Description of varieties of OT-hybrids of lilies, planting and care in the open field

• December 29, 2018
• Flowers
• Tatiana Voytik

The selection of lilies has led to the emergence of a large number of hybrid forms, which differ not only in the beauty of flowers, a variety of shades, but also in their endurance. Therefore, it will not be difficult even for a novice florist to grow these plants on your personal plot. Particular attention should be paid to LA hybrids of lilies, which have absorbed all the positive qualities of their progenitors. But for their successful cultivation, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the basic requirements of this group.

Description of LA hybrids of lilies

This type of plant was obtained as a result of a combination of the species qualities of the Asian and long-flowered varieties. This made it possible to obtain as a result hybrids that are distinguished by their endurance, decorativeness, unpretentiousness in care and resistance to pests and diseases. Therefore, experts advise using this particular group for novice growers.

The height of LA hybrids of lilies reaches 100-150 cm, and the diameter of the flowers varies between 18-25 cm.The color can be from white to dark purple with different shades of transition, which allows you to choose colors for every taste. The flowering period begins in early July. Duration of flowering in a vase is 12-14 days. Some varieties of this group have a light aroma.

Peasley

Peasley (aknuk) is a cross between a polar bear and a grizzly bear. The first mention of an unusual animal dates back to 1864. Then in the northwestern part of North America, near Lake Rendezvous, a bear with an unusual cloudy white color and a golden brown muzzle was shot.

Ten years later, the first offspring from polar and brown bears were obtained in the German zoo (Halle). Babies were born white, but over time the color changed to bluish brown or golden brown. Peasley showed good results in terms of reproduction: hybrid animals successfully gave birth to offspring. Crossbreeding took place both between aknuk and representatives of the pure line.

Often, interspecific hybrids of animals are not reproductive, but pisles are an exception, since both bears can be biologically related to the same species, but, based on a number of morphological characters, scientists have identified bears as separate species.

Even before 2006, it was believed that animal hybrids do not occur in the natural environment. This myth was dispelled on April 16, 2006 by the American hunter Jim Martell, who shot peasies on Banki Island (the Canadian part of the Arctic), which became undeniable evidence of the emergence of hybrids in the wild.

Popular varieties and photos of LA hybrids of lilies

This group includes a huge number of flower species. Each of them has its own characteristics, but they are all united by unpretentious care and resistance to diseases.

The most common varieties.

Samur. Flowers with a diameter of 20 cm are purplish pink with a white throat. The petals are not wavy, 9.5 cm long and 4.5-5.0 cm wide, the tip is slightly bent. Shoot height reaches 140 cm. Flowering occurs 85 days after germination.

California. Flowers are distinguished by a bright cherry shade with small dots in the center. Their diameter reaches 19 cm.The petals are not wavy, with curved tips. The stem height is 110 cm. Flowering occurs 85 cm after germination.

Fangio. Differs in a purple-red tint of flowers. Their diameter is 20 cm.There is a small blotch of dark color in the center of the flower. The petals are not wavy, 110 mm long and 40-60 mm wide, their tip is slightly bent. The height of the stem reaches 150 cm. Flowering occurs in mid-July.

Menorca. It is distinguished by cupped flowers, the diameter of which reaches 19 cm. The petals of Menorca are pale orange in color directed upwards, their length is 110 mm and width is 50-60 mm. The height of the stem reaches 130 cm. Flowering occurs in July, 85 days after germination.

Eremo. Differs in bright orange flowers with a glossy surface of the petals. Forms strong stems, reaching a height of 125 cm. The diameter of flowers in Eremo is 17 cm, and the height of the stem is 125 cm. The frost resistance of the hybrid is minus 34 degrees. It is characterized by early flowering, which occurs 75-80 days after the emergence of shoots.

Sweet Zanic. It is distinguished by snow-white flowers, which are densely dotted with dark specks in the center. Their diameter is 18-22 cm. The number of buds on the stem is 3-4 pcs. The hybrid has a light aroma. Stem height reaches 110-120 cm. Flowering occurs in early July.

