The modern assortment of lilies simply amazes the imagination of any, even an experienced grower. Arriving at the store, you get lost in the assortment of this beauty. And sometimes, it is difficult to understand among the new interspecific hybrids. Which group of lilies should you pay attention to and make your choice?
Over the past decade, foreign breeders have created so many varieties that combine beauty and delicate aroma, and most importantly, winter hardiness, which is extremely important for regions with cold winters.
LA hybrids are hybrids between (Longiflorum) long-flowered and (Asiatics) Asiatic lilies. This is one of the most popular groups among "greenhouses" - flower growers and lily lovers. LA hybrids are an excellent group for cutting. It stands out for its incredible color shades, from white to maroon with multiple color transitions.
Their flowers are smaller than those of oriental lilies. But the texture of the petals is stronger, they do not fall off during transportation, like in Asian hybrids. The buds are collected in compact inflorescences, and the flowers are directed upwards. The stems are much stronger, but somewhat shorter, although there are also tall varieties in the group. Many varieties have a subtle delicate aroma. LA hybrids are planted in flower beds in autumn in September or in spring, in April-May. They hibernate well and rarely cause unnecessary care. They prefer sunny or slightly shaded areas, with neutral or slightly acidic soil.
LO hybrids are hybrids between (Longiflorum) long-flowered and oriental (Oriental) lilies. From long-flowered lilies, they inherited long graceful pipe flowers, directed to the sides on high stems. From "orientalists" - an amazing tonal solution of the texture of the petals.
Lilies of this group give a good cut and are very effective in flower beds. They tolerate our cold winters well, but do not like excessive humidity in autumn and spring. Bulbs can be ripped off. Therefore, experienced flower growers additionally cover the soil with planted lilies with a film, roofing material, and pieces of slate.
OT-hybrids, varieties obtained by crossing (Oriental) Oriental lilies and (Trumpets) tubular lilies. This group is the tallest and most resistant of the hybrids. Plants bear very large, up to 20 cm, flower-bowls on strong, sturdy stems, directed upward or to the side and have a delicate aroma, not as intrusive as in oriental lilies.
OT hybrids are not afraid of rainy weather, tolerate cold winters well without additional shelter, and get sick less. They are successfully grown by flower growers of the Moscow region, and even the Urals.
The cultivation technique is similar to Asian hybrids and LA hybrids.
OA hybrids are hybrids between Oriental and Asiatics lilies. This is a new direction in the selection of lilies, which have inherited the beauty of the "oriental", and these are large flowers, wavy edges of the petals. And winter hardiness and color range of colors were borrowed from the "Asians". Their choice is not great yet. But OA hybrids are a promising group with a great future.
The most troublesome and difficult to grow in areas with cold winters are the Oriental hybrids. They require dry wintering, cannot stand rainy autumn, damp soil. They love sunny places, protected from the winds, and the soil should be slightly acidic, drained and fertile.
