Increasingly, Russian gardeners are growing bright licorice in their backyards. Such interest is associated with the unpretentiousness and unusual beauty of culture. In this material, you will learn what lycoris means in the language of flowers, and also read the legend associated with this beautiful plant. In addition, the rules for growing and caring for this crop will be given here.
Meaning of flower
In Western countries, this plant is called spider or hurricane lily. And in Japanese culture, they believe that lycoris is the flower of death. According to legend, once upon a time there lived two spirits Manju and Saga, who were ordered by the Buddhist God to look after the lycoris. And one of them got the leaves, and the second got the buds.
But one day the spirits left their post, met each other, and immediately fell in love. The supreme god was very angry with them for their willfulness, and as punishment, Saga and Manju must watch the flower until death. But they couldn't see each other again. After all, when they appearleaves, no buds, and vice versa.
Since then, in the Japanese language of flowers, lycoris means separation, loneliness, rejection. In addition, in this country they believe that this plant appears on the edge of the underground roads of death, leading the dead to a new incarnation. Because of this belief, the flower is planted along cemeteries and next to graves, and is also used in mourning rituals.
In Europe, this beautiful plant does not have such a gloomy meaning. And the lycoris flower is quietly grown in parks, gardens and even at home.
Description
The lycoris flower, the photo of which is given in the article, is a bulbous, perennial plant from the Amaryllis family. In its natural environment, it is found in South and East Asia. But thanks to its beauty, the flower has spread far beyond its homeland, and it is grown in Europe, America and even Australia.
The main feature of the culture is that leaves and flowers never appear on the plant at the same time. And between them, the culture goes through a period of rest. In the spring, thin leaves grow from the bulb, up to 60 cm long. They die off by mid-summer.
As soon as this happens, the bulb puts out an upright, strong, fleshy and bare stem. It grows up to 70 cm in height. At its top, a large inflorescence is formed, consisting of 3-6 buds, painted in rich red, yellow, orange tones. But there are also snow-white specimens. Flowers exude a pleasant intense aroma that fills the entire area. After the buds, a box is formed on the plant, witha small amount of seeds.
Plant species
The genus of lycoris includes dozens of types of flowers. But in Russian conditions, only such varieties are cultivated:
Lycoris radiant. A flower that first appears leaves, and then buds. Perennial reaches up to 70 cm in height. It has elongated, parallel leaves, curving from the middle of the plate. Blooms in late summer. Irregularly shaped buds with thin, tendril-like side lobes and wide, wavy center lobes. They are painted in terracotta or pale pink. Flowering lasts up to 30 days
Golden licorice. In shape, this variety is similar to radiant lycoris. Differs in yellow color, fringed curly petals, and snow-white stamens
- Lycoris scaly. This variety is very common in South Korea and Japan. Looks great in group plantings. In early spring, the bulb produces 5-6 broad-linear, gray-green leaves, which die back by mid-July. In August, instead of them, spear-shaped peduncles appear, reaching a height of 90 cm. At the top of the stems, buds are formed, collected in a group of 6-10 pcs. They have a funnel shape, visually reminiscent of lily flowers. Buds reach 7 cm in diameter. Petals are painted in lilac and pink tones, with a yellow center. Flowering lasts 10-14 days.
- Lycoris blood red. This compactperennial reaches up to 50 cm in height. The bulbs release leaves in April, and by June they turn yellow. Small plates reach 15 mm in width. The plant blooms in August. One bulb produces up to 6 buds, 5 cm in diameter. The color of the petals is rich red, which is why the variety got its name.
Each of these varieties will decorate the flower bed. But in order to grow such beauty, you will have to make some efforts and provide the flower with comfortable conditions.
Landing in open ground
It is better to plant lycoris flower bulbs in autumn. At the same time, you are guided by the weather conditions of your region. It is advisable to plant a month before the onset of cold weather. Then the bulbs will adapt, grow roots and calmly winter, and next year they will please with flowering.