Lietouven. It is characterized by snow-white flowers without the presence of spots. Their diameter is 17 cm. The height of the stem reaches 110-125 cm. In the first year, the plant forms 3-4 buds, and in the following years - 5-6 flowers. There is a light aroma. Flowering occurs in mid-July.

Sweet desire. It is characterized by an unusual shade of flowers, which includes salmon, peach and apricot tones. In the center, the flowers are densely covered with small specks. This type has a light pleasant aroma. The height of the stem reaches 120-140 cm. The diameter of the flowers is 22 cm, and the length of the petals is 120 mm.

Varietal variety

Today there are a large number of varieties of LA hybrids lilies, each of which has its own unique features and characteristics. Let's consider a description of the most common ones.

• Brindisi. Plants of this variety are bright pink in color. The diameter of the flowers can reach 18 cm. Flowers are well suited for planting not only in the open field, but also for home cultivation in a pot or pots.

• "Original Love". A lily with bright red flowers can grow up to 120 cm in height. The flowering period is in July. Lily differs from all other varieties with its unusual characteristic aroma.

• Epricot Fudge. This flower belongs to the exotic group. The inflorescence in its shape resembles a half-open rose or tulip. It has a beautiful peach-apricot shade.

• Ercolano. The petals of this variety have a curved shape. The main color is white, but a green tint can be observed in the middle. Flowers can be up to 17 cm in diameter.

• Sigalon. Burgundy flowers can be up to 20 cm in diameter. They have a delicate delicate aroma. They can bloom throughout the summer.

• Royal Sunset. Painted in 2 colors: pink and orange. Most often they are used in group plantings, mixborders, flower beds, for cutting.

Thus, every gardener will be able to choose a plant that will perfectly fit into the design of any site and will become its highlight.

Difference from other species

All types of lilies are classified into 8 main groups. The first 7 of which include crop species, and the last one includes hybrids. It includes a series of LA hybrids of lilies.

In addition, there are several other main varieties of culture, which differ in characteristic features.

1. Asian and LA hybrids. The most unpretentious flower varieties that are optimal for novice florists. They are distinguished by their unpretentiousness and increased winter hardiness.
2. Tubular, long-flowered and LO hybrids of lilies. These varieties are characterized by an elongated glass of flowers and a pronounced aroma that intensifies in the evening.Long-flowered are less winter-hardy, so they can be grown outdoors only in the southern regions. The other two varieties are more resistant to frost, but require shelter, since return frosts in spring negatively affect their development. In addition, tubular hybrids do not tolerate increased soil acidity.
3. OT hybrids and oriental. These two groups are rightfully considered the most graceful lilies with a wide palette of colors. But at the same time they are very demanding to care. In addition, the eastern variety of culture needs a mandatory shelter during the cold season. Winter hardiness of OT-hybrids of lilies is much higher, but they do not tolerate even a slight stagnation of water.

What are lilies

The classification of lilies is quite complex, but knowledge of it is necessary if you want to grow magnificent large-flowered varieties. According to The International Lily Register, proposed in 1982, all lilies are divided into 9 groups:

The Asiatic Hybrids

The most popular and unpretentious varieties of lilies in culture are hardy and winter-hardy. White Anna Maria Dream, yellow Fata Morgana, pink Aphrodite, purple-crimson Lollypop are traditional in many gardens. New interesting unpretentious varieties constantly appear (two- and three-color and terry forms).

in the photo, the variety of lilies White Triumphator from the LO-hybrids group

It is interesting that it is in this group that the phenomenon of fasciation can be observed - the accretion of stems, on which 50-60 or more flowers are formed, up to a hundred. This phenomenon is quite unique, even more desirable by many growers. Marlene (pink flowers), Spring pink (double, light pink with purple specks and border) and Iverna (yellow flowers with small specks) have a tendency to fascial.

