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Almost any person, even far from floriculture and nature, who finds himself near trumpet 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 several tens of meters away, so that an interested eye 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 trumpet lilies with photos, but also about the features of their development and care for them.
History of creation and place in classification
There are about 100 different types of lilies found in nature, but only a few varieties have tubular-shaped flowers. The most luxurious representative of natural species with tubular flowers is regal or royal lily (Lilium regale), found for the first time in China at the very beginning of the 20th century by the English botanist E. Wilson.
It was discovered in the mountains at an altitude of about 1600 meters above sea level among dry grasses and low bushes. 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 the tubular shape of flowers:
- Sargent (L. Sargentiae);
- Sulfur yellow (L. Sulphureum);
- Glorious (L. Gloriosum);
- White-flowered (L. Leucanthus).
All these natural varieties, originally from Asia, were used in subsequent breeding work. On their basis, many new hybrids were developed, which later received the common name tubular lily hybrids.
At one time, in the official international classification, they were even included in one group called tubular and Orleans hybrids.
Russian scientists made a great contribution to the development of trumpet lily selection, primarily those working at the VNIIS named after. Michurina. They have created about 100 varieties of trumpet lilies, which are well adapted to Russian climatic growing conditions. Selection work continues actively 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 packages of planting material, the bulb’s belonging to tubular lily hybrids is indicated by the Latin numeral VI, which denotes the sixth section.More than 1000 names of colors are currently known in this section.
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 in height. Initially, this group of lilies received their name for the flowers, the base of which is elongated into a tube and only then opening like a gramophone. Although at the moment the section of trumpet lilies is very diverse and it presents plants with flowers of a wide variety of shapes, including cupped, 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 blue. The flower petals are very dense and are not afraid of either rain or wind. The flowers of trumpet lilies are also distinguished by their large size, reaching from 12 to 18 cm in length, and their intense aroma, which is especially noticeable at night. Non-double flowers have about 6 petals arranged in two rows; double varieties contain a much larger number of petals.
The inflorescence can produce from 5 to 20 flowers, which open one by one. One flower lasts on a lily for about a week.
The aroma of flowers can be so strong that it is strongly recommended not only to bring bouquets of cut flowers into the house to decorate it, but also to plant plants in close proximity to the windows of the house, especially from the rooms where you usually relax. It may cause headaches in sensitive people.
Trumpet lilies usually bloom in the second half of summer, so they can be classified as late-flowering varieties of lilies. The bulbs also reach large sizes, which is especially important to consider when choosing planting material. When purchasing trumpet 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 dense and elastic, without stains or signs of mold or rot.
- Excessive hardness and dryness of the bulbs is also undesirable, since they may become overdried.
- The packaging must not be wrinkled or damaged.
The color of the scales on the bulbs of lilies of this group often acquires a violet-burgundy tint when exposed to air, which makes it possible to distinguish them from lilies of other varieties.
A distinctive feature of trumpet lilies is their rather long flowering time, which is not typical for most lilies. Some varieties of this group can delight you with their flowering for up to a month or even more.
Trumpet lilies are generally more hardy than many other lily varieties, such as long-flowered or oriental lilies. In this regard, they occupy second place after 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 native to mountainous regions, trumpet lilies do not show particular demands on soil fertility. Much more important for them is a sunny place and loose, well-drained soil.In low-lying, damp places they are unlikely to grow well and may soon die.
This variety of lilies has the ability to withstand return frosts well. For this reason, bulbs can also be planted in spring. It is only necessary to take into account that in the first year the plants should not be allowed to bloom, otherwise they may become very weakened and not survive the winter.
A feature of trumpet lilies is their low vegetative propagation rate, which means that in one or two seasons only one or two additional bulbs can be formed. Therefore, if you want to propagate them, it is better to use the scale propagation method.
Varieties and their descriptions
Since the ancestor of all trumpet lilies was the snow-white royal lily, white still occupies a special place in the color scheme of this group of lilies.
White lilies
Varieties of trumpet white lilies are the most numerous and among them the following hybrids are the most popular.
Regale
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, ease of 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 covered with dark pink streaks on the outside. The funnel-shaped flower reaches 20 cm in length.
Flowers appear around mid-summer. Up to 15 flowers can form in an inflorescence.If a place for this lily is chosen with partial shade during the day, then flowering can last up to a month or more.
Wedding Waltz
This variety was bred at the All-Russian Research Institute of Horticulture named after. Michurina. 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 snow-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 Michurinsky Institute of Horticulture, bred in 2010. The plants reach a height of 110-120 cm. The inflorescence can form from 4 to 11 wide cup-shaped flowers, which can be directed both downward and to the sides. The flower itself is white, the inner throat is yellow, and the inner petals at the base are decorated with burgundy strokes. On the 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 any inconvenience in cut bouquets.
White America
The 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 in size, reaching up to 17 cm in diameter.
Loves both sunny and slightly shaded places. The 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 translated from English – golden luxury – speaks volumes.The plants are tall, reaching 120 cm, the flowers are also large in size, up to 15-17 cm in diameter. The bright yellow flowers are bordered on the outside with dark pink, unevenly spaced stripes. The aroma of the flowers is extremely rich, sweet and spicy. They bloom actively from July to August.
Lilies are resistant to frost and repeated frosts and to most diseases.
Royal Gold
Another variety from Holland, distinguished by the uniform golden-yellow color of the petals with a barely noticeable brownish bloom at the base of the outer side of the buds. They are not gigantic in height, but the flowers can reach 20 cm in diameter. The stamens are dark yellow and the pistil is brownish-blue.
The aroma, like many other representatives of trumpet lilies, is strong, with spicy notes. Flowering is long lasting, can last from late July to late summer.
Sunny morning
This variety was created by Russian breeders at the Michurinsky Institute of Horticulture in 2013. Plants are medium in height, not exceeding 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 an almost complete absence of aroma.
Flowering begins in early July and lasts on average about a month.
Sultry summer
The Russian variety is registered at the International Lily Registration Center in London. The flower is yellowish-orange in 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 the plant to have from 3 to 5 flowers in the first year after planting. In the future, the lily will grow, and the number of flowers can reach 10-12.These giants can reach 160-180 cm in height. Flowers up to 18 cm in diameter have a delicate apricot hue and a subtle, unobtrusive aroma.
African Queen
Judging by the reviews of gardeners, this variety is one of the most popular among trumpet lilies and is not in vain claiming the royal title. The African Queen lily can reach two meters in height, and the fragrant, porcelain-like flowers can be up to 20 cm in diameter. The rich orange 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 return frosts well and are able to grow even in slightly acidic soil.
Lilies of other colors
Among trumpet lilies in a wide variety of colors, the following varieties are the most popular.
Pink Perfection
Perhaps this variety is the most popular among all trumpet lilies in recent years. It is distinguished by its truly gigantic size, both the plant itself (up to 200-220 cm) and the flowers (up to 25 cm). The flowers have a unique dark pink and sometimes purple color with bright yellow stamens.
Blooms, like most trumpet lilies, from July to August. It is resistant to bad weather and diseases.
Octave
The authors of this delicate lily are Russian breeders Pugacheva and Sokolova. The variety was registered at the international center in London in 2013. The inflorescence is quite loose, containing up to 12 broadly cup-shaped flowers with bent 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. The plants are tall (up to 150 cm) with a flower diameter of up to 15 cm.
The variety is resistant to disease and drought and tolerates winter well.
Flamingo
A patent was received for this variety by the Institute of Horticulture named after. Michurin in 2010. Its authors are G.M. Pugacheva. and Kireeva M.F.
The plants are medium in height (80-90 cm), but the flowers have a unique color. Outside they are pinkish, mottled with dark streaks, inside they are pink-white with a darker edge and a yellow-green center. Blooms in July.
Conclusion
The spectacular appearance and dimensions, duration of flowering and enchanting aroma of trumpet lilies cannot but attract the attention of gardeners to them. In addition, these flowers are quite unpretentious in care and relatively winter-hardy, if you create suitable conditions for them from the very beginning for growth.