If desired, you can transfer the planting to early spring. But in this case, the capricious plant will start to hurt. In addition, it will not bloom until next autumn.
For a flower bed, choose areas protected from wind and drafts. It is desirable that they are located in partial shade from large deciduous trees. Under the direct rays of the sun, tender foliage will get burned. And in full shade, the color of the buds will noticeably fade.
As for the soil, the lycoris flower prefers loose, sandy soils. Before planting, be sure to dig up the ground and remove all weeds, otherwise it will clog the tender shoots of the plant. If the soil in your area is heavy, then add peat, sand or humus.
Don't forgettreat the bulbs in a solution of potassium permanganate or fungicides. This will protect your plants from diseases and pests. How to plant flowers:
- In the prepared area, make holes 15 cm deep.
- The distance between the pits should reach 25–30 cm. Otherwise, the babies that appear annually on the bulbs will not have enough food.
- Pour a centimeter layer of sand into the bottom of the recesses.
- Lightly press the bulb into the hole, cover it with sand, and fill the remaining voids with soil.
After planting, compact and water the soil generously. It is desirable to mulch the surface with peat, fallen leaves or straw.
Gardening
Caring for the exotic "flower of death" lycoris is not burdensome, and even an inexperienced gardener will be able to grow this attractive plant. Agricultural technology culture consists of the following activities:
- regular, and abundant watering;
- periodic feeding;
- loosening;
- transplants;
- weed and pest control.
In the northern and central regions, plant care also includes preparation for winter.
Irrigation
During the period of active leaf growth and flowering, lycoris need regular watering. Please note that even a short-term drying of the soil will affect the attractiveness of the plant. So try to keep the soil slightly moist. But in the summer, when the leaves have withered, and the peduncle has not yet appeared, stop irrigation. At this point, the plant begins a dormant period, and excessivemoisturizing hurts him.
After watering, be sure to loosen the soil. This is necessary so that a crust does not form on the ground, blocking the access of oxygen to the bulb. During the procedure, also weed out all the weeds. They are a source of disease and can harm crops.
Feeding
Lycoris is a flower that can draw nutrients from the soil, and in most cases it does not need additional feeding. But if you notice some lethargy of the plant, or it has stopped growing, then apply mineral fertilizers intended for bulbous crops to the soil. Fertilize only 2 hours after watering. Otherwise, the drugs will burn the bulb.
Transfer
Like other bulbous crops, the lycoris flower does not need an annual transplant. And in one area, it quietly grows up to 5 years. But after this time, a transplant is indispensable. Otherwise, the plant will start to hurt. During this event, you will also be able to carry out the propagation of the culture. But keep in mind that dividing and replanting the plant too often is not recommended. From this, it weakens and dies.
Before you dig up the bulbs, prepare a new area for them. Remember that parts of this plant are poisonous, so wear gloves when handling it. After digging up the bulbs, carefully separate the children from them. Sprinkle cracks with wood ash or coal powder. After that, plant the plants in a new place, in the same way that was mentioned earlier (see paragraph "Planting in open ground"). Please note that after transplanting, lycoris may get sick and not bloom for 1-2 years.
Post-flowering care
When the buds wither, cut out the peduncle. Otherwise, he will pull the juices from the plant, necessary to prepare for the cold. Dig up the plant for the winter is not worth it. But if you are afraid that the culture will freeze out, or severe frosts are expected, then cover the flower garden with a layer of fallen leaves or spruce branches.
Diseases and pests
Lycoris is a flower with strong immunity, and it is not afraid of diseases. In addition, the juice of the plant contains phytoncides that kill microbes and repel pests. And only occasionally it is attacked by a narcissus fly. To protect the crop from the pest, water the flower garden during the period of active growth of the crop with a systemic insecticide solution.
Attractive and bright lycoris flower will decorate any home garden. In addition, caring for him does not require much time and effort. Therefore, do not pay attention to ancient Japanese legends and be sure to set up a flower garden with this handsome man. He will not disappoint you.
