Description of the best varieties of oriental lilies, planting and care in the open field
To the advantages of growing oriental lilies in their summer cottage, gardeners include flowers of incredible beauty with various colors and a delightful aroma. It is difficult to imagine the second half of summer at their summer cottage without these beauties. Thanks to the labors of breeders, many varieties of oriental, or oriental hybrids have appeared, which are adapted for growing in the difficult climate of central Russia. With proper agricultural technology, plants do not get sick and reward gardeners with huge buds of incredible beauty.
General description and characteristics of oriental lilies
Oriental lily has broad-lanceolate leaves located on long petioles. Their inflorescences are spreading, racemose, flowers can be directed downward or sideways. The flower shape is turbid, tubular or stellate. The shade of the petals is crimson, white, pink.
A special feature of oriental hybrids is a long growing season, so they need a long warm summer. In the middle lane, cultivation is possible, but a mandatory shelter for the winter is required.
Types and varieties of culture
Among the hybrids and varieties of oriental lilies, the following are especially popular with gardeners:
- Oriental. Reaches a meter in height, therefore it is included in the category of large species. On its petals on the inside, the color is yellow-white, and the outside is dotted with dots and small pimples. The Oriental Lily blooms in July or August and exudes a pronounced pleasant aroma.
- Asterion. The height of the hybrid ranges from 40 to 120 cm. In the blossoming state, the diameter of the buds reaches 22-23 cm. The petals have a creamy white tint and slight waviness. Up to 3 buds grow on one peduncle at the same time.
- Time Out. Of all the hybrids of oriental lilies, this one is the most unpretentious. The flowers are of medium size (18-20 cm in diameter), with extended petals, on which there are longitudinal yellow stripes. It develops in height up to 120 cm, the flowering period begins in mid-August.
- Star Class. The height of the hybrid is up to 110 cm. It is characterized by flowers 20 cm in diameter, which have a white center and pink edges of the petals.
Pros and cons
Before planting oriental beauties, be sure to study their strengths and weaknesses in order to avoid mistakes in the growing process.
The advantages of lilies include:
- Spectacular appearance.
- Bright pleasant smell.
- They look good in the cut.
- A large selection of hybrids with different petal colors.
Of the shortcomings, they pay attention to the following:
- Long growing season.
- Late flowering period.
- The need for additional insulation for the winter.
The nuances of growing a plant
When starting to grow a capricious and heat-loving plant, they pay attention to its requirements for the location and characteristics of the soil.
Pick up time and place
It is recommended to plant oriental lilies in the spring, when the weather is stable and warm without the risk of recurrent frosts. This will enable young flowers to take root in a new place and strengthen immunity before the onset of cold weather.
Since oriental beauties are mostly tall, a place for them is chosen protected from strong gusts of wind that can break the delicate flower.
An area with light shading is ideal; in the open scorching sun, the petals fade and lose their decorative effect.
The soil
The soil must be fertile, with a slightly acidic reaction. Peaty soil with little deciduous humus and sand is a good choice. At the bottom, drainage must be arranged, otherwise the bulbs become infected with fusarium and die.
Planting bulbs
Before planting, the bulbs are treated with any fungicide to protect the plants from fungal diseases. In the prepared soil, small holes are made at a distance of at least 20 cm from each other. Shorter planting spacing will result in flowers competing for nutrients.
The onions are slightly buried, sprinkled on top with a small layer of sand and mulched with sawdust. This will prevent moisture evaporation and protect young plants from weeds.
How to properly care for flowers
Outdoor care for oriental lilies is carried out regularly, as the flower is delicate and capricious.
Watering and feeding
Moistening the soil on which oriental lilies grow is carried out in moderation. Flowers do not tolerate excessive moisture and react to it by reducing the decorative appearance and rotting of the bulbs. In cloudy weather, watering is not carried out at all; in extreme heat, it is moderately irrigated once a week.
Top dressing is an indispensable component of the care of oriental hybrids. For these purposes, it is better to purchase special fertilizers for bulbous plants in a gardening store and, when using, follow the instructions on the package.
It is strictly forbidden to use fresh manure for feeding lilies. It becomes the cause of the development of diseases.
Shelter for the winter
Be sure to insulate delicate flowers before the onset of cold weather. Cut the peduncle up to a 10-centimeter stump and pour a bucket of earth on top. Fallen dry leaves are laid on top of it. In regions with severe frosts, it is advisable to cover the top with roofing material.
Diseases and pests
Of the fungal diseases, gray rot and fusarium are considered the most dangerous for oriental beauties. They develop in damp and cold weather, as well as when lilies are excessively hydrated. For treatment, fungicidal preparations are used that contain copper.
If the plants are infected with viral diseases, the flowers will have to be destroyed so as not to endanger other crops on the site. Among the most dangerous are the tobacco and cucumber mosaic virus. There is no cure.
Among pests, mice and other rodents are dangerous, which love to feast on nutritious lily bulbs. Poison is scattered around the plantings in winter, and snow is trampled from time to time.
Sometimes flowers are attacked by lily flies, squeak beetle, bears and spider mites. They resort to the help of insecticides - "Karbofos", "Intavir", "Decis".
Reproduction of oriental lilies
Oriental beauties are bred in several ways:
- Seeds.The method is not suitable for all varieties and hybrids, therefore it is not popular with gardeners.
- Scales. Several scales are separated from a large healthy bulb, which are placed in a bag filled with sand, peat and coniferous litter. They are waiting for the appearance of children, periodically moistening the substrate and airing the scales. Then they are planted in open ground, at first they are covered.
- By dividing the bulb. The procedure is carried out after the end of flowering, young specimens are immediately sent to the beds, they are well insulated for the winter.
Examples of use in landscape design
Oriental lilies look beautiful in the company of rhododendrons, perennial asters and ground cover plants.
