Shelter for the winter
Lilies of the Martagon variety are frost-resistant and do not require special care before the arrival of frost. In winter, they do not cover it, they only lightly sprinkle it with mulch.
Disease and pest control methods
Martagon lily rarely suffers from viral infections, but still it has its weak points. Gray rot can affect flowers, so formalin is used to combat it, which is introduced into the soil.
If the plant is struck by rust, then the lilies are sprayed with "Ditan", "Kuprozan" and colloidal sulfur.Also, the soil is fertilized with phosphorus or potassium fertilizers.
How Martagon is propagated
In order to propagate this beautiful flower, several methods are used. Among them, reproduction by bulbs and scales is considered the most popular.
Baby bulbs
The easiest way to breed lilies. But here the bulbs will grow very long, unlike other types of lilies. The bulb grows, and over time, small specimens appear on it. They are planted and grown in separate containers.
Scales
Several scales are separated from the bulb and then dried. Prepare in advance a mixture of sphagnum, peat, and charcoal. The petioles are stored in it at room temperature, after a while small bulbs will appear.
Stalks
Gently tear off a leaf with a stem, then prepare a mixture with fertilizers and moisten. Flowers are planted at an angle. Before that, small cuts are made on the stems. Creates a greenhouse effect for rapid root germination.
Use in garden design
These flowers are often used by designers, as they are a good material for decorating gardens and alleys. The variety of colors and scents will help create a pleasant atmosphere. Since the flowers grow in bushes, this will help to hide defects in buildings and generally give them a fresh look.
