Likoris: planting and caring for an exotic flower

Licorice (licorice) is an oriental flower of amazing beauty. Like all inhabitants of the east, the plant is shrouded in a haze of mystery. Legends concerning secrets and features of the schemer licoris are still being written.

Together with him, Eastern exoticism and charm will settle in your house. The decorative possibilities of this culture can only be envied, and, with bated breath, incessantly admire them.

Let's try to find the best methods of growing and grooming such an exotic pupil, as well as consider its features and morals.

Botanical features and significance of the flower

In modern literature, licoris is known by the names "spider lily", "golden amaryllis" or "resurrected lily". In the birthplace of the flower, in Japan, it was called "heganban".

This perennial herbaceous species belongs to the Amaryllis family.The bulbous form of rhizome allows comparing it with lilies, tulips and daffodils.

The main advantage of the plant is that its flowers and leaves are never found. In connection with this feature in the people, the spider lily is known as a plant, the leaves of which miss flowers, and flowers - foliage. The thing is that summer is a period of rest of culture. At this time, only bulbs hidden in the ground can speak of its existence. In early September, the leafless bulb throws off the shoot, which is characterized by rapid growth - in 4-5 days the stem reaches 50 cm in height and grows to 80-90 cm.

Soon on each shoot appears about 4-5 flowers of funnel-shaped and intoxicating aroma. The flowers are pretty capricious: the petals resemble a lily, and the stamens really look like spider webs.

The color palette of petals is quite rich: white, red, orange, gold, purple, etc.

The flowering period is 10-12 days. After the peduncles fade, the bulb begins to emit arrow-shaped leaves that persist throughout the winter, spring, and disappear in June. In this regard, the leaves with flowers can not meet.

Biological oddities of culture have turned it into one of the most popular symbols and gave rise to the many meanings of the flower licoris. So, it is said that golden amaryllis is a symbol of separation, it is often given at parting and wish each other that life is always decorated with rainbow resurrected lilies that will give hope to a better future.

The plant is planted in cemeteries, arguing that it will decorate the afterlife of the deceased. In this regard, licoris is known as the flower of death.

No matter what anyone says, and licoris is above all an incomparable symbol of beauty and cheerfulness.

Popular species

There are about 60 species of amaryllis golden. Unfortunately, only a few of us have taken root. And immediately gained popularity for its high decorative capabilities and exotic data.

1. Licorice scaly - view with large inflorescences (8-9 buds) and amazingly delicate flowers. The color of the petals of this variety is light lilac, with a gold core. The petals themselves are slightly bent back, which makes the image unique.
2. Blood Red Licorice in comparison with its relatives, it is a dwarf, since its growth is only 45 cm. In April, the plant releases tiny leaves (only 15 mm), their life lasts until June. August - the time of flowering varieties. The bulbs emit shoots, which soon appear flower stalks with 5-6 buds. The blooming of blood-red licoris is a real miracle. His scarlet flowers are a true extravaganza of elegance.
3. Likoris radiant it would be more appropriate to call the mustache. The fact that the side petals of his flowers resemble the antennae, painted in a graceful terracotta color. The central petals are distinguished by a wavy arcuate shape, curved towards the center.

Location selection

The process of growing spider lilies primarily consists in choosing the right seat. The fact is that the plant has migrated to us from Japan, China, Korea, Thailand, so it is necessary to create as close as possible to its native living conditions.

Likoris prefers northern places well clarified, protected from winds and drafts. It will feel great in the partial shade of large deciduous trees.

Site preparation

The plot chosen for planting the resurrected lily must be cleared of weeds and loosen the soil. During planting, it is necessary to improve the soil with a substrate of peat, humus and sand in the ratio of 1: 1: 1.

When choosing a site, it is worth paying attention to its structure (the culture prefers sandy areas) and the drainage system, which should be well established.

Planting bulbs: timing, pattern and depth

Likoris - the owner of a fairly large bulbs with a diameter of about 5 cm, covered with brown scales. Such impressive dimensions dictate the rules of landing:

• Golden Amaryllis bulbs must be planted at a depth of 14 cm in order to protect them from freezing;
• Between each bulb it is necessary to keep a distance of 25-30 cm, since every year the rhizomes multiply and babies appear;
• It is recommended to plant the bulbs in the fall, because they need to adapt and take root. Spring planting take root, but very painful.

The use of licoris in garden compositions

Likoris itself will give your landscape design notes of exotic and mysterious. But its combination with other plants does not diminish these properties.

Neighboring spider lilies are best to choose undersized crops with similar standards of care. The combination of licorisses and autumn crocuses, ferns, anemone, begonias produces a striking effect.

This culture can be an elegant decoration of rockeries and alpine hills, where it is best to complement it with irises, pink bugs, and dolphiniums. A rational approach to the design of garden compositions with licorice can turn your landscape design into a real work of art.

Care Tips

Growing and caring for licoris is not a painstaking matter, since culture is not distinguished by capriciousness. Just follow a few simple rules.

Watering

The resurrected lily especially needs watering during the period of active growth of leaves and flower stalks. At this time it is impossible to allow the soil to dry out under the crop and to water it regularly. The soil should always be wet. During hibernation licoris (summer) watering should be stopped.

Top dressing

If your plant pleases you with a healthy appearance, abundant flowering, then there is no need to feed it. If you notice a certain depression of the plant - feed it. For this fit any fertilizer designed for bulbous crops.

Pruning

Pruning licoris is not difficult, as it is necessary to prune only dried leaves in the fall.

Do I need to dig the bulbs for the winter

There is no need to dig up the bulbs for the winter, because they take root rather deep in the ground, and they are not afraid of winter frosts.It is advised to cover the flower growers along the line of the location of the roots with dry foliage or coniferous branches, but at the same time ensure that the bulbs do not stick.

Transfer

Licoris does not welcome transplants. He feels great in the same place for 5 years. After the expiration of the specified period, experienced flower growers are advised to transplant the culture.

To do this, pick and prepare the right place, fertilize it with a substrate of peat, sand and humus (1: 1: 1) and transplant, observing the norms indicated above.

Disease and Pest Resistance

The resurrected lily is rather unyielding to the attack of diseases and pests and steadfastly rejects them - the plant practically does not get sick. Its main enemy is the narcissus fly, since licoris and narcissus are very similar.

In the event of an attack, amaryllis and the soil should be treated with insecticides. Other diseases of the culture in our area was not observed. As you can see, licoris is a plant that has unique decorative qualities.Its advantages are Eastern exoticism and mystery. Culture has unpretentiousness in care and cultivation.

Such a bright and passionate pupil should be the main landscape attribute of every self-respecting grower.