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Almost any person, even far from floriculture and nature, who finds himself near tubular lilies at the time of their flowering, will not be able to remain indifferent to this spectacle. Not only do huge flowers of various colors on giant stems sway spectacularly in the wind, their aroma can be felt from several tens of meters away, so that an interested gaze involuntarily stops for a couple of moments on these regal flowers full of beauty and grandeur. In the article you can find information not only about the varieties of tubular lilies with a photo, but also about the features of their development and care for them.
History of creation and place in the classification
Under natural conditions, there are about 100 different types of lilies, but only a few varieties have a tubular shape of flowers. The most luxurious representative of the natural species with tubular flowers is royal lily (Lilium regale), found for the first time in China at the very beginning of the XNUMXth century by the English botanist E. Wilson.
It was found in the mountains at an altitude of about 1600 meters above sea level among dry grasses and undersized shrubs. The plant brought to Europe was distinguished by its strong aroma, white color and classic tubular shape of flowers, as well as resistance to fungal and viral diseases.
In addition to the royal lily, the following natural types of lilies are characterized by a tubular shape of flowers:
- Sargent (L. Sargentiae);
- Sulfur yellow (L. Sulphureum);
- Glorious (L. Gloriosum);
- White-flowered (L. Leucanthum).
All of these natural varieties, predominantly from Asia, were used in subsequent breeding work. On their basis, many new hybrids were bred, which later received the general name of tubular lily hybrids.
At one time, in the official international classification, they even belonged to the same group called tubular and Orleans hybrids.
A great contribution to the development of the selection of tubular lilies was made by scientists, and above all those working at the VNIIS. Michurin. They created about 100 varieties of tubular lilies, which are well adapted to the climatic conditions of growth. Selection work is actively continuing at the present time.
In the modern international classification of lilies, there are 10 divisions, and the sixth division is simply called tubular lily hybrids. On the packages of planting material, the belonging of the bulb to tubular lily hybrids is indicated by the Latin numeral VI, which indicates the sixth section. In this section, more than 1000 names of colors are currently known.
Description of plants
Tubular lilies, as a rule, are very large plants with a height of 120 to 250 cm, although among them there are also medium-sized varieties, about 70-80 cm high. Initially, this group of lilies got its name for flowers, the base of which is elongated into a tube and only then opening like a gramophone. Although at the moment the section of tubular lilies is very diverse and it presents plants with flowers of the most diverse forms, including cup-shaped, drooping and even star-shaped.
The stems are thin, but very strong, the leaves are elongated and narrow.
The color of the flowers is very diverse – there are various shades of colors, except for blue. The petals of the flowers are very dense and they are not afraid of rain or wind. Trumpet lily flowers are also distinguished by their large size, reaching a length of 12 to 18 cm, and an intense aroma, which is especially noticeable at night. Non-double flowers have about 6 petals arranged in two rows, terry varieties contain a much larger number of petals.
In the inflorescence, from 5 to 20 flowers can form, which open in turn. One flower stays on a lily for about a week.
The aroma of flowers is so strong that it is strongly not recommended not only to bring bouquets of cut flowers into the house to decorate it, but also to plant plants in the immediate vicinity of the windows of the house, especially from the rooms where you usually relax. It can cause headaches in sensitive people.
Trumpet lilies usually bloom in the second half of summer, so they can be attributed to late-blooming varieties of lilies. Bulbs also reach large sizes, which is especially important to consider when choosing planting material. When buying tubular lily bulbs, pay attention to the following points:
- The bulbs must be large, in any case at least 3-4 cm in diameter, otherwise they risk being unviable.
- They should be firm and resilient, free from stains and signs of mold or decay.
- Excessive rigidity and dryness of the bulbs is also undesirable, as they may be overdried.
- The packaging must not be wrinkled or damaged.
The color of the scales of the bulbs of lilies of this group in the air often acquires a purple-burgundy hue, which makes it possible to distinguish them from lilies of other varieties.
A distinctive feature of tubular lilies is a rather long flowering period, which is not typical for most lilies. Some varieties of this group can please with their flowering up to a month or even more.
Trumpet lilies are generally more hardy than many other varieties of lilies, such as longiflora or oriental. In this regard, they are second only to Asian hybrids. Their resistance to fungal and viral diseases is especially important. They winter well in the climatic conditions of the middle zone under snow cover, although in the first years after planting they should still be additionally covered with a small layer of spruce branches.
Features of planting and care
Being a native of mountainous regions, tubular lilies do not show particular demands on soil fertility. Much more important for them is a sunny place and loose, well-drained soils. In low, damp places, they are unlikely to grow well, and may soon die.
This variety of lilies has the ability to tolerate recurrent frosts well. For this reason, the bulbs can be planted in the spring. It is only necessary to take into account that in the first year the plants should not be allowed to bloom, otherwise they can be greatly weakened and not survive the winter.
A feature of tubular lilies is a low coefficient of vegetative reproduction, which means that only one or two additional bulbs can be formed in one or two seasons. Therefore, if you wish to propagate them, it is better to use the method of reproduction by scales.
Varieties and their descriptions
Since the royal lily of a snow-white hue became the ancestor of all tubular lilies, white still occupies a special place in the color scheme of this group of lilies.
White lilies
Varieties of tubular white lilies are the most numerous and among them the following hybrids are most popular.
