Content
A lily tree taller than a man with large flowers is not a myth, but a reality. Thanks to its ease of care, anyone can grow it on their own plot. Lily Pretty Woman will reveal a new side every year.
History of appearance
Lily Pretty Woman belongs to OT-hybrids, therefore it is distinguished by large shoots and flowers. It was brought out in the 90s of the twentieth century. In Canada. It was obtained by crossing oriental lilies (Oriental) and a white variety of trumpet lilies (Trumpet). This is where the acronym OT-hybrids comes from.
The variety is characterized by large shoots and flowers. Therefore, it is often called the lily tree or lily tree. Breeding work began back in the 50s. 20th century in the USA, the best specimens were presented on the European market.
Description and characteristics of the Pretty Woman lily
Lily Pretty Woman is a tree among flowers. This is one of the largest representatives of OT hybrids. Its height reaches 2.5 meters. The lily has large and massive shoots. They do not bend under the weight of buds and strong winds and survive difficult weather conditions well.
The powerful stems are colored in a rich dark green shade. They are covered with massive petiolate leaves with a glossy surface.
The leaves have an elongated shape and their length is about 35 cm
Peduncles emerge from the stems, the length of which can reach up to a meter. The flowers are large, their diameter reaches 25 cm, and have an unusual color. They last a long time when cut, each stem can be used as an independent bouquet. About 35 flowers are formed on the bush, which emit a very sweet and strong aroma.
The Pretty Woman lily, like other OT hybrids, is easy to care for. It has good resistance to various diseases. It feels great in different soil compositions.
Can be used for single and group plantings. In the second case, the culture will become the accent of the flower arrangement. When grown independently, it looks good near gazebos and paths, and favorably emphasizes recreation areas.
Due to its height and massiveness, the plant looks like a small tree
Frost resistance of the Pretty Woman lily tree
The Pretty Woman lily has a well-developed root system. It is actively growing both in depth and in width. Thanks to this, the plant has a high level of winter hardiness. It can withstand frosts down to -25 OC When grown in an area with a more severe climate, the lily will need to be covered for the winter so that the rhizome does not freeze.
Features of flowering
The flowering period of the Pretty Woman lily is July-August. At this time, she fully lives up to her name and turns into a real beauty. The entire bush is covered with large cup-shaped flowers. They have massive petals that are curled upward.
Do not be alarmed if the lily does not bloom in the first year after planting. This is absolutely normal. Most often, the first flowering occurs in the second or third year after planting the bulb.
If you look at the photo of the OT-hybrid Pretty Woman lily from different years, you will notice its peculiarity. The fact is that every year its color changes. At first the petals are painted white. Then it turns into a greenish tint. The edges and back of the petals are painted pink. Over time, these shades disappear, and the lily becomes completely white. Only on the outer side can you see barely noticeable pinkish stripes. The anthers take on a brown tint.
Pros and cons of the variety
When planting the Pretty Woman variety in an open space, it is recommended to tie up the bush. This will help preserve it in strong gusts of wind until it grows.
Lily is suitable for creating wedding bouquets
Pros:
- long flowering;
- rich aroma;
- ease of care;
- good winter hardiness.
Minuses:
- flowering only for 2-3 years.
Planting and caring for the Pretty Woman lily
The best time to plant lilies in open ground is the end of April or the beginning of May, September. It is better to choose a day when the air temperature is above +10 OC It should be warm and dry, preferably without wind. Compliance with these conditions will help the bulbs take root faster.
The quality of the grown plant depends on the planting material. Bulbs should be purchased from trusted stores and special nurseries. They should be large without damage or signs of disease. Bulbs should be stored in a dark place, air temperature from +2 to +6 OC If it is not possible to plant them immediately, then it is better to put them in sand or moss.
When choosing a planting site, you should give preference to a well-lit area. The lily is unpretentious to the composition of the soil. However, it is better if the soil is neutral or slightly acidic. There should be no fresh organic components in the soil; this will lead to burns and death of the planting material.
The process of planting Pretty Woman lilies consists of the following steps:
- The area needs to be dug up. Dig a small hole, water it and fill it a little with sand.
- Place the onion and cover it with soil.
- Mulch the planting site with peat.
Caring for the Pretty Woman variety consists of regular watering. The crop needs to be moistened 1-2 times every seven days. During the flowering period, it is important to increase the amount of watering and stop after completion. After this, you need to loosen the soil, but carefully so as not to damage the sprouts. Weeds around the bush must be promptly removed.
During the formation of buds, it is necessary to apply complex mineral supplements. After flowering has finished, it is recommended to use potassium fertilizers. Organic fertilizers are prohibited for the Pretty Woman lily.
In autumn you need to trim the lily, leaving only 10 cm of shoots. A thick layer of pine mulch is placed on top. This will help the crop survive the winter. In the spring, this shelter must be removed so that the plant does not rot.
Lilies are replanted once every 4-5 years.
Diseases and pests
The OT-hybrid lily tree Pretty Woman has good immunity. The plant is practically not susceptible to pests and various diseases. Most often, the problems that lily owners face are caused by improper care.
To prevent possible infectious diseases, it is recommended to keep them in a solution of potassium manganese before planting the bulbs. Sometimes mice and rats can chew through lily tubers. To prevent this, it is recommended to plant the bulbs in metal baskets.
Leaves and buds should be inspected from time to time for problems. After all, it is better to get rid of pests and diseases at the initial stage. Otherwise, the physiological processes in the plant will begin to be disrupted.
Reproduction
Reproduction of lilies occurs by dividing the children. They form on bulbs. During a planned plant transplant, they can be separated and planted in a new location. It will also be possible to propagate the Pretty Woman variety using scales.
Lilies grown from seeds bloom in the third year
Another way is to grow lilies from seeds. They can be bought in the store or collected from ripe flowers. You need to sow seeds for seedlings in February-March. Plant in a permanent place at the end of May or early July. Seeds can be planted directly in open ground. This should be done at the end of autumn. The planting site should be mulched; seedlings will appear in April.
Conclusion
Lily Pretty Woman is a variety that amazes with its beauty and size. If you follow the rules of care, growing a crop on your site will not be difficult. Lily will decorate the area and allow you to make many beautiful bouquets.
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