Oriental lilies, or more correctly - Oriental hybrids (Oriental hybrids), They have unusually beautiful, large and fragrant flowers and, undoubtedly, belong to the aristocrats among lilies, and all other summer flowers. Personally, it’s hard for me to imagine the second half of summer without the already familiar aroma of oriental lilies, reminiscent of the fact that warm July is already ending and cool August is inexorably approaching.
In modern literature, in my opinion, there are several persistent prejudices that significantly hinder the spread of these beautiful plants in our areas. For example, it is believed that oriental lilies are much more delicate and capricious compared to others, that they have a very long growing season and bloom late - at the very end of August. As a result, they go into winter poorly prepared and therefore often freeze out. My personal experience growing oriental hybrids in the northeast of the Moscow region speaks of something completely different.
Modern technologies and genetic engineering have made it possible to create huge amount new hybrids that bloom already from the second half of July, even if planted quite late in the spring. The flowering of new varieties is often delayed until mid-September, but correctly selected and cared for varieties in total can bloom for at least one and a half, or even two months. These, I emphasize, are modern hybrids - OT, OA, LO and many other variants of simple and complex crosses.
For reference: OT, OA, LO, etc. hybrids are abbreviations for the common names of groups of lilies: O - orientals (oriental lilies), T - trumpet lilies, A - Asiatic lilies and L - longiflorums. These are interspecific hybrids, usually retaining most of the positive parental characteristics in their offspring. Hybrids can be more complex - between species and already existing hybrids, for example, LOO = LO+O, OOT = O+OT, etc. Hybridization has made it possible to create such a wide range of shapes, sizes, flower colors and plant exteriors that these lilies are sometimes more similar to their counterparts from other groups than to their predecessors, the oriental lilies. As a result of this painstaking work, the flowering period of oriental hybrids has significantly increased, as well as their winter hardiness and resistance to diseases.
Of course, the bulbs of oriental hybrids are unlikely to overwinter on the surface of the ground in fallen leaves or grass, as sometimes happens with lost tulip bulbs, but my personal experience suggests that it is not at all difficult to ensure the overwintering of oriental lilies. According to generally accepted recommendations, oriental lily bulbs should overwinter in dry soil. Therefore, in the fall, in dry weather, planting lilies must be covered with waterproof material to protect them from excess moisture in the autumn. About 6-7 years ago, when the bulbs of oriental hybrids were still quite expensive and rare, I did just that. He placed a greenhouse over them or covered them with film, like cucumbers. At the same time, I planted a dozen bushes of dahlias and bright begonias, which in the ground in September can already turn black from the first frosts, as well as a couple of dozen mini-gladioli “Glamini” different colors. Gladioli and dahlias were deliberately planted much later than in open ground, at the very end of May or at the beginning of June to obtain a later home cut. Sometimes it worked out on its own, I just didn’t have time to plant everything on time, so I bought some more plants at seasonal sales and from mail catalogs. As a result, I received a double benefit - my lilies actually went “dry” before winter, and there were fresh dahlias in the house until the end of October or even mid-November, crown anemones, begonias, marigolds and gladioli, while their counterparts in the ground had already been removed. They looked very funny in a vase along with fresh blue and white October flowers.
Since then, my collection has grown and the plants no longer fit under a small greenhouse. Besides, I really wanted to decorate with these beautiful flowers and other corners of the garden, including empty areas after digging up tulips. Although it is usually not recommended to plant lilies after tulips, since they have several similar diseases and can be affected by the same viruses, sometimes due to space constraints I have done it anyway. And the result turned out to be excellent - either the bulbs I came across were healthy, or these hybrids became more resistant to diseases. Or maybe the soil after planting and digging up the tulips was more loose, fertilized and breathable, but the result was obvious! All the lilies bloomed beautifully and overwintered well with virtually no shelter. Sometimes I mulched them a little and covered them with pine litter, and lightly spruce branches on top. There were isolated attacks, but the probability of bulbs freezing in winter was no more than 10%. Even in quite harsh winter In 2010, many gardeners had their roses and clematis severely frozen, but almost all oriental lilies came out of winter with dignity!
By the way, it is advisable to cover lilies in the spring, when the threat of return spring frosts still remains. The spring shelter can be much lower in order to preserve the tops of newly emerging flower stalks. But you don’t have to do this; most likely, everything will work out just the way it is.
Modern Oriental hybrids come in very different heights, including very short ones, only 30-50 cm. This leads to two very important conclusions - they can be grown almost at the very edge of flower beds and mixed borders and, what is even more interesting, used in small floor vases, balcony boxes and patio containers. In this case, it is much easier to provide the plants with a “drier” autumn and a warm winter; you just need to put the containers in a dry place in the fall, and in the winter - in the basement or a utility room that does not freeze too much.