on the photo a variety of lilies Orange Twins from the group of Asians

In addition, there is a pixie group, which includes low-growing varieties up to 50 cm in height: Tiny Icon, Tiny Hope, Tiny Ghost and others. All of them look great in container landing. Sometimes a group of tiger lilies is singled out separately in catalogs or retail. These are actually the same "Asians", garden forms of the tiger lily itself and other species.

pictured tiger lily

Martagon hybrids, or Curly lily hybrids (The Martagon Hybrids)

They are very effective and stable. Hardy, they can be grown even in Siberia (Ural or Siberian hybrids). They prefer light partial shade; in an open, sunny place they grow poorly and gradually die. They are undemanding to soil conditions.

The emergence of new varieties is inhibited due to the slow development of seedlings, which bloom in the 7-8th year, and the marchons do not give children well. Therefore, constant breeding work is underway to breed intersectional hybrids. Success was achieved by crossing Asian and Marchagon hybrids, obtaining Marchgon-Asian hybrids.

pictured lily martagon

Candidum, or Euro-Caucasian hybrids of lilies (The Candidum Hybrids)

The homeland of these snow-white beauties is the Middle East, so growing them in the middle lane is associated with a certain risk. They require shallow planting, secure winter shelter, a sunny location, and well fertilized (preferably calcareous) soil. Differ in complex agricultural technology. Since the dormant period occurs in mid-summer, and the growing season begins in autumn, the plant leaves in winter with a rosette of leaves, which must be preserved until spring. Therefore, in the spring, the shelter is removed gradually, and in order for the roots to develop faster, they are watered with warm water.

On sale you can find only the bulbs of the snow-white lily (L. candidum), which is more often found under the trade name "Madonna Lily" (Madonna Lily).

snow-white lily on the photo

The American Hybrids

They require a lot of attention when growing, but they are hardy and promising for further hybridization. They prefer sunny areas, need abundant watering and well-drained slightly acidic soils.

1 photo is a long-flowered lily.on 2 photos a variety of lilies Montego Bay from the Ot-hybrids group

Longiflorum Hybrids (The Longiflorum Hybrids)

Heat-loving plants, for growing in soil, are not frost-hardy enough in the middle zone, are more suitable for growing as a container crop. The varieties are susceptible to viral diseases.

The Trumpet & Aurelian Hybrids

Widely distributed all over the world. They bloom in large flowers with a strong aroma. Need a sunny location and well-drained, nutritious soil. It is necessary to cover for the winter. They are not susceptible to viral diseases and rarely suffer from fungal diseases.

on the photo the variety of lilies Bay Watch from the group of OT hybrids

The Oriental Hybrids

One of the most beautiful, but at the same time, problematic groups of lilies in leaving. Warm sunny areas with well-drained, fertile acidic soils are suitable for planting. You need to cover for the winter. The main secret of a successful wintering of an oriental lily: the soil must be dry. In the fall, wait until dry weather settles for a while, and cover the plantings with waterproof material. The varieties are susceptible to viral diseases.

Among the new varieties are those suitable for growing in the middle lane: Magic Star, Broken Heart, Sweet Rosy or Lodewijk.

in the photo, the variety of lilies Roselily Aisha from the group of Oriental hybrids

Lily hybrids that were not included in the previous sections: LA-, OT-, LO-, LOO-, OA-, LT-, AT- and others.

on the photo of lilies of the Kalahari variety from the LA-hybrids group

Hybrid lilies LA (LA) - hybrids between long-flowered and Asiatic

Externally and in terms of agricultural technology, they are similar to Asian ones. Their creation further expanded the capabilities of ordinary florists. The group appeared in the late 1970s, came to our gardens in the mid-90s. Since then, it has firmly taken its place in Russian flower beds. Most of the varieties are sourced from Holland, others from the USA and Japan.

