One of the most beautiful and majestic flowers known to gardeners and florists is, of course, the lily. According to legend, this beautiful flower appeared from a drop of milk that fell to the ground when Alcmene was breastfeeding her son Hercules. The lily has always symbolized purity and chastity, it is not for nothing that this flower often complements the white outfit of the bride, is used in decorating church interiors, and is also one of the most popular symbols in heraldry.
Lilies are bulbous plants of the Lily family. The common lily is a large white flower with a strong fragrance. By the way, it is precisely because of this smell that the lily causes a corresponding reaction in many allergy sufferers. There are more than 80 varieties of lilies and even more along with hybrid varieties. The latter are available in a wide range of colors, the most famous of which are, perhaps, pinkish, yellow and orange (Tiger lilies), as well as their smell is weaker or may be completely absent (as in the same Tiger Lilies). This article talks specifically about the common white lily – Lilium candidum, This species usually blooms in June, but if the bulbs of plants are systematically fertilized with fertilizers specially designed for this variety, then the flowering period can be extended. This species is also called the Madonna lily. It is remarkable for its classic inflorescence structure – 6 identical petals converge into a sharp funnel to the stem and are slightly rounded at the ends, forming a unique bell with long yellow stamens inside.
Like many bulbous lilies, lilies can be planted in autumn, or in early spring in soil pre-fertilized with special top dressing for bulbous plants. During spring planting in winter, the bulbs can be preserved by putting them in a box with shavings. But due to the ongoing processes of vital activity even in winter, these bulbs may be more weakened by spring than those that have been planted since autumn. The soil for planting should be loose and breathable – these flowers do not like stagnation of water either at the bulbs or at the roots. It is important to remember that common lily bulbs are not covered with protective husks, and therefore they must be handled carefully during storage and planting so as not to damage the already exposed flesh. Bulbs of white lilies, small enough in size, are placed shallowly in the ground – 3-5 cm is enough at a distance of 15-20 cm from each other. Lilies need the sun, but they must be protected from direct gusts of wind: the thin stems of adult lilies can reach a meter (or even higher) in height, and therefore a strong wind can break them.
After flowering, the stems of lilies are cut off at a height of no more than 10 cm from the ground, and before the onset of cold weather they must be protected from future frosts. To do this, it is enough to pile more dry leaves on the place where the flowers grow. The UK’s best-kept secret for online savings: Coupon Mama .