It is the Oriental hybrids that are most often used in forcing to produce cut flowers. And the reason is still the same - beautiful and large, almost airy flowers, as a rule, with a strong floral aroma. Although this is a matter of taste. On the street, most people perceive this aroma as very pleasant and bewitching, but in the confined space of rooms, some may not like it.
Depending on the climate, oriental hybrids are recommended to be planted in August–September or in the spring, in April–May. The layer of soil above an adult bulb should be on average twice its diameter, but not less than 10-12 cm. In late autumn, when the ground is already slightly frozen, it is advisable to mulch the plants with fallen leaves or pine needles or peat with a layer of 10-15 cm. In more northern areas Lily bulbs should be planted a little deeper than the recommended depths, the soil layer above the bulb should be 15-20 cm. In this case, the lilies “sprout” a little later than usual and, as a rule, are no longer subject to frost, which can occur even in early June, and low shoots are easier to cover.
It is useful to plant various low ground cover or creeping decorative deciduous shrubs next to Oriental lilies. Firstly, the plantings will look modern and stylish. Secondly, in hot weather the earth will not overheat too much. Thirdly, in winter, bushes will retain snow and create additional insulation for bulbs and neighboring perennials. Well, fourthly, they will protect newly hatched lily shoots from possible frosts in the spring.
Oriental lilies for good growth loose, nutritious, permeable soil is required. On heavy, damp or poorly cultivated soils, lily bulbs can rot due to the accumulation of moisture between the scales. Such soils must first be made more loose and breathable by adding sand, peat, perlite, vermiculite or other disintegrants. It is advisable to add a little ash and well-rotted compost. Use fresh manure, as with growing most other plants, is strictly not recommended.
The planting interval for Oriental lilies usually depends on the height and vigor of the varieties planted. I would recommend planting the bulbs at a distance of at least 20-25 cm. This will allow the lilies to feed well and provide good ventilation to the root areas, which are most susceptible to all kinds of fungal diseases. It is better not to loosen the soil around lilies during the growing season, but only to mulch, since there is a possibility of disturbing the superficially located supra-bulb roots or children formed on the stems, or accidentally breaking a young stem that is quite fragile in May - early June.
Lily bulbs purchased for planting or dug up on your site are planted immediately, without drying them out, like tulips or hyacinths, since the succulent scales of lilies do not have their own protective shell. Before planting, it is advisable to soak the bulbs for about 30 minutes in some trustworthy fungicide. Then they need to be dried for 3-4 hours in a well-ventilated place in the shade to eliminate excess moisture between the scales. The remaining roots can be trimmed for ease of planting to approximately 5-8 cm.
If there is a need to store the bulbs before planting, they should be carefully placed in boxes or perforated bags, layered with slightly damp peat, sand or sphagnum moss. Sometimes suppliers and sellers use fresh, dry sawdust for this. coniferous species. But the bulbs are stored in them a little worse, at least if we talk about storage periods exceeding 3 weeks.
Untransplanted lilies need to be fed with phosphorus-potassium in August-early September, and in the spring, when the sprouts reach a height of about 10 cm - complex fertilizers with a predominant content of nitrogen and phosphorus. At this time, the lilies on the peduncles begin to develop so-called auxiliary or supra-bulb roots, which will significantly increase the efficiency of fertilizer absorption. Closer to the beginning of budding, it is advisable to lightly feed the lilies again with complex summer fertilizers. If the bulbs are planted at the end of summer or at the very beginning of autumn, then autumn feeding should be minimal, or it is better to exclude them altogether and limit ourselves to only small additions of ash to the soil.
Oriental lilies prefer sun or light partial shade. Abundant solar lighting it is not necessary for lilies throughout the day, but it is very desirable in the morning or evening. It is recommended to cut lily flowers, like the vast majority of bulbous flowers, early in the morning, saving as much as possible. more leaves on the stem. Removing a large number of leaves leads to a deterioration in flowering and even its complete absence next year.
To prevent mice from annoying the lilies, it is useful to plant imperial or Persian fritillaria, colchicum or daffodils, and snowdrops around the beds. After a snowfall, it is advisable to trample the snow around the plantings. But it’s still better to get one or two cats for this!
