Which variety of irgi is better?

How often there is an irga in dachas ... Almost all varieties are suitable for the Moscow region, since the berry is picky. Everyone knows this bush of the Rosaceae family under different names, but the essence does not change. Children and birds love him alike. Over time, the overgrown bush begins to take up a lot of space, which is not very good for a small area. But this disadvantage is compensated by a huge harvest of delicious blue berries. But it is worth picking up scissors, and the tree obediently turns into a beautifully formed ball or cube; this way you can make a charming hedge that will delight you with the harvest. So, the topic of our conversation is Irga and its varieties. Let's get started!

Pros and cons

You need to figure this out if you decide whether you need an irga on your site. Varieties for the Moscow region - all as one - very tenacious and prolific. They will not dry out in the hottest summer and will not freeze out in the harsh winter, and from spring to autumn they will diligently occupy your site with young shoots. Therefore, you need to remember to keep an eye on your garden. Moreover, watering and feeding are far from the first role, the most important thing is to restrain the growth of the irgi, form its crown and shape the bushes docked in a row. But with the overgrowth it will be more difficult, it will still crawl out, no matter how much you destroy it.

However, many gardeners still want irga to grow in them. Varieties for the Moscow region are surprisingly durable and hardy plants that, despite nothing, will yield a crop.

Spring in the garden

Approximately two weeks after the appearance of green leaves, it releases delicate silvery irga flowers. Varieties for the Moscow region are famous for their early harvests, and fragrant flowers feed many insects. The plant we are considering does not differ in the variety of species, usually it is either a round-leaved or spiky irga, although there are much more of them. And each is more or less productive, and also differs in shape and size. However, if you are replanting the area with fruit shrubs and trees, then you will surely be interested to learn more about these varieties.

Irga canadian

Since we are limited by the scope of the article, we will note only the best varieties of irgi for the Moscow region. First, I would like to consider the Canadian variety, which has high decorative properties. The bush has a natural rounded shape with drooping branches. The plant is especially beautiful during the flowering period. By the way, irgu can be grown as a bush or as a tree, it all depends on your skills. In the first case, it turns into a luxurious bush up to 6 meters high.Keep in mind that the irga in the garden area should be available for harvesting, so it makes sense to form a shrub lower. Thin drooping shoots are beautiful at the time of flowering: they are literally covered with white flowers. And then they become completely gray from berries.

Irga round-leaved

We continue to consider what an irga is. The types and care are not too different, but there are still certain traits characteristic of each variety. This variety grows up to three meters without pruning. It grows almost throughout the entire territory of Russia, and bears excellent fruit in the Moscow region. Leaves are oval, serrated. Differs in good productivity, as well as amazing resistance. It is even very difficult to remove it from the site on purpose.

Irga alder-leaved

This is a multi-stem shrub, its height is up to 4 meters. The leaves are rounded, yellow in autumn. The flowers are white, with a faint aroma. The fruits are purple, very sweet and quite large. It can produce up to 10 kg of berries per season, which can be attributed to good results. The tree itself is unpretentious, resistant to various diseases. Another species, called the blood-red irga, is very similar to it. This is a shrub up to 3 meters high. Its leaves and flowers are oblong, the berries are sweet, dark, very pleasant to the taste.

Large-fruited varietal plants

The work of breeders does not stand still, and today such species and varieties of irgi as Alytaglou are demonstrated at exhibitions. Its peculiarity is the white fruit. Another good variety for the Moscow region is the large-fruited Forestburg and the very fragrant Pembina. Other types of irgi are presented at the exhibitions, distinguished by record-breaking large berries: Moonlake, Nelson, Slate, Regan and others. We will not dwell in more detail on the features of caring for them, since the opportunity to purchase these plants is still very small. Usually, the stores sell old, good, proven varieties.

Bush care

Have you decided to plant an irgu in your summer cottage? What good variety to choose, you can ask in the next issue of "Dachnik". Most often, only the varieties listed above will be presented there. By the way, they can be borrowed from neighbors completely free of charge, because the sprouts of irga give a lot. This is a completely unpretentious plant that will withstand even the most severe frosts.

