Most gardeners as lilies that are reliable and reasonably easy to grow; they want to be sure of a certain splash of color or a special quality of charm or dignity in his portrayal of frontier or landscape. Fortunately, the majority of our lilies fall into this category of reliability.
There is a number, however, that present a true challenge, that the demand of cultivators something in the form of special knowledge, skill and care. As it is the case, the majority of these less relaxed lilies are so amazingly beautiful that the Royal gardener is only the most intrigued by its relative difficulty.
Some lilies not easily adjust themselves to the garden because they are capricious wildings from harsh natural environments to simulate on the small plot. Others are difficult because they react badly to the removal and shipment. Others are subjected to various diseases in Garden conditions.
The three diseases that cause the majority of our difficulties are mosaic, basal rot and botrytis. Botrytis blight, however, is so easy to control with mixture of Bordeaux who is false to call difficult lilies affected by it. Mosaic is a virus that spreads by sucking and chewing insects, mainly the aphid melon. Basal rot is a fungus on the ground causing the bulb rot and the whole plant to go to pieces.
Mosaic - Mosaic lilies different reactions are very variable. In some it may appear only as a slight spots in the leaves with no effect on the same floor. In other spots in the feature it is accompanied by a gradual deterioration of the health and vigor of the plant for a period of several years. In a relatively few species stains it is more serious and the effect of the virus causes a marked distortion of the leaves, buds and flowers; in such cases the disease generally result died within a year.
Mosaic can not fully prevent or controlled under any condition but ideal. However, on prevention and practical control are well within reach of every gardener. Given that it is worn only by aphids, its spread can be prevented by regular spraying and shake with malathion to kill these insects and the placement of garden that will prevent their movement from plant to plant.
Aphids are generally the and not move more than 30 or 40 feet in the garden; as a result, this amount of space between the highly sensitive species and plants already infected is a natural protection. If this space is broken by shrubs, plants, or a building, both better.
The main precautions that gardeners have to observe is to avoid planting susceptible of lilies, immediately along which are almost always infected with the disease.
Basal rot. Much less was written about basal rot which on the mosaic, although this disease has also been responsible for many losses of bulb in the past. But our current knowledge of the culture of lily and the prevention of disease, basal rot need because not considered a significant risk to the cultivation of lily.
If the lamps are in good condition when it bought and if the plants are happy in the garden, they could not develop basal rot, except for some highly sensitive species, and these only when planted in soil that has previously been badly infected.
Over the years I have found that 75 percent of the trick of basal rot prevention is to find only the location suitable for each variety. In the preparation of the bed, good drainage must be secured by placing thick gravel, crushed stone, ash or mosaic some distance under the bulbs; I have also found ashes of coal degraded more useful. Manure should be definitely avoided with all Daylilies difficult is too likely to stimulate any bacteria that may be present in the soil.
It is equally important that should be planted bulbs of susceptible varieties, with the possibility of prior infection of soil in mind.
It is also recommended to disinfect bulbs difficult lilies before that was planted. Clean all the rotten tissue bulbs and plunge into a solution of fungicide. Cut the roots of lilies difficult also. This not only eliminates roots injured as a possible source of infection, but it also acts to disinfect the bulbs and stimulate new healthy root growth quickly.
Rot caused by the excavation, storage and shipment is not common these days due to our increased knowledge of the handling of bulbs. A number of species, however, not to travel, especially if they were not dug at the right time.
If the lamps of the lilies is broken when it comes to a shipment, injured and rotten with a sharp knife scales and the light bulb should be deleted disinfected. If the lamps are badly rotten should be returned to the supplier.
Environment. The influences of the environment on the setting of lilies are important, but often so subtle that not clearly understood.
According to most guidelines of care for Lily, Lilium candidum, has a natural preference for a sweet, dry soil, relatively heavy and full sun. Even the best copies of this Lily I've seen settled on a bed of azaleas, right to grow up through the bushes. And the ground, of course, was acid. The average gardener, but will do well to choose a location from sweet and sunny.
Lilium parryi is considered to be a lily of peat bogs, wet places and light shade; and by all means it is the surest way to plant. However, I know of some magnificent specimens growing in a dry Hill, sand, windswept, sunny which appear to be completely at home and satisfied.
If it is feasible at all, however, the conditions under which difficult lilies grow naturally must be given in the garden.