Oriental lilies, like all their relatives, reproduce vegetatively and by seeds. Various methods of reproduction, as well as their numerous advantages and disadvantages, are widely described in the specialized literature. However, if you don’t have much time and you don’t have something completely unique in your hands, then it’s much easier to buy in garden center or catalog them for new bulbs, which are no longer as expensive as they were a few years ago. Just 3-5 plants are enough to give your flowerbed style, sophistication and some uniqueness, and most importantly, fill your garden with the delightful aroma of lilies!
The most common hybrids of lilies include Oriental and Asian. What are their features?
What are oriental lilies?
All lilies belong to the same genus of plants - Liliaceae. They are perennial herbs, have bulbs. Lilies are represented by more than 110 species of flowers, which grow mainly in Europe and Asia. In turn, the number of lily varieties (including hybrids) is about 10 thousand. In accordance with the international classification, hybrids of these colors are presented in 10 main sections:
- Asiatic lilies;
- curly;
- snow-white hybrids;
- American;
- long-flowered lilies;
- tubular and Orleans hybrids;
- oriental lilies;
- a section that includes hybrids between flowers that belong to the 1st, 5th, 6th, and 7th sections, that is, between Asiatic, long-flowered, trumpet, Orleans, and oriental lilies;
- a section that includes all lilies that grow in the wild;
- a section that includes other hybrids not classified within the previous categories.
As we noted above, oriental lilies are among the most common. They come from the following types of lilies:
- golden;
- beautiful;
- Japanese;
- reddish;
- most noble.
Oriental types of lilies can be represented by flowers that grow upward, directed to the sides or downwards. The height of oriental lilies is 50-120 cm. The flowers of these plants are large, up to 30 cm, and have a pleasant aroma. Their color can be white, yellow, crimson or pink. Sometimes oriental lily flowers have 2 colors, include specks and small stripes.
They are characterized by a fairly long growing season. Oriental lilies are not very frost-resistant, so flower plantings must be insulated before winter. In this case, the soil of wintering lilies should be dry. The soil on which flowers are grown is drained and slightly acidic. It is best to plant oriental lilies in sunny and windless places. Low-growing varieties of flowers can be grown as indoor plants.
What are Asiatic lilies?
These flowers come from the following types of lilies, as well as their varieties:
- bulbous;
- Wilson's lilies;
- lilies of David;
- Leuchtlin lilies;
- Daurian;
- dwarf;
- Langkong;
- callosal;
- single color;
- drooping;
- pleasant;
- 12) brindle.
Like oriental lilies, Asiatic lilies are plants with flowers that can point upward, sideways, or downward.
The main features of Asiatic lilies are unpretentiousness and resistance to frost. They can be grown not only in sunny places, but also in shaded areas. It is recommended to plant Asiatic lilies in neutral or slightly acidic soil.
The height of Asiatic lilies is 50-150 cm. The size of their flowers can reach 20 cm. The colors of the flowers of Asiatic lilies are very diverse. Both white and very dark flowers may appear. Orange, apricot, and red Asiatic lilies are popular. There are also two-color varieties of flowers.
Like oriental lilies, Asiatic lilies are often grown as indoor plants.
Comparison
Despite the close relationship between the flowers in question, there is more than one difference between Oriental lilies and Asiatic lilies. The most obvious difference between them is in terms of:
- maximum plant height;
- maximum flower diameter;
- frost resistance;
- common types of flower colors.
You can also trace the difference between the plants in question and in terms of the differences between the types of lilies from which they originate.
Having determined what the difference is between Oriental and Asiatic lilies, we will reflect the conclusions in the table.
Oriental lily hybrids are considered the most beautiful among other lilies. interests many. Their large flowers of wonderful colors with a charming aroma are an example of luxury, bred by breeders. What you need to know about oriental lily hybrids?
"Country Hobbies"
Oriental lily hybrids
However, oriental lilies are finicky beauties that can only grow for several years in regions with a maritime climate and in lime-free soils.
In all other climatic regions their splendor lasts only a year or two. Many varieties of oriental lilies are not resistant to damage by viruses and fungal diseases.
Therefore, oriental lilies are plants intended for lovers of exceptional beauty.
All varieties of lilies large group are the result of crossings with Japanese or East Asian species of lines such as the golden lily, the beautiful lily, the Japanese lily, the reddish lily or the Henry lily with its orange turban-shaped flowers.
Many hybrids based on flower shape are divided into varieties with tubular flowers, varieties with cuboid flowers and varieties with turban-shaped flowers.
Conditions for growing hybrids of oriental lilies
Oriental lily hybrids require humid air, mild climate, sunny, sheltered growing location with a shaded base, and lime-free, permeable soil.
Flowerbeds with herbaceous perennials and slightly acidic soil perfect for this type of lily. Plant them in the center or background of the flower bed.
Many hybrids do better and bloom longer in a container. For the winter, lilies in a container can be brought into the house. This was taken into account when developing new varieties. Appeared low-growing varieties lilies that grow only up to 60-80 cm.
Choosing a place for lilies on your site
Oriental lilies hybrids Oriental lilies will be charming, but where would they be best to live?
Oriental lilies have flowers of intense colors and patterns, so they need calm companions that allow the lilies to dominate the composition.
Roses are wonderful neighbors of oriental lilies. And here you can choose from a variety of colors and varieties.
White and silver-gray tones go well with almost all shades of oriental lilies.
Black cohosh, white spur, two-colored groundsel and sea lobularia will highlight the splendor of oriental lilies.
Light-colored lily flowers will look more luxurious if planted with evergreen shrubs.
Planting oriental lilies
Oriental lilies hybrids Planting time: spring.
Loosen the soil. Mix it with one shovel of peat and half a handful of complex fertilizers.
If the soil is heavy, then dig a hole 30 cm deep, put 5 cm of sand on its bottom, and fill it on top flower land y. Shape the flower soil into a skittle shape.
Before planting oriental lily bulbs, stick a stake in the ground.
To protect the bulbs from voles, wrap them in wire mesh and plant them in a prepared hole to a depth of 15-20 cm.
Carefully fill the hole with flower soil and press the soil down. Then lightly water the planting site and cover with bark mulch.
Tie growing lilies to a stake. Water during drought. After the lilies have finished blooming, stop watering.
Oriental hybrid lilies grow well in full sun, but they should be shaded at the base. The soil should be permeable and fertilized with humus. Required.
In waterlogged soil the plant dies. In regions with a harsh climate, it is better to keep lilies in a container: plant them in a flowerbed in the summer, and bring them indoors in the winter.
Look for varieties on sale low growing lilies bred specifically for growing in containers. manifests itself in the appearance of orange or faded brown spots covered with mold on the leaves. The bulb is not affected. In this case, you should cut off the foliage and spray the lilies with a fungicide.
In spring or fall, buy light, strong lily bulbs. They should be evenly colored. Do not buy lily bulbs with soft or moldy spots, or bulbs with long shoots that have already sprouted. Thank you! I invite you to the group on Subscribe.ru for summer residents and gardeners: “Country hobbies” All about country life: dacha, garden, vegetable garden, flowers, recreation, fishing, hunting, tourism, nature
Eastern Lily- This flowering perennial. Refers to bulbous flowers. The main growing seasons for this representative of the flora are considered rhizome And onion. The renewal stem is divided into two parts.
The bottom is considered shortened basal. It contains spare scales, which are considered to be an onion. The plant further consists of a long ground stem. It contains flowers and leaves. This part is called shoot-peduncle.The photo below shows the Eastern Lily.
Below are photos of the Eastern lily:
Every year, a spring renewing bud is formed at the top of the bottom of the main bulb. A trunk, a flowering stem and the necessary scales grow nearby. Thanks to this formation, Oriental hybrids are among the most beautiful and magnificently flowering lilies. The shades of flowers are very diverse: red, amber, purple, soft pink, snow-white, golden, with blue and purple veins, with emerald specks.
The diameter of the flowers can reach 10-20 cm. The flowers are flat with wavy petals. The tips of the petals may curl or curl. The anthers are brown or orange in color. There can be 1-5 flowers on a peduncle. The flowers are directed in different directions. The distribution area is very large.
Oriental lilies can be found in Australia, the southern states of America, New Zealand and Europe.
Care
Below is how to plant and care for Oriental lilies.
Trimming
Mandatory pruning plant does not require. But after flowering recommended remove wilted flowers and peduncles with a sharp knife, as they spoil the decorative appearance.
Transfer
It is not recommended to replant the plant.
Oriental Lilies should be planted immediately permanent place growth.
The plant is replanted only if the location is chosen incorrectly.
In this case the flower transplanted to ground cover flowers.
In this case, during hot weather the soil will not overheat, and on frosty days it will not freeze very much. Growing time in one place: 4-6 years.
Landing
Choose a place for planting that is well-warmed, sunny, and windless. Lilies like to grow next to overgrown grasses and low-growing shrubs, which protect them from the wind.
The plant prefers breathable, acidic soil.
You can use commercial soil for rhododendrons.
Important so that the soil does not contain lime.
It is better to plant at the end of summer, when stable warm weather. During this period, the bulbs of Oriental Lilies will have time to take root and form the necessary buds. But planting material It's better to buy in late spring, when experienced flower growers The bulbs are professionally separated from the mother plant. Bulbs have certain storage requirements. The video below shows how to properly plant and care for Oriental Lilies.
Below is the video correct landing and care for Oriental lilies:
Reproduction
Reproduction is happening using bulbs.
Important so that before planting they are kept in a cool room at a temperature no higher than 0-2°C.
During growth, planting material requires a temperature of 2-6°C.
For storage, it is best to use basements, closets, cold corridors or verandas.
Store planting material under a layer of moistened peat or sawdust. If this is not possible, then each onion wrap paper. Otherwise, future shoots will be severely distorted. Every two weeks, the bulbs are ventilated and checked for mold. Later they are planted in deep containers with black soil and peat. At the end of summer they are planted in open ground.
The planting depth should not exceed 15 cm.
Planting material is covered with mulch. To do this, use peat or leaves. The mulch layer should be 14-22 cm.
Reproduction also occurs division of shoots. But it is worth considering that young Oriental Lilies do not form planting stems. For reproduction vegetative Only mature plants are used in this way.
When propagated by seeds, hybrid flower colors are not transmitted. Therefore, this method is used only breeders to create new forms of hybrids.
Important! Oriental Lilies do not like fresh soil mixtures.
In such conditions, the plant feels very uncomfortable. Important so that the growing environment is acidic, without chemical impurities and lime.
Temperature
When grown, this representative of the flora necessary protect from severe frosts.
Should protect the trunk on which flowers are formed, and the bulb on which the necessary regenerating bud appears.
At severe frosts The plant is covered with a layer of mulch.
In this case, the soil temperature should not be lower than 0°C. During hot summer weather, Oriental Lilies can grow in full sun. Optimal temperature at this time of year 15-30°C. On hot days, Lilies need to be watered generously or sprayed with water from a spray bottle.
Lighting
Oriental Lilies excellent grow in the sun or light partial shade. Can tolerate abundant sun rays throughout the day.
Especially important so that the sun hits Lilies in the morning and evening hours.
Growing
This representative of the flora is grown on garden plots, in winter and botanical gardens, greenhouses.
House lilies will not bloom. They need wintering in open ground. Since Oriental Lilies are considered the most beautiful subspecies of this genus, they actively use for decorating gardens and landscape design.
It is the decor of various flower arrangements. They look great next to junipers, dwarf flowers, gladioli, delphiniums, asters, and hyacinths.
Bloom
Depending on the subspecies, Oriental Lilies are divided for mid- and late-flowering.
The budding period for both subspecies is about two months.
In early flowering plants, all phases of development begin with the growing season.
The formation of buds and flowering are quickly replaced and end at the end of summer.
With the arrival of autumn, the branches die. The supra-bulb root system, the bulb itself and the basal rhizome remain to overwinter in the soil. By this time, the replacement kidney should be fully formed.
Spring frosts and severe winter frosts can destroy delicate flowers.
But since it remained in the rhizome bud renewal, with the onset of warm days Eastern Lily reborn And blooms again.
Medium-flowering representatives of the flora before the onset of cold weather in the regenerating bud form only leaves and standard. And only in spring period Along with the growth of the shoot, the process of flower formation occurs. The procedure does not take place in the bulb itself, but outside it. Therefore, the spring period for such plants is the most important.
If at this time there will be frost, hail, heavy rains, temperature changes and other unfavorable weather conditions– the formation cycle is disrupted. The plant will not bloom this season.
Fertilizer
Peat is perfect as a fertilizer. But the fertilizer should not be allowed to get on the root system of the flower. Otherwise, a severe burn will occur and the plant will become sick. You can add pine litter or fine slag to the soil. Not recommended adding wood ash.
Eastern Lilies tolerate ash negatively and stop blooming.
In this case, their leaves and buds fall off. Fertilizing is always carried out during the growing season, the formation of buds and active growth. In autumn and winter, the flower does not need feeding.
Medicinal properties
Plant applies in folk medicine.
Dry leaves, flowers and stem are brewed for sore throat, bronchitis, colds, and severe cough.
Lily can be used against acne, skin pigmentation, dropsy, lichen, abscesses, cuts, burns.
Lily tinctures relieve depression, anxiety, insomnia, and nervous disorders.
Diseases and pests
Thanks to its pleasant floral aroma, the plant scares away insects, attracting only bees. Therefore, it is not susceptible to pests.
Diseases can occur due to improper feeding, lack of sun or when flower buds freeze.
Oriental Lilies - beautiful flowering perennials. They overwinter in open ground. They cannot grow at home. They prefer careful care, protection from the wind like other plants and plenty of water. sun rays. The plants are not susceptible to pests.