However, she also has her own requirements for the conditions of detention. Irga will survive in any conditions, but it shows the maximum yield on fertile, loamy soil. The plant likes well-lit areas, but will grow even in full shade. He is quite calm about drought. Planting irgi along fences can be a great design idea. This will give it a special decorative effect, especially if you cut the bushes beautifully.

Shrub planting

Irga can be planted both in spring and autumn. At the same time, choose seedlings that have reached the age of 1-2 years, because fruits from younger ones will have to wait long enough. The hole for one plant must be at least 80 cm in diameter. After planting, do not forget to water the seedling abundantly. It remains to mulch the soil around - and you can leave the plant alone. It takes root almost immediately, it is for this quality that many gardeners fell in love with irga. Grooming and breeding is intuitively simple. The only thing that will be required for a good harvest is regular watering.

Bush formation

In order for the plant to look good and not obstruct too much usable area of ​​the site, but at the same time it was convenient for you to pick the berries, you need to regularly prune. First of all, you need to make the bush as strong as possible. He will need care in the form of sawing out old trunks, removing long and weak branches, and cutting off damaged shoots. To emphasize the decorativeness of the planting, you can form the irgu as a multi-stem bush. To do this, you need to leave only strong shoots, and cut off the weak ones.In this case, you will need to follow a number of rules. In the first three years of the plant's life, leave all strong shoots, then annually control their number, leaving a new one in the place of the remote. A fully formed bush consists of 10-15 branches of different ages. After that, care will consist of an autumn inspection, removal of broken branches and excess shoots. If you see that the growth and fruiting of the bush is deteriorating, then once every 4 years you can perform a rejuvenating procedure, that is, cut off all 2-4-year-old shoots.

Reproduction

If you have enough time, you can try growing irgu from seeds. To do this, you need to collect ripe berries, select seeds from them and rinse them from the pulp. Immediately after washing (preferably in September), the seeds should be sown into the soil. They will sprout next year or a year later.

However, it is much easier to use vegetative methods. Most often, the plant is propagated by root shoots. What is needed for this? Dig out the growth and select seedlings 10-15 cm long, with well-developed roots. An excellent result is shown by those whose shoot thickness is 0.5 cm or more. They should be planted vertically. Such seedlings need constant care in the form of abundant watering. Young irgi bushes can be propagated by division, but this method is not suitable for old plantings. You can also use the cuttings procedure. To do this, cut the annual shoots 12-15 cm long. After cutting, the material must be planted in a greenhouse. If the air is humid enough, then roots will soon appear, and after a month it will be possible to plant young seedlings. However, it will give roots no more than 20% of the total number of cuttings.

Top dressing

For the harvest to please you every year, you need to feed your plant. To do this, you can use organic fertilizers (manure) in the fall and mineral fertilizers in the spring. Like all fruit trees, the irga is very responsive to feeding, since when growing a large number of berries, a large amount of nutrients is expended. If the soil is very poor, then the bush will shed some of the fruits, and those that remain will be small, and there will be much less useful trace elements in them.

Pests and diseases

Irga rarely suffers from diseases, most often it is only slightly affected by leaf-eating insects, which do not cause much harm. Birds do much more damage to the crop - they love to feast on berries. However, usually the irgi bush gives so many fruits that it will be enough for both you and your feathered friends. If the bush is small, then you can tighten it with a net so that it is difficult for the birds to get to the berries.

If you notice spots that look like rust on the leaves of the irgi, then this is a clear sign of a fungal disease. With moniliniosis, brown rot forms on the fruit, and the crop will be ruined. Nectric necrosis of the bark leads to the drying out of shoots and branches, which can contribute to the death of the entire bush. In addition, it is not uncommon to encounter the defeat of the irgi by the gray tinder fungus, which causes a white, fibrous, putrid plaque on the trunks of the old irgi. To protect your garden, it is necessary to timely process the treatment with insecticides and antifungal drugs. One procedure in early spring will help avoid all these problems, which means that you will calmly enjoy delicious and healthy berries.

Acquaintance

Many owners of private houses are trying to arrange their personal plot not only in accordance with design novelties, but also by planting a variety of plants.

