The variety of varieties of lilies is impressive, but breeders do not stop there and produce more and more hybrid flowers with completely atypical properties. So, the Marilyn lily flower is unusual in that it is capable of simultaneously releasing up to 100 flower cups on one stem. The photos of this lily in bloom look simply fantastic, but the appearance of this flower is the result of a whim of nature.
Origin of the species
Lily Marlene (Marlene) combines the qualities of representatives of the Asian group and lily-longiflorum. From the first, she inherited resistance to cold and early flowering, as well as the abundant formation of young shoots and ease of rooting. Unpretentious and strong flowers of the Asian group are often used as the basis for new varieties.
Variety description Marlene
The stems of Marlene lily are pale green, usually reach 90-100 cm in height. The leaves grow alternately, have an elongated and pointed shape, an average size of 13x1.5 cm.
The flowers are large, with a diameter of 15-20 cm. The petals are pale pink at the tips, to the center of the flower they change color to almost white. Small dark red spots are visible on the inner petals.
In the temperate zone, lily blooms 75-80 days after the first shoots appear above the ground.
Features of Marlene Lily
This variety has an unusual appearance due to its fascination (mutation) tendency, due to which it becomes possible to combine several stems into one. The fasciation process takes place even at the stage of the origin of growth points, so that over the surface of the earth you can already see an accreted thick massive stem on which buds are formed for many buds.
Another feature of Marlene lily is that it does not smell at all, which is a plus for those who consider the smell of lilies to be too thick and suffocating.
This lily, Marlene variety, is perfect for creating bouquets: a delicate flower can unexpectedly remain fresh in the water for a long time.
The changeable nature of the hybrid
Multicolor Marlene can appear for the first time for 2-3 years after the separation of the kidney from the mother plant. In some cases, fascination does not occur at all or is weakly expressed, and there is no expected bouquet on one stem. Do not immediately blame the unscrupulous seller: it is possible that the matter is in the conditions of lily growth in this particular situation. A sign of the variety will be a couple of dozen buds on one stem.
Under normal conditions, fascination can be provoked by atypical weather events, mechanical damage to the bulb and sprouts during planting, the use of bioregulators and flowering stimulants. But deliberately causing a mutation is almost impossible, although there is an opinion among amateurs that an excess of fertilizers can affect the number of flowers. For this purpose, the plant is fed with a frequency of once a week, but the connection of such care with fascination of Marleen lilies has not been proven. So far, experts agree that the unusual properties of Marlene are due to the increased tendency of the species to grow flower stems.
Lily Marlene: Landing
For the landing of Marlene in the ground, the period of mid-spring is best suited, closer to the beginning of May. It does not matter if the bulbs are acquired in the fall, in which case they should be left for the winter in a cool place so as not to provoke the awakening and growth of young shoots. Some sources recommend placing them in the refrigerator to prevent premature germination of the bulbs.
Depth of planting depends on the size of the bulb: very young enough to immerse in the ground by 10 cm, and for large depth should be increased to 20 cm (maximum).
If you have to land in clay soil, you should first enrich it with humus, peat and sand. In the sand, respectively, add a little clay and the same humus and peat. It is important to know that fresh manure is strictly contraindicated to lilies, such concentrated fertilizer can destroy the plant, especially for young bulbs.
For the planting of Marlene lilies, you should choose a place quite sunny, but protected from wind and drafts. Shade and too sharp air currents can lead to falling buds, weaken the lily. And for the 100-flower bouquet, which is famous for the Marlene lily, favorable conditions are needed.
How to care for Marilyn Lily ?
From varieties of the Asian group, Marlene lily, the planting and care of which is not at all complicated, inherited resistance to adverse conditions. These unusual flowers require no more painstaking care than their most ordinary counterparts. Lilies will be grateful for the timely loosening of the soil around the stem, regular watering and top dressing with complex fertilizers.
In season, Marlene lily requires three top dressings:
- at the time of active growth, the plant needs nitrogen-containing compounds;
- during the formation and growth of buds, it is desirable to introduce complex fertilizer into the soil;
- to strengthen the bulb after flowering, the plant needs phosphorus and potassium.
Around the beginning of October, you should stop watering the plant, cut off the dry stem and cover the aerial part of the lily with a film, leaving a hole for ventilation. In this form, Marlene lily can remain until the first frost. The film is necessary so that the earth around the bulb remains dry at the time of the onset of cold weather. Humidity combined with frost will be detrimental to lilies.
For the winter, the film needs to be removed, and the plants covered with peat and fallen leaves. A layer of 10 cm can reliably protect lilies from low temperatures.
Lily Asiatic Marlene: reproduction and transplantation
Every 3-4 years, bulbs of Marlene lilies need a transplant. Usually they dig them up in the fall, after the plant "falls asleep." Then you can separate the young bulbs that bud from the mother. In the spring they are planted in shallow holes. In the first year, most likely, the lilies will not bloom, but the bulb will gain strength and get stronger. This is a very important time, young plants require especially careful care. The same applies to the germination of Marlene lilies from scales.
These are the main recommendations for caring for extraordinary Marlene lilies, they for the most part repeat the rules common to all lily.