Every year, more and more varieties of various colors appear (white, yellow, cream, apricot, salmon, red and burgundy), with large flower sizes (15-25 cm) and unpretentious in cultivation. And even, from the point of view of some growers, excessive reproductive ability. Unlike the Asian group, they do not form bulbs on the stems. Bloom from mid-June to August, depending on the variety.

They grow well not only in the middle lane, but also in the Urals and the Far East. Quite frost-resistant, but many experts still advise covering planting for the winter, especially in the northern regions.

For planting, select open or slightly shaded areas with a neutral or slightly acidic soil reaction. LA hybrids can suffer from the mosaic virus, it is better to remove the affected plants.

Varieties: white (Aerobic, Bright Diamond), pink (Tropic Diamond, Top Gun, Samur, Rodeo), red, purple (Fangio, Original Live, Purple Diamond, Manhatten), yellow (Fray, Golden State, Royal Delight), orange (Indian Diamond, Daytona).

In the photo, the variety of lilies Prince Promise from the LO-hybrids group

LO (LO), or longipets - lily hybrids between long-flowered and oriental

They are distinguished by rather large fragrant funnel-shaped flowers, white or pink in color. The group is rather small. Most often, several varieties are grown: Triumphator, Prince Promise, Queen's Promise, Sea Treasure. Planted in a sunny place or in partial shade. They prefer fertile, neutral or slightly acidic soils. Bulbs do not tolerate stagnant moisture; dry shelter is required for the winter.

The group continues to develop in two directions - LLO (LLO) - hybrids and LOO (LOO) - hybrids.

In the photo, the variety of lilies Nymph from the OT-hybrids group

LOO hybrids appeared by crossing LO-hybrids with oriental ones, thanks to which the breeders managed to get magnificent flowers. The lack of variety in colors (there are only white, pink and crimson) is successfully compensated by the size. The agricultural technology is the same as that of longipets, but for the winter they need to be covered more carefully and in the spring it is better to protect them until the threat of frost passes, covering with lutrasil or film.

On sale there are: Dreamweaver, Nuance, Pink Brilliant, Polar.

In the photo, the Albany lily variety from the OT-hybrids group

LLO lily hybrids - the result of crossing longipets with long-flowered hybrids, due to which the new varieties have large funnel-shaped flowers. They are very similar to longipets (in appearance and agricultural technology), due to which they are most often found on sale as LO hybrids, for example, the Bellson variety (a pale pink flower with a diameter of 20-25 cm).

OA - hybrids between Eastern and Asian OT- and OA-hybrids appeared almost simultaneously, but if there are already several hundred varieties of OT hybrids, then there are only a dozen OA hybrids. Unfortunately, a big difference between the two groups played a role here, they are difficult to hybridize with each other. But you can already buy varieties such as First Crown (yellow with a red star in the center), Fuego Crown (orange with a yellow center and brown speck), Elegance Crown (pink with a beige border), Yellow Power (bright yellow, saturated), Kaveri (golden yellow with a bronze-red center).

At the same time, this is a very interesting direction in breeding, because OA hybrids took their beauty from orientals (although they have a smaller flower - only 15 cm in diameter), and their resistance - from Asians, therefore they can grow well in the middle lane. Bloom in late July - August.

on the photo the variety of lily Indian Diamond from the LA-hybrids group

OT (OT), Orienpet - hybrids of lilies between oriental and tubular They appeared in the 50s of the 20th century. The varieties combine large flowers (up to 30 cm in diameter) orientals and the vitality of tubular flowers. For planting, choose a sunny spot with normal garden soil. Plants are quite hardy, overwinter with shelter. Moreover, the farther south the growing area, the larger the bush and the flower itself. Bloom from mid-July.

Popular varieties: Beverly Dream (crimson with white edging), Boogie Woogie (yellow with orange edging), Shocking (yellow with a red center).

MA (MA), (Martasiat Hybrids) - lily hybrids between Marchagon and Asian Bred by American breeder David Sims and first introduced in 1999. They inherited turban-shaped flowers and early flowering (bloom in early June) from the Marchons. The Ice White variety is known, but it is rather difficult to buy representatives of this group in Russia. Individual bulbs can only be found from collectors so far. For planting, preferably a sunny place with fertile garden soils.

AA - hybrids of lilies from crossing of Orleans and Asian hybrids

Funnel-shaped flowers, very fragrant. Bloom in late July - early August. Winter-hardy and resistant to diseases, therefore, promising for growing in the middle lane. In Russia, they are still rare on sale. Collectors sell Ivory Belles (white tubular flowers with a yellow center, crimson outside with a white edge) and Silk Belles (similar to the previous variety, becomes almost white at the end of flowering).

Species lilies

Most often grown: curly lily (L. martagon), leopard lily (L. pardalinum), dwarf lily (L. pumilum), drooping lily (L. cernuum), Pennsylvanian lily (L. pylvanensicum) and others.

In the conditions of central Russia, for widespread use as unpretentious and highly decorative perennials, varieties of Asian, Martagon, LA hybrids, as well as some species of lilies are traditionally recommended. The eastern ones are considered the most capricious. Selection does not stand still, more and more resistant plants appear. Previously considered exotic, they confidently enter our gardens and take their place.

Growing features

Despite the unpretentiousness of LA hybrids of lilies, there are several requirements that must be met.

The main criteria to consider when growing these flowers:

• optimal choice of location;
• correct fit;
• moderate watering;
• the use of fertilizers;
• protection from pests and diseases;
• the need for transplantation and further reproduction.

If you follow the basic rules of care, it will not be difficult to grow LA hybrids of lilies. Moreover, they will delight with their flowering every year. The care and cultivation of OT-hybrids of lilies is no different from these requirements.

Kosatkodelfin (wolfin, kitofin)

Kosatkodelphin is a hybrid of a killer whale (small black) and a bottlenose dolphin. The first wolfin appeared at a water park in Tokyo, but died at the age of six months. The second killer whale hybrid appeared in Hawaii at the SeaLifePark in 1986. A female wolfin named Kekaimalu began breeding at the age of five, which is quite early for killer whales and dolphins. The first experience of motherhood was somewhat unsuccessful: the mother refused to feed the baby, so she was fed artificially, which made it possible to grow an absolutely tame individual, but her life was short and ended at the age of 9 years. Kekaimalu experienced the happiness of motherhood three times, but the last one turned out to be the most successful: in 2004, a female Kavili Kai was born from a male bottlenose dolphin. The baby turned out to be very playful, and a month after birth she reached the size of her father.

An interesting fact was discovered by scientists: the wolfin has 66 teeth, the bottlenose dolphin has 88, and the killer whale has 44.

Now in the world there are two specimens of killer whale that are kept in Hawaii. Sometimes there is information that the wolffins were seen in the wild, but scientists have not yet been able to confirm this data.

Seat selection

This plant, regardless of the variety, does not tolerate excessive soil moisture. It is best to choose a sunny area with deep groundwater for LA hybrids. Acceptable light shade for species with darker color tones, resulting in a richer shade.

If it is necessary to grow a plant in an area with a high groundwater flow, it is recommended to make an embankment and raise the flower beds so that the bulbs do not come into contact with the moisture level, which can be accurately determined in spring and autumn. In addition, at a depth of 60 cm, a 10 cm thick drainage layer should be made, consisting of broken brick or rubble. And pour sand on top.

Landing

LA hybrids prefer to grow on loamy soil. Moreover, its acidity should be neutral or slightly acidic. Planting OT-hybrids of lilies and care differ only in that this variety prefers to grow on sandy loam soils with the addition of needles.

Planting depth should correspond to 3 diameters of the bulbs. But experts do not prohibit landing much deeper. Since this allows the plant to grow additional roots, which will enhance its nutrition and have a beneficial effect on the number of flowers. In addition, the deep planting level will protect the bulbs from frost during a snowless winter and from overheating during the hot season.

It is necessary to place the bulbs at a distance of 30 cm from each other, which guarantees the full development and education of children. First, it is necessary to dig up the area to the depth of the shovel and shed abundantly the day before planting. The optimal time for the procedure is the end of April or the end of September, at a temperature of 15 degrees. These conditions ensure that the bulbs take root quickly.

It is recommended to wet the planting material in advance.

Features of the choice of a variety of lilies for the Moscow region

How to choose lilies for the Moscow region? Not. How to choose a royal flower at all. Having found a catalog with bulbs, it is almost impossible to stop.

• For growing on clubs or ridges in the Moscow region, Asian varieties are ideal. Bulbs are inexpensive, multiply quickly, and are unpretentious. With the right approach, the flower bed will delight the eye for more than a month. However, they do not tolerate bad weather, do not have a scent, and quickly die in the cut.
• Oriental and tubular, as well as their hybrids with Asiatic lilies, will fill the garden in the Moscow region with enchanting smells. Suitable for flower beds and single plantings. They stand for a long time in the cut. Requires some grooming skills.Quite demanding on soil, lighting and watering.
• For single plantings, decorating individual sections of the garden, decorating hedges, by the way, there will be OT-hybrids or lilies-trees.

Advice for beginner gardeners!

Do not buy everything at once. As a rule, in the first year it is difficult to imagine the layout of the site. Asiatic lilies will decorate any garden. They grow quickly and the bulbs can be divided in two years. If something does not suit you, they can always be transplanted into flowerpots and decorate the entrance to the house or gazebo.

Watering

For the full development of LA hybrids of lilies, it is necessary to ensure proper watering. Therefore, during the growing season in the absence of seasonal precipitation, it is necessary to monitor the level of soil moisture. It should be understood that lilies need abundant, but rare watering. During the procedure, water should not get on the leaves of the plant.

To prevent the soil from drying out, it is recommended to mulch the topsoil using peat or humus.

It is also important to water after the flowering period, when the plant forms a supply of nutrients and children are formed.

Fertilization

LA hybrids respond well to feeding throughout the season. But at the same time, fresh manure cannot be used, since it provokes the development of fusarium. The best option is a 3 year old humus, which should be added to the soil when planting.

It is also effective to use complex compositions of mineral fertilizers, which contain nutrients in an accessible form for plants.

There are three main stages of feeding:

• when sprouts appear;
• during the formation of buds;
• after flowering.

In the first two cases, it is recommended to use ammonium nitrate, at the final stage - potassium magnesium or superphosphate. At the same time, it is recommended to apply fertilizers in the form of an aqueous solution.

Choosing and planting

Bulbs of OT hybrids have a distinctive dark red, dark cherry, reddish brown hue. They can be planted not only in the fall, as expected, but also in the spring. These lilies will bloom in the first year, however, they will not be very tall and with fewer flowers.

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Even flowering lilies can be transplanted with a lump of earth. However, the best time to plant bulbs is September - early October.

Unfortunately, the Dutch planting material harvested in autumn goes on sale with us in late winter - early spring. When purchasing lilies during this period, you need to take healthy, dense bulbs with sprouts that should not be very elongated or broken. Before planting, you need to keep lilies in a cool room (you can - in the refrigerator). If the sprouts of the bulbs began to grow actively, then the bulbs should be planted in pots and sent to a cool room or to the vegetable section of the refrigerator.

As with most bulbous plants, the rule applies to lilies: the larger the bulb, the larger the flower (by the way, the size of the bulb in a lily is determined by height, not diameter).

Lilies should be planted in a permanent place when the soil warms up, around the end of April - beginning of May. Like all lilies, OT hybrids prefer sunny, calm places and drained soils, as they do not tolerate stagnant moisture. But when planting these lilies, one more feature should be taken into account: the lower part of the stem should be shaded.