Just imagine how wonderful it is to watch when lilies bloom, apple trees bloom and jasmine smells fragrant in your garden. Recently, the irga plant has become more and more popular in our latitudes.

This tree was bred in Canada.

In this article, you will learn how to grow irga correctly: planting and caring for this plant affects fruiting, and juicy blue berries are rich in trace elements and vitamins.

general characteristics

Irga is only gaining popularity, so she can be found only in a few household plots. Depending on the variety, Irga can grow in the form of a tree or a spreading bush. A feature of irgi is beautiful white inflorescences. The flowers can withstand temperatures as low as -7 °.

Most often, irgi shrubs are planted as a natural fence or framing a sidewalk path. But irgi trees are planted solely for the purpose of obtaining fruits.

The varieties that grow in our latitudes are frost-hardy and not picky. If you provide the right care for the irga, then every year you will collect a rich harvest.

This tree bears fruit of a deep purple color with a burgundy mesh.

Varieties

Several dozen varieties of irgi are widespread. Unfortunately, not all seedlings take root in our climatic conditions. Experienced gardeners prefer to plant only picky and frost-resistant trees.

In our latitudes, you can find the following varieties of irgi:

• spicate;
• blood red;
• Canadian;
• alder-leaved;
• Lamarck.

Spike irga is not picky at all. She adapts to both heat and cold. The fruits of the spicata have a bland taste and are relatively small in size. Therefore, such trees are often planted for landscaping sidewalks or decorating a personal plot.

Irga blood-red differs from other varieties in the color of the bark. This tree has a bright red bark, which is why it is used for making crafts, most often baskets. The fruits of this variety of irgi are bland and are not eaten.

The Canadian Irga is considered an ornamental plant. Every year she brings tasty, juicy and large berries, which both adults and children love to feast on.

Irga Lamarca can reach a height of 4.5-5 m, but, despite this, it is classified as a shrub. The fruits of the Lamarca irgi are delicious and juicy.

Proper care is required for all varieties, but the Canadian Irga and Lamarca are considered especially whimsical.

Canadian

If you decide to grow Canadian Irga in your garden, then you need to know and follow the basic rules for planting and caring for this tree. Irga canadensis can grow as a tree or shrub. Sometimes shrub shoots reach a height of 10-12 meters.

Irga canadian reproduces in several ways:

• seeds;
• cuttings;
• branch of shoots.

Cuttings or shoots take root best in our conditions. Irga is not picky, so well-fertilized black soil and sandy soil cover are suitable for her. It is best to plant irgi cuttings in early spring or before winter.

Before planting, drainage and fertilizer must be laid out in the hole. You can use any universal fertilizer or special means for feeding fruit trees and shrubs.

Irga is a light-loving tree, but she does not like constant exposure to direct sunlight - it is better to plant it in a slightly darkened place.

Irga canadensis tolerates severe frosts very well, so a shrub or tree can be left uncovered for the winter. If you are still worried about young seedlings, then you can warm the root system a little. To do this, make a mound of earth.

Irga canadensis is best watered as the surface layer of the soil dries up. This tree does not like too wet, let alone swampy soil. With very frequent watering, the root system of the irgi can rot, and the plant can die.

If you are an experienced gardener, you can propagate Irga canadensis by seed. To do this, be sure to stratify the seeds, it is best to do this within 2.5-3 months at a temperature threshold of +1 to + 5 °.

Five years after planting, the young irga begins to bear fruit. The fruiting period falls in the second half of July and lasts until mid-August.

The berries resemble small apples in appearance and have a very sweet taste.

To maintain the shape of a tree or shrub, the crown must be cut.You can cut off unnecessary branches and shoots at any time - irga tolerates decorative haircut and pruning well.

But it is still better to carry out pruning either before flowering or after the fruit has ripened. In addition to delicious and juicy berries, Canadian irga is highly prized for its durable wood.

In some countries, furniture sets are made from it.

Lamarck

As already mentioned, Lamarck's irga is considered an ornamental shrub. During the flowering period, large white flowers on legs appear on the bushes, from which fruits are later formed.

Irga Lamarck reproduces in several ways:

• cuttings;
• jigging shoots;
• seeds.