Racks
The name of this hybrid completely coincides with the Latin name of the species natural royal lily. From her she took all her most outstanding characteristics: a height reaching 180-200 cm, unpretentiousness in care, and a wonderful smell. The flowers, made as if from ivory, have a unique color – white, with a yellow frame on the inner central part, and are covered with dark pink stains on the outside. The length of the funnel-shaped flower reaches 20 cm.
Flowers appear around mid-summer. Up to 15 flowers can form in an inflorescence. If the place for this lily is chosen with partial shading during the day, then flowering can last up to a month or more.
wedding waltz
This variety was bred at the All- Research Institute of Horticulture. Michurin. The plant reaches a height of only 80-90 cm. Short inflorescences form from 3 to 5 flowers of a pronounced tubular shape. The flowers are white with a yellow center and veins. The diameter of one flower can be 12 cm. Flowering occurs in the second half of July.
Aria
Also the creation of a group of breeders from the Michurin Institute of Horticulture, bred in 2010. Plants reach a height of 110-120 cm. In the inflorescence, from 4 to 11 wide cup-shaped flowers can be formed, which can be directed both downwards and to the sides. The flower itself is white, the inner pharynx is yellow, and the inner petals at the base are decorated with burgundy strokes. Outside, the buds have a barely noticeable greenish tint. Interestingly, the anthers are semi-sterile and do not get dirty at all, so the flowers do not cause inconvenience in cut bouquets.
White America
A snow-white lily with a slightly yellowish inner part of the neck is an achievement of foreign breeders. Blooms in July and August. The height of plants usually does not exceed 100 cm. But the flowers are large, reaching up to 17 cm in diameter.
Likes both sunny and slightly shaded places. Bulbs are planted at a depth of 15-20 cm.
Yellow and orange lilies
Tubular lilies of yellowish shades look very elegant and cheerful. Among the varieties of this shade, the following are the most popular.
Golden Splendor
The very name of this variety in translation from English – golden luxury – speaks volumes. Plants are tall, reach 120 cm, flowers are also large in size, up to 15-17 cm in diameter. Bright yellow flowers on the outer side are bordered by dark pink irregular stripes. The aroma of the flowers is extremely rich, sweet and spicy. Blooms actively from July to August.
Lilies are resistant to frost and repeated frosts and to most diseases.
Royal Gold
Another variety from Holland, characterized by a uniform golden yellow color of the petals with a barely noticeable brownish bloom at the base of the outer side of the buds. They do not differ in gigantic sizes in height, but the flowers can reach 20 cm in diameter. The stamens are dark yellow and the pistil is brown-blue.
The aroma, like many other representatives of tubular lilies, is strong, with spicy notes. Flowering is long, can last from late July to late summer.
Sunny morning
This variety was created by breeders at the Michurin Institute of Horticulture in 2013. Plants are medium in height, do not exceed a meter. The green flowering shoot is decorated with purple strokes. The color of the flowers is light yellow, up to seven flowers with a diameter of up to 12 cm open in the inflorescence. The variety is distinguished by the almost complete absence of aroma.
Flowering begins in early July and lasts an average of about a month.
hot summer
The variety is registered at the International Lily Registration Center in London. The flower has a yellowish-orange color with a darker center. It reaches a height of 120 cm. It also blooms in early July.
Orange Planet
The creation of Dutch breeders allows you to have on the plant in the first year after planting from 3 to 5 flowers. In the future, the lily will grow, and the number of flowers can reach 10-12. These giants can reach a height of 160-180 cm. Flowers with a diameter of up to 18 cm have a delicate apricot hue and a delicate, unobtrusive aroma.
African Queen
Judging by the reviews of gardeners, this variety is one of the most popular among tubular lilies and it is not in vain that it claims to be a royal. In height, the African Queen lily can reach two meters, and fragrant, like porcelain flowers, can be up to 20 cm in diameter. The orange saturated color with dark strokes on the outside of the buds makes the flowers extremely bright and attractive.
It blooms in July-August. Plants of this variety tolerate recurrent frosts well and are able to develop even on slightly acidic soil.
Lilies of other colors
Among the tubular lilies of a wide variety of colors, the following varieties are most popular.
Pink Perfection
Perhaps this variety is the most popular of all tubular lilies in recent years. It is distinguished by truly gigantic sizes of both the plant itself (up to 200-220 cm) and flowers (up to 25 cm). The flowers have a unique dark pink and sometimes purple coloration with bright yellow stamens.
Blooms like most tubular lilies from July to August. Differs in resistance to bad weather and diseases.
Octave
The authors of this delicate lily are breeders Pugacheva and Sokolova. The variety was registered at the international center in London in 2013. The inflorescence is rather loose, containing up to 12 wide-cupped flowers with recurved petals. The flowers are painted in a delicate mixture of yellow and pink tones and have a slight pleasant aroma. Flowering continues for about a month from the second half of July. Plants are tall (up to 150 cm) with a flower diameter of up to 15 cm.
The variety is resistant to diseases and drought, tolerates winter well.
Flamingo
This variety received a patent by the Institute of Horticulture. Michurin in 2010. Its authors are Pugacheva G.M. and Kireeva M.F.
The plants are medium in height (80-90 cm), but the flowers have a unique coloration. Outside they are pinkish, mottled with dark strokes, inside they are pink-white with a darker edge and a yellow-green center. Blooms in July.
Conclusion
The spectacular appearance and dimensions, the duration of flowering and the enchanting aroma of tubular lilies cannot but attract the attention of gardeners to them. In addition, these flowers are distinguished by sufficient unpretentiousness in care and relative winter hardiness, if they create suitable conditions for growth from the very beginning.
