Content
- 1 Climatic features of the region
- 2 When do lilies bloom in the Moscow region?
- 3 What varieties of lilies are best to plant in the Moscow region
- 4 What lilies winter in the Moscow region without shelter
- 5 When to plant lilies in the fall in the Moscow region
- 6 Planting lilies in autumn in the Moscow region
- 7 Care instructions
- 8 Diseases and pests
- 9 Conclusion
Almost all lilies are suitable for the Moscow region, since there are almost no very frosty winters in the region. Asian hybrids and varieties derived from them are especially valued. They are characterized by the highest winter hardiness and do not require shelter. A description of the beautiful representatives, as well as recommendations for planting and care can be found in the presented material.
Climatic features of the region
The climate of the Moscow region, like other regions of the central zone, is temperate continental. It is characterized by a pronounced change of seasons, with summers being quite warm, although not too hot, and winters being moderately frosty and often mild.
Continental climate, i.e. Temperature changes and clear seasonality are associated with the absence of large bodies of water that soften the climate, as, for example, in the Leningrad region and other regions of North-West Russia.
When planning to plant lilies in the Moscow region, you need to take into account several features of the local climate:
- the region is characterized by sufficient moisture; the weather is often very rainy in summer, so you need to monitor watering so as not to provoke the development of a fungal infection due to excess water;
- the average temperature of the coldest month of January reaches -12OBecause of this, a number of varieties require shelter;
- Sometimes there is not enough rain and droughts occur. At such times, plants require additional watering;
- In spring, thaws often occur with further cooling, so you should not rush to remove the shelter of lilies. For the same reason, the material must freely allow air and moisture to pass through, otherwise the shoots may freeze.
When do lilies bloom in the Moscow region?
The flowering time of lilies in the Moscow region depends on the characteristics of the variety. Basically, the period occurs in the second half of summer - the end of July, all of August and even the first ten days of September.
Although there are some varieties that, in the conditions of the Moscow region and neighboring regions of the middle zone, begin to bloom in June. These include, for example, tiger lilies, which have an attractive and original color.
It is best to do this in August-September, when the last flower stalks have faded. Then the roots will have time to take root in the new place and will withstand winter frosts well.
What varieties of lilies are best to plant in the Moscow region
There are quite a few varieties of lilies that, due to their winter hardiness, are suitable for the climatic conditions of the Moscow region and neighboring regions of the middle zone.When choosing, you should carefully study the description of the variety, and not just rely on the words of the seller. The most beautiful and popular representatives are described in the following sections.
Aphrodite
Aphrodite (Aphrodite) is an Asian hybrid with a height of 80 cm. This lily for the Moscow region has very good winter hardiness, so it needs only minimal shelter. The flowers are large, the diameter reaches 15 cm. The color is soft pink, some petals have apricot.
Beverly Dream
Beverly Dreams is another beautiful lily for the Moscow region, developed relatively recently (in 2010). Peduncles are tall, up to 110 cm, strong, erect. The foliage is lanceolate, dark green. The flowers are very beautiful, wine-red with a whitish-milky border.
Grand Amour
Grand Amour is an oriental hybrid that produces strong stems up to 1 m high. The flowers are large, there are 10 flowers on each peduncle. The color is rich pink, with a crimson tint, and a white edging is visible along the edges. Flowering occurs throughout July and partially occurs at the beginning of August.
Delicate Joy
Delicate Joy is an original lily for the Moscow region, distinguished by its two-tone color. Large flowers in the center are yellow, and at the edges - a scarlet, salmon hue. Brown spots are visible in the very core, adding additional charm. The height of the plant is only 40 cm, so it should be planted in the very center of the flowerbed, in a visible place.
Josephine
Josephine is an attractive lily for the Moscow region with large soft lilac flowers.It belongs to the group of oriental hybrids, therefore it is characterized by good winter hardiness and immunity to major diseases and pests. A delicate aroma is noticeable. The height of the peduncle reaches 80-100 cm.
What lilies winter in the Moscow region without shelter
Almost all hybrid lilies bred on the basis of Asian varieties are characterized by high winter hardiness - they can withstand up to -25OFrom and below. These hybrids include:
- LA;
- TA;
- OA;
- AOA.
It must be borne in mind that not all hybrids can winter in the Moscow region without shelter. There are quite a few Asian representatives whose winter hardiness is no more than -20OC, but this may not be enough:
- OT hybrids;
- eastern;
- trumpet lilies.
When to plant lilies in the fall in the Moscow region
There are two dates for planting lilies in the Moscow region - in spring and autumn. Moreover, we can say that they are equivalent, although some summer residents argue that it is best to start work in the summer. In the middle zone, the optimal period is at the end of April.
But you need to keep in mind that sometimes spring is delayed, and return frosts are possible even in the Moscow region. Then it is better to wait with planting until the May holidays or their end. You can determine the exact time by the soil temperature - it should warm up to at least +8 degrees. You can check this by burying the thermometer to a depth of 12-15 cm and waiting a few minutes.
Another time to plant lilies in the Moscow region is in the fall. The period is also quite suitable, but guessing the optimal period is more difficult, because two conditions must be met simultaneously:
- there is at least a month left until the first frost;
- At the same time, the daytime temperature reaches a maximum of +9, and strong warming, an Indian summer, is not expected.
In the Moscow region, this period usually falls in the middle or second half of October. There is no point in delaying any further, because already in the first half of November there are often frosts on the soil and snow falling.
Planting lilies in autumn in the Moscow region
Before autumn planting lilies in the Moscow region, you need to choose a place. In general, it should be well lit, but in the middle of the day partial shade is desirable, for example, from a fence or bushes. Another important point is the absence of strong through winds, especially from the north side of the flower garden. If possible, it is better to choose a hill and absolutely should not consider lowlands where water regularly accumulates.
The soil is dug up in advance and fertilized with complex fertilizing or organic matter (for example, compost - a bucket per 2 m2). If the soil is dense, sand or sawdust is also embedded in it at a rate of 2 kg per 1 m2. When planting lilies in the Moscow region, they comply with certain requirements for intervals and depth described in the table.
Variety type | Depth, cm | Distance, cm |
short | 10 cm | 20 cm |
Medium height | 12 cm | 25 cm |
Tall | 17 cm | 30 cm |
The process of planting lilies in the Moscow region goes like this:
- First, holes are formed.
- Expanded clay, broken brick or pebbles are laid.
- A small layer of sand is formed at the bottom, which can be mixed with wood ash.
- Place the bulb on the bottom.
- Sprinkle with soil, water, and mulch a week before frost.
Care instructions
Growing lilies in open ground in the Moscow region is a fairly simple task if you take into account the care tips. Experienced gardeners suggest following several rules:
- Water the plants every week, or every three days during drought.
- After watering, loosening is carried out regularly, and if necessary, the soil is weeded to remove weeds.
- Feed regularly. The first time they are applied in early spring (urea, ammonium nitrate), then the same composition is given three weeks later. Next, feed with complex fertilizer during the formation of buds and two more times with an interval of 2-3 weeks.
- In the first season after planting, it is better to remove the buds until they bloom so that the bush gains strength.
- Plants are periodically inspected for signs of disease or pests. If necessary, immediately treat with drugs, not only the affected, but also healthy flowers.
Preparing lilies for winter in the Moscow region
It is necessary to prepare lilies for winter in the Moscow region only in cases where the winter hardiness of the variety does not exceed -23OC, i.e. it belongs to zone 5-6 (indicated in the description of the variety). Other representatives do not need shelter - you can only lay a small layer of dry leaf litter.
Moreover, regardless of the characteristics of the variety, 7-10 days before frost on the soil, lilies in the Moscow region are cut off almost at the root and treated with a fungicide solution, for example:
- "Profit";
- "Maksim";
- "Tattu";
- "Bordeaux mixture"
Next, they begin mulching with dry, “breathable” material. It can be sawdust, hay, straw. Lay a layer 5-7 cm high - this is quite enough for wintering lilies in the Moscow region. At the last stage, they are covered with agrofibre or burlap, and in winter they are sprinkled with snow, forming a small pile.
Diseases and pests
Lily bulbs can rot due to over-watering. Also, in conditions of high humidity, infections often develop, such as fusarium or bacterial spot. For prevention and treatment, fungicides should be used:
- "Abiga Peak";
- "Ridomil Gold";
- "Fundazol";
- "HOM" and others.
Common pests, such as aphids, mole crickets, wireworms, lily beetles and others, also pose a danger to lilies in the Moscow region. To combat them, insecticides are used, for example:
- "Karbofos";
- "Fufanon";
- "Decis";
- "Aktara".
Conclusion
Lilies for the Moscow region can be used for single and group plantings. Flowers are planted along paths, to frame the lawn area, along fences, next to gazebos and other buildings. If you periodically water and feed them, flowering will be abundant and will last for several weeks.