If this is your first time planting irgu, then it is best to purchase two-year-old seedlings. You need to plant seedlings in early spring or late autumn. The root system of irgi is very strong and can go into the soil to a depth of 3 meters.

To plant this shrub, you need to dig a deep hole into which fertilizers should be laid. You can use a universal top dressing, saltpeter or potassium salt.

Irga Lamarca takes root in any soil, except for swampy and excessively wet.

The root system of the seedling is buried no deeper than 7 cm in the ground. If you want to get strong and healthy shoots, then it is best to cut the branches of the seedling immediately and leave about 5 buds. After you have planted Irga Lamarca, the hole needs to be well watered and a peat layer should be laid on top, or, as they say, mulching.

Irga Lamarca, unlike the Canadian variety, is very fond of light, so it is best to plant the seedling in an open area. Irga should be watered as the surface layer of the soil dries up.

Watering should be abundant, but not too frequent. Irgi shoots need to be cut off. If you want to create a beautiful bush crown, then prune young shoots constantly, leaving 3-4 main trunks.

Remember to prune broken or diseased shoots in time.

Irga Lamarca tolerates frost well, so she can not be covered for the winter. Also, the irga of this variety is considered very resistant to various diseases and pests.

Decorate your garden with irgo of any kind, and a beautiful flowering, and then very tasty fruits will not keep you waiting long. As you can see, these trees and shrubs will be a wonderful decoration for your garden plot.

And the fruits of the irgi are not only very tasty, but also very useful - they can truly be considered a storehouse of vitamins and microelements necessary for our body.

Irga is not at all fastidious: provide her with proper care, and luxurious crowns will delight you in the spring.

Ideal for mid-lane

Irga is a winter-hardy berry crop that can withstand the harsh weather conditions of the northern regions and perfectly take root in central Russia. Several types of irgi are grown in the culture, as well as a number of interesting varieties bred by breeders.

More than fifteen species of irgi grow in nature, but only four have found application in culture:

• Irga spikelet is grown as a hedge. The plant does not differ in great decorativeness, but it perfectly tolerates heat, cold, air pollution.
• Irga blood-red differs from other species in the bright color of the bark. Due to the great flexibility of the shoots, they are often used for weaving baskets.
• Irga canadensis is of the greatest value as a fruit plant - the berries are so sweet that you literally have to win the harvest from the birds. In addition, the Canadian Irga is extremely decorative. From curved grayish shoots with elongated light green leaves, the plant forms a beautiful wide crown. In autumn, the color of the leaves changes - the bushes create a spectacular bright red accent in the garden.
• Irga alder-leaved is also of interest as a fruit plant - the berries have a fairly dense skin under which juicy sweet pulp is hidden.Birds hardly peck at the crop, since it is quite difficult to get to the seeds. This type of irgi is very decorative and is characterized by increased resistance to adverse environmental factors.

The best varieties

All the varieties of irgi described above are of certain interest for gardeners, but they are not without drawbacks - the plants form abundant root shoots, and the weight of the berries is small. To improve the characteristics of plants, breeders have done painstaking work and bred a lot of interesting varieties.

Smokey is a popular commercial variety that gives a rich harvest of large berries (average diameter - 16 mm) with excellent flavor characteristics. The berries are collected in a cluster of moderate length. The height of the bushes is up to 2.4 m.

Northline is a large-fruited, high-yielding variety of alder-leaved irgi. Ripe berries are blue in color and have excellent taste characteristics (they have a harmonious taste). Each brush combines up to 12-13 dense, waxy berries. Ripening of berries is uniform. The height of the bush is about 1.6 m. The plant is distinguished by its early maturity.

Thyssen is a vigorous (up to 5 m in height), large-fruited variety. The taste characteristics of the berries are very good - the fruits are sweet, aromatic, juicy. Plants of this variety form little growth. The berries ripen unevenly.

Honeywood is a productive large-fruited variety with a late ripening period. The diameter of the blue-black berries is about 16 mm, the shape can be either round or slightly flattened.

There is a waxy coating on the fruits. Each cluster contains 9-15 berries, ripening evenly. The height of the bush is 2.5 m. The plant forms a small amount of growth.