For loosening, a bucket of sand and peat is added to the soil for digging for 1 square meter, and only peat or coniferous litter is added to the lung. These hybrids thrive on acidic soils, often found in regions of the middle lane. It is also necessary to add 5-10 kg of humus or compost, 100 g of superphosphate and 50 g of potassium sulfate to each square meter of the flower garden. Adding bone meal gives good results. Using fresh manure or chicken droppings is strongly discouraged.

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Usually, a lily bulb is planted to a depth equal to three of its diameters.A mound of sand is poured at the bottom of the hole, an onion is placed on it, straightening the roots, then it is covered with a small amount of sand and only then with fertile soil. This will help protect the bulb from excess moisture and pathogens. If necessary, planting is watered (in spring and autumn - not necessary) and mulched with peat, leaf humus or coniferous litter.

Reproduction and transplantation

Every 4-5 years, LA hybrids must be planted, otherwise the height of the shoots will be much lower, and the diameter and number of flowers will decrease. This is due to the fact that in the process of growth and development, the mother plant grows up children, which subsequently becomes cramped in one nest.

For transplanting, you need to dig up and divide the bulbs, selecting them by size. The largest ones are for a flower garden, and the smallest ones are left for growing.

The optimal period is 1-1.5 months after the end of flowering.

Bester

Bester is a hybrid of two representatives of the sturgeon family - a female beluga and a male sterlet. Bester owes its appearance to the Russian biologist Professor N.I.Nikolyukin. Since 1948, he has come to grips with the problem of sturgeon hybridization. In 1952, the wife of Nikolai Ivanovich, who together with her husband worked on the creation of fish hybrids, tried to artificially obtain the offspring of sterlet and beluga. The Nekolyukins did not expect that this unscheduled experiment would lay the foundation for a new direction in fish farming.

During the experiments, the professor crossed different types of sturgeon, but the turn did not reach the beluga and sterlet. Perhaps he considered such an experiment to be initially a failure, since these sturgeons are different in size and weight (beluga - up to a ton, and sterlet - no more than 15 kg), live and spawn in different places, and their hybrids cannot produce offspring. But everything happened exactly the opposite.

Bester took fast growth from the beluga, and from the sterlet - rapid puberty, which is an important factor for industrial fish. The hybrid also produced incredibly tender meat and delicious caviar.

Now on the territory of Russia Bester is bred on an industrial scale.

Preparing for winter

LA-hybrids do not need any shelter, as they are characterized by an increased level of winter hardiness (-29 ... -34 degrees). But in order for the plant to be able to fully prepare for winter, it is necessary to cut the stem of the lily after flowering at a height of 30 cm from the soil surface.

In addition, it is important not to use nitrogen fertilizers during and after flowering, as they prevent the full maturation of the bulb, which negatively affects winter hardiness. Therefore, it is enough to use top dressing with a high potassium content.

Liger and tiger

The first is a hybrid of a tigress and a lion, and the second is the offspring of a lioness and a tiger. These animal hybrids are born exclusively in artificial conditions, the reason for this is banal - different habitats (Africa and Eurasia) do not allow them to meet, this is possible only in menageries.

Outwardly, ligers look like a cave lion, which became extinct during the Pleistocene period. To date, this hybrid is considered the largest among felines. This phenomenon is explained by growth genes: they are not as active in tigers as in lions. For the same reason, tigers are smaller than tigers.

In the amusement park "Jungle Island" (Miami, USA) there is a male liger named Hercules weighing 418 kg. For comparison: the average weight of the Amur tiger varies from 260 to 340 kg, and the African lion - from 170 to 240 kg. So, Hercules in one approach absorbs up to 45 kg of food, and develops a speed of 80 km / h in 10 seconds.

The peculiarity of ligers is that these cats love to splash in the water. Another feature: ligers are one of the few hybrids that are capable of reproducing offspring. So, in the Novosibirsk Zoo on August 16, 2012, Samson the lion and Zita the ligress became parents, giving birth to the liligress Kiara.

Today there are just over 20 ligers in the world.