Mysterious lily tree: planting and caring for a plant
Some of the original names of garden plants raise questions or grin. The famous lily tree, the planting and maintenance of which requires special skills, belongs to just such flowers. Admirers of decorative cultures understand that in fact such a tree does not exist. And the name is conditional. But with its help, traders draw attention to their "flower" assortment.
However, the owners of country residences have long been engaged in planting and caring for the lily tree. With its help, they create luxurious alleys, which are equipped for enjoying nature. What is this huge flower and why is it called that? How to grow such a lily on the site and take care of it? To find answers to your questions, let's go on an enchanting journey into the world of mysterious flowers.
Unique tandem - lily and tree
Despite its unusual name, the lily tree is considered a flower. However, looking at it from the outside, many admire its magnificence. The culture grows to about 2.5 m in height and is a perennial. Powerful, but hollow shoots inside, directed upwards. Sometimes their maximum diameter reaches 6 cm. They are decorated with large heart-shaped foliage. The surface of the plate is covered with veins resembling a grid. The alternate leaves are arranged on long cuttings, which gives the flower a slender appearance.
During the flowering period (July), erect shoots are crowned with luxurious buds, which come in various shades:
- white;
- green;
- pink;
- Orange;
- brown;
- lilac;
- yellow.
Interestingly, many of them are painted in several colors at the same time. The honeymoon lily-tree loved by many has orange-yellow buds. And some are painted with graceful blotches. Outwardly, they resemble gramophones that are slightly tilted downward. But there are also turban-shaped, long-tubular or goblet forms, 30 cm in diameter.
On one hybrid bush there are more than 30 huge buds located at the top of the plant. It grows up to 2 m, for which it received the name "Goliath", in honor of the tall warrior of antiquity.
Majestic lily tree: planting and care
To breed a luxurious culture on your site, you should familiarize yourself with the basic rules for growing this miracle flower. For example, the type of soil and the location of the plant affect its height. Flowering frequency - from top dressing. Successful development is associated with lighting, pruning and protection from the winter cold. Consider these important points carefully before planting and caring for a lily tree in the garden.
Choosing the right soil
When equipping a summer cottage, few people think about the type of soil that is under their feet. But when it comes to planting plants, you have to pay attention to it.
Practice shows that the lily tree loves soil with a neutral or slightly acidic composition. In addition, it must be:
- fertile;
- loose;
- well drained.
If necessary, gardeners correct the situation by introducing special fertilizers or drainage... They also plow the land deeply so that the plant takes root in a new territory.
The basis of life is a secure landing site
Settling on the ground, people chose areas where there was enough moisture, sunlight and heat. It never occurred to anyone to settle in the desert, although it is very spacious there.Similarly, the lily tree will not take root on an area where there are no main sources for its life.
Although the culture loves an abundance of light, direct sunlight hits the surface of the leaf plates. In addition, the lily does not tolerate drafts. Therefore, the flower is planted near buildings, fences or gazebos.
In the southern regions, it is advisable to grow the plant in areas that are exposed to direct sunlight for 6 hours.
For the successful care and planting of a tree lily, it is important to take into account the humidity of the site. If the groundwater is shallow, the ground will be constantly wet. Stagnation of water adversely affects the bulbs of the plant, which ultimately leads to its death. If such a problem is excluded, you can safely plant a luxurious flower.
Simple task - planting a lily tree
The plant's gigantic size suggests that its roots are deep in the ground. Therefore, for planting the bulbs, holes are dug, the width and depth of which must be at least 50 cm. In addition, the maximum distance between flowers is about 1 m. If this fact is ignored, adult plants will suffer from a lack of light and moisture.
The bottom of the holes is covered with drainage using the following materials:
- gravel;
- broken brick;
- a mixture of sand and small stones.
The prepared layer is covered with humus mixed with soil or compost. The wells are in this state for at least 7 days for the soil to settle. When the period is over, the bulbs are planted in the traditional way and sprinkled with soil.
Planting a lily tree is best done in the fall. This can be done in late September or early October, depending on the region.
To ensure reliable wintering for the bulbs, the surface of the site is covered with fallen leaves or needles. If a little snow falls, gardeners additionally throw it on the place of planting flowers. In early spring, when the greenery appears, they carefully observe it in order to save it from frost.
Some summer residents propagate the giant lily with seeds that are harvested after the flowering period. At the tops of the shoots, boxes of a cylindrical nature appear. If they are not ripe due to weather conditions, they are carefully cut with a knife along with a piece of the shoot. Then placed in a dry place. As soon as they are ready, they are sown immediately, otherwise the material will lose germination.
Basic principles of caring for a giant flower
Competent growing of a tree lily and caring for it implies timely watering. It is advisable to replenish moisture reserves when the root area of the flower dries up. But when performing the procedure, it is important not to damage the top ball of the soil and expose the bulbs. Otherwise, the plant will get sick. Usually the procedure is performed once a week. During periods of drought, it is enough to water the plant 2 times.
To retain moisture, it is advisable to mulch the planting. The cover will protect the bulbs and roots from overheating.
All kinds of feeding are used to stimulate abundant flowering. Substances are introduced into the soil after the appearance of green shoots and foliage. The procedure is repeated until the flowering of the crop, using mineral or organic feeding... To speed up the process of flower development, a growth stimulator is added to the solution. Some gardeners do not recommend using fresh manure for feeding. Otherwise, the plant faces a fungal infection.
As practice shows, caring for a lily tree includes several procedures. It is important to do them correctly and regularly. Do not forget about the preferences of the plant: light, soil, moisture. Takes care of it in the winter and generously reproduce it in the summer cottage. Let these gorgeous giants grace the gardens with their lush bloom all season long.