It is resistant to diseases, pests, diseases.

Altaglou is an original vigorous, white-fruited, very decorative variety. The crown shape can be pyramidal or columnar. In summer, the leaves of the Altaglou irgi are green in color, and in the fall they turn purple, orange or yellow. Leaves do not fall for a long time.

Forestburg is a large-fruited, highly productive variety that gives a rich harvest of black-blue sweet berries (each cluster contains 7-11 fruits). Ripening period is late. The variety is highly resistant to drought.

Linnes is a low-growing, large-fruited, compact plant (the average height of the bush is 1.8 m). The fruits have a very sweet taste and a pleasant aroma.

Martin is an ornamental variety producing large sweet fruits. Positive features of plants of this variety: amicable ripening of berries and resistance to diseases.

Moscow region options

The conditions of central Russia are suitable for almost all varieties of irgi. The most popular varieties among gardeners are:

• Surprise
• Blumun
• Martin
• Mandan
• Forestburg
• Smokey
• Pembina

In the Moscow region, irga is affected by green apple aphids and rot, but the foci are usually small and it is not difficult to cope with the problem (it is often possible to do without treatments).

Ural and Siberia

Irgi varieties for Siberia and the Urals are diverse - almost all plants withstand low temperatures well (with a very strong decrease in temperature, only the tips of the shoots freeze under). From the northern regions, varieties are most often grown:

• Bluesun
• Slate
• Surprise
• Krasnoyarsk
• Pembina
• Smokey
• Blumun

Irga is a universal solution for your garden. The plant will provide you with a rich harvest of useful berries, and at the same time will play the role of a spectacular hedge. Of greatest interest are Canadian large-fruited varieties of irgi - they will take their rightful place in your garden.

On the garden plot

How often there is an irga in dachas ... Almost all varieties are suitable for the Moscow region, since the berry is picky. Everyone knows this bush of the Rosaceae family under different names, but the essence does not change. Children and birds love him alike.

Over time, the overgrown bush begins to take up a lot of space, which is not very good for a small area. But this disadvantage is compensated by a huge harvest of delicious blue berries.

But it is worth picking up scissors, and the tree obediently turns into a beautifully formed ball or cube; this way you can make a charming hedge that will delight you with the harvest. So, the topic of our conversation is Irga and its varieties. Let's get started!

Pros and cons

You need to figure this out if you decide whether you need an irga on your site. Varieties for the Moscow region - all as one - very tenacious and prolific. They will not dry out in the hottest summer and will not freeze out in the harsh winter, and from spring to autumn they will diligently occupy your site with young shoots.

Therefore, you need to remember to keep an eye on your garden. Moreover, watering and feeding are far from the first role, the most important thing is to restrain the growth of the irgi, form its crown and shape the bushes docked in a row.

But with the overgrowth it will be more difficult, it will still crawl out, no matter how much you destroy it.

However, many gardeners still want irga to grow in them. Varieties for the Moscow region are surprisingly durable and hardy plants that, despite nothing, will yield a crop.

In the spring

Approximately two weeks after the appearance of green leaves, it releases delicate silvery irga flowers. Varieties for the Moscow region are famous for their early harvests, and fragrant flowers feed many insects.

The plant we are considering does not differ in the variety of species, usually it is either a round-leaved or spiky irga, although there are much more of them. And each is more or less productive, and also differs in shape and size.

However, if you are replanting the area with fruit shrubs and trees, then you will surely be interested to learn more about these varieties.

Canadian

Since we are limited by the scope of the article, we will note only the best varieties of irgi for the Moscow region. First, I would like to consider the Canadian variety, which has high decorative properties. The bush has a natural rounded shape with drooping branches. The plant is especially beautiful during the flowering period.

By the way, irgu can be grown as a bush or as a tree, it all depends on your skills. In the first case, it turns into a luxurious bush up to 6 meters high. Keep in mind that the irga in the garden area should be available for harvesting, so it makes sense to form a shrub lower.

Thin drooping shoots are beautiful at the time of flowering: they are literally covered with white flowers. And then they become completely gray from berries.

Round-leaved

We continue to consider what an irga is. The types and care are not too different, but there are still certain traits characteristic of each variety. This variety grows up to three meters without pruning.

It grows almost throughout the entire territory of Russia, and bears excellent fruit in the Moscow region. Leaves are oval, serrated. Differs in good productivity, as well as amazing resistance.

It is even very difficult to remove it from the site on purpose.

Alder-leaved

This is a multi-stemmed shrub, its height is up to 4 meters. The leaves are rounded, yellow in autumn. The flowers are white, with a faint aroma. The fruits are purple, very sweet and quite large.

It can produce up to 10 kg of berries per season, which can be attributed to good results. The tree itself is unpretentious, resistant to various diseases. Another species, called the blood-red irga, is very similar to her. This is a shrub up to 3 meters high.

Its leaves and flowers are oblong, the berries are sweet, dark, very pleasant to the taste.

Large-fruited

The work of breeders does not stand still, and today such species and varieties of irgi as Alytaglou are demonstrated at exhibitions. Its peculiarity is the white fruit. Another good variety for the Moscow region is the large-fruited Forestburg and the very fragrant Pembina.

Other types of irgi are presented at the exhibitions, distinguished by record-breaking large berries: Moonlake, Nelson, Slate, Regan and others. We will not dwell on the features of caring for them in more detail, since the opportunity to purchase these plants is still very small.

Usually old, good, proven varieties are sold in stores.

Bush care

Have you decided to plant an irgu in your summer cottage? What good variety to choose, you can ask in the next issue of "Dachnik".

Most often, only the varieties listed above will be presented there. By the way, they can be borrowed from neighbors completely free of charge, because the sprouts of irga give a lot.

This is a completely unpretentious plant that will withstand even the most severe frosts.

However, she also has her own requirements for the conditions of detention. Irga will survive in any conditions, but it shows the maximum yield on fertile, loamy soil.

The plant likes well-lit areas, but will grow even in full shade. He is completely calm about drought. Planting irgi along fences can be a great design idea.

This will give it a special decorative effect, especially if you cut the bushes beautifully.

Landing

Irga can be planted both in spring and autumn. At the same time, choose seedlings that have reached the age of 1-2 years, because fruits from younger ones will have to wait long enough. The hole for one plant must be at least 80 cm in diameter.

After planting, do not forget to water the seedling abundantly. It remains to mulch the soil around - and you can leave the plant alone. It takes root almost immediately, it is for this quality that many gardeners fell in love with irga. Grooming and breeding is intuitively simple.

The only thing that is required for a good harvest is regular watering.

Bush formation

In order for the plant to look good and not obstruct too much usable area of ​​the site, but at the same time it was convenient for you to pick the berries, you need to regularly prune. First of all, you need to make the bush as strong as possible.

He will need care in the form of sawing out old trunks, removing long and weak branches, and cutting off damaged shoots. To emphasize the decorativeness of the planting, you can form the irgu as a multi-stem bush. To do this, you need to leave only strong shoots, and cut off the weak ones. In this case, you will need to follow a number of rules.

In the first three years of the plant's life, leave all strong shoots, then annually control their number, leaving a new one in the place of the remote. A fully formed bush consists of 10-15 branches of different ages. After that, care will consist of an autumn inspection, removal of broken branches and excess shoots.

If you see that the growth and fruiting of the bush is deteriorating, then once every 4 years you can perform a rejuvenating procedure, that is, cut off all 2-4-year-old shoots.

Reproduction

If you have enough time, you can try growing irgu from seeds. To do this, you need to collect ripe berries, select seeds from them and rinse them from the pulp. Immediately after washing (preferably in September), the seeds should be sown into the soil. They will sprout next year or a year later.

However, it is much easier to use vegetative methods. Most often, the plant is propagated by root shoots. What is needed for this? Dig out the growth and select seedlings 10-15 cm long, with well-developed roots.

An excellent result is shown by those, the thickness of the shoots of which is from 0.5 cm or more. They should be planted vertically. Such seedlings need constant care in the form of abundant watering.

Young irgi bushes can be propagated by division, but this method is not suitable for old plantings. You can also use the cuttings procedure. To do this, cut the annual shoots 12-15 cm long. After cutting, the material must be planted in a greenhouse.

If the air is humid enough, then roots will soon appear, and after a month it will be possible to plant young seedlings. However, it will give roots no more than 20% of the total number of cuttings.

Top dressing

For the harvest to please you every year, you need to feed your plant. To do this, you can use organic fertilizers (manure) in the fall and mineral fertilizers in the spring.

Like all fruit trees, irga is very responsive to feeding, since when growing a large number of berries, a large amount of nutrients is expended.

If the soil is very poor, then the bush will shed some of the fruits, and those that remain will be small, and there will be much less useful trace elements in them.

Pests and diseases

Irga rarely suffers from diseases, most often it is only slightly affected by leaf-eating insects, which do not cause much harm.

Birds do much more damage to the crop - they love to feast on berries. However, usually the irgi bush gives so many fruits that it will be enough for both you and your feathered friends.

If the bush is small, then you can tighten it with a net so that it is difficult for the birds to get to the berries.

If you notice spots that look like rust on the leaves of the irgi, then this is a clear sign of a fungal disease. With moniliniosis, brown rot forms on the fruit, and the crop will be ruined. Nectric necrosis of the bark leads to the drying out of shoots and branches, which can contribute to the death of the entire bush.

In addition, it is not uncommon to encounter the defeat of the irgi by the gray tinder fungus, which causes a white, fibrous, putrid plaque on the trunks of the old irgi. To protect your garden, it is necessary to promptly process the treatment with insecticides and antifungal drugs.

One procedure in early spring will help avoid all these problems, which means that you will calmly enjoy delicious and healthy berries.

Irga is an unpretentious ornamental plant that brings a harvest of healthy berries. She also has other advantages. However, in the garden plots of Russians, it is less common than one might expect. Often they try to grow exotic crops in the gardens, for which the Russian climate is completely unusual. Irga, on the other hand, tolerates severe winters remarkably. It is popular with breeders who develop new hybrids to improve performance, size and flavor.

Description of irgi

Irga is a small genus of plants that belongs to the Rosaceae family. Its rather close relatives are plum, pear and apple tree. You can't tell by the fruit, but during flowering the similarity is very noticeable.

According to various sources, there are from 20 to 25 varieties of irgi. In the northern hemisphere, it grows everywhere. In Russia, it is most common in the North Caucasus and Crimea.

Most species of Irgi are native to North America.

The culture successfully adapts even to an unfavorable environmental situation in large cities, therefore it is widely used for planting in parks, squares, when creating "green zones". The plant does not impose special requirements on the quality of the soil, without much damage to itself tolerates frost, including during winters with little snow, drought, heat.

In different countries, the plant is known by many nicknames. In Great Britain, irga is a "shadow", "healthy" or "June" berry. In the USA and Canada they use the name borrowed from the Aboriginal Indians - "Saskatoon". In the countries of the former USSR, it is called "wine" or "child" berry, as well as "cinnamon" (for the similarity of berries to small grapes). The very same word "irga", according to the most common version, comes from the Mongolian expression "very durable bush".

The average plant height is 3-5 m. But this parameter can be easily adjusted by competent pruning. But the irga is actively expanding in breadth. Its root system is superficial, but extremely developed, root shoots are formed very abundantly. Getting rid of irgi in the garden is quite difficult, even if you specifically set yourself up for such a goal.

An adult plant, if not specially shaped, looks like a dense shrub, consisting of numerous trunks. The shoots of the irgi are quite thin. Young branches are pubescent, the bark is reddish. Leaves are relatively small, 8-10 cm long. They are located on long petioles. The edge is cut with small teeth.Freshly blossoming leaves are cast brownish or olive, then the shade changes to silvery-gray. Irga is distinguished by its growth rate; during the season, the branches can lengthen by 50–70 cm.

Irga leaves are oval or almost round, sometimes with pointed tips

The productive life of a plant is at least half a century. With the help of competent care, it can be extended for another 10–20 years. The plant bears fruit annually, starting at 5-6 years of age. On average, you can count on 15 kg of berries from an adult bush.

Blooming irga looks very impressive. