Description of the best varieties of tree lilies, planting and care in open ground

Surely, every gardener would dream of growing an unusual lily flower that looks like a tree on his plot. It is worth noting that such a culture does not exist in nature. A tree is any variety of lily that, subject to certain rules of agricultural technology, is capable of achieving high growth. Often in gardening stores, buyers are attracted by a loud name, but this is nothing more than a marketing ploy. However, it is quite possible to grow a lily resembling a tree on a plot of land; to do this, they study which varieties are the tallest, how to plant them correctly and the subtleties of caring for the plant.

What is a tree lily

Tree lily is not a specific, artificially bred variety of crop, but simply a generalized name for representatives of this family, capable of achieving high growth, almost like a tree, under certain conditions. The hybrid, characterized by its enormous size and called Goliath, was bred by Canadian breeders. During the flowering period (which happens once every 5 years), the flower tree is covered with huge buds, which exude a delicate aroma and have a variety of colors.

The perennial bulbous plant has hollow stems and heart-shaped leaves. Lily flowers come in different shapes - turban-shaped, goblet-shaped or long-tubular. But they all hang on very powerful stems, somewhat reminiscent of the branches of young trees. The diameter of the flowers of tree lilies is impressive - about 30 cm; they bloom in mid-summer and delight the eye for a month.

Popular representatives

Among the many hybrids of lilies, there are representatives that reach 2 meters in height with proper care. For the first time, a description of such crops appeared in the catalog of the Dutch company Breck’s LLS. However, this is not a new variety, but the same OT hybrids of lilies, although distinguished by a more powerful stem and faster growth. They have been repeatedly improved and refined, improving their characteristics.

If a gardener decides to grow a lily tree on his site, it is recommended to opt for one of these hybrids:

• Scheherazade. A tall hybrid was obtained by crossing the oriental and tubular varieties. Only with proper care does a lily turn into a mini-tree as tall as a person. Scheherazade flowers reach 27-30 cm in diameter and are cup-shaped. In addition to the intoxicating aroma, lily buds have a wide palette of shades: there are yellow, red, orange, and pink representatives.
• Anastasia. On average, the crop reaches 2 meters in height and is distinguished by rather large buds (about 30 cm). Among all OT hybrids, Anastasia is characterized most positively by gardeners. Due to the unpretentiousness of the plant and the wonderful aroma of the flowers, it is grown commercially for cutting into bouquets. Another advantage of Anastasia is the increased resistance of the lily to transportation.
• Donato. The color of the huge lily buds is purple-red and only on the neck is a yellowish color noticeable. It reaches a height of 2 meters, but only with proper care.
• Pretty Woman. Another representative of tall OT hybrids, having funnel-shaped flowers. During the flowering period, the fragrance of lilies is felt far beyond the boundaries of the site.

Advantages and disadvantages

Lily trees have not only advantages, but also some disadvantages, which the gardener evaluates at the stage of planning the cultivation.

The undeniable advantages include:

• Spectacular appearance of the lily tree.
• Huge flower sizes.
• Bright and rich aroma of buds.
• Powerful peduncle, capable of supporting up to 30 flowers.
• Ability to grow and develop even on acidic soils.
• Early start of the growing season.

The disadvantages of growing such crops include:

• The need for a spacious area.
• Compliance with certain rules of care.
• Sensitivity to close groundwater.
• The need to create support.

Features of cultivation

The correct location for growing a lily tree and the preparation of planting material primarily determine how tall the crop will reach.

Location

Lily loves sunlight, but it should be diffused. Direct rays will cause burns of foliage and burnout of buds. In addition, select a place that is protected from drafts and gusts of wind, otherwise the tall stems of the plant will not withstand such exposure and will break.

Despite the fact that the crop loves moisture, close groundwater will lead to rotting of the roots. Gardeners share this trick - low-growing flowers are planted around the lily, which protect the tree from sunlight and prevent moisture evaporation.

Slightly acidic and neutral soil is ideal for growing hybrids, and calcareous soil is highly discouraged. The soil must have increased water permeability and be nutritious. Otherwise, provide an additional drainage layer.

Planting material

Bulbs of tall lily hybrids are purchased only in specialized stores, where the gardener will be provided with a certificate of conformity. Since planting material is not cheap, in spontaneous markets there is a high probability of running into scammers who give out ordinary bulbs. lilies for OT hybrids.

Before planting, lilies are prepared - the bulbs are examined for the presence of mold, rot, and dry scales. Such material will not produce full-fledged plants.Pre-soak the bulbs in a slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate; it would also be a good idea to treat each specimen with a growth stimulant.

Landing technology

Lily trees are planted both in spring and autumn. In the first case, it is recommended to do this in late April or May. In the second, the first half of September is suitable, so that before the onset of cold weather the bulbs can take root and adapt to a new place.

The algorithm for planting hybrid trees in open ground looks like this:

• A layer of sand is poured into the bottom of each hole; its depth should be about 20 cm.
• Gently press the onion into the prepared hole and cover it with fertile soil on top.
• Water the lilies generously with cold water.
• The surface is mulched using peat or dry leaves.

When planting, maintain a distance of 1 meter between lilies so that the plants do not have to compete for nutrients and moisture.

Recommendations for caring for tree lilies

The observance of agricultural technology determines how tall a lily tree can be grown and how effectively it will bloom.

Watering

When moistening lily trees, observe regularity and moderation. Despite the fact that the crop is moisture-loving, especially during the period of budding and flowering, excess moisture negatively affects the condition of the root system. The optimal frequency of irrigation is once a week. It is recommended to increase the amount of watering only in very dry weather. Then this is done twice a week.

Top dressing

Without adding nutrients, it will not be possible to grow a lily that resembles a tree. Fertilizers are applied from the moment the first leaves appear on the plant. Both mineral and organic compounds are used.You can also purchase complex formulations designed specifically for bulbous flowers in gardening stores. To achieve the required height of the lily tree, the crop is periodically fed with growth stimulants.

The only thing that is strictly forbidden to fertilize a hybrid lily is fresh manure. Such feeding will provoke an outbreak of fungal diseases, and the plant will have to be destroyed.

The last time fertilizer is applied is in mid-August, before preparing the crop for winter.

Mulching

Laying a mulch layer is especially advisable in the southern regions. This prevents the evaporation of moisture from the soil and makes it possible to reduce the amount of irrigation. Mulch is also a natural barrier to weeds, so there is no need for frequent weeding. Peat, humus, fallen leaves or sawdust are used as mulch for lilies.

Trimming

At preparation for winter in autumn lily stems It is not recommended to cut at the root. Leave a minimum height of 10-18 cm.

Support

Without strong support, it will not be possible to grow a full-fledged lily tree. The stem will simply break under the weight of the buds. Wooden pegs or plastic pipes are used as support.

Wintering

In the first year of planting, cover with plastic wrap to prevent fragile plants from freezing. In subsequent years, it is enough to carry out autumn moisture-recharging irrigation and cover the lilies with spruce branches or a special covering material, for example, lutrasil.

Diseases, pests and methods of combating them

The following diseases and pests are considered the most dangerous for the lily tree:

• Gray rot. The reason is excess moisture and the presence of weeds near the plantings of lily hybrids.The parts damaged by the disease are removed, and these places are treated with a fungicide, for example, Fundazol.
• Fusarium. A fungus that develops on bulbs and roots under conditions of high humidity and excessive amounts of nitrogen in fertilizers. A solution of potassium permanganate is effective for treatment.
• Spider mite. It settles on the foliage of the lily and drinks the juices from the crop. Effectively control with a solution of green soap or any insecticide, for example, Aktara.

Reproduction

The lily tree is propagated using several methods.

Scales

Separate the upper scales from the mother bulb, place them in a plastic bag with substrate and wait for the roots to germinate. Be sure to make several holes in the bag so that the lilies do not suffocate.

Stem cuttings

The fastest method, which involves separating the green cuttings from the lily stem in the spring. It must be treated with Kornevin and planted in a prepared bed. At first, young lilies are covered with polyethylene or glass.

Seeds

This is the most labor-intensive and time-consuming method, often used by breeders to breed new lily hybrids.

By dividing the nest

Near the mother bulb, daughter bulbs are formed over time, which are used for further propagation of tree lilies. The method is simple and suitable even for beginner gardeners.

Examples in landscape design

The lily tree itself becomes the main attraction and decoration of the site. Low-growing plants are selected to accompany him. Compositions of lilies with creeping crops, for example, loosestrife or tenacious, also look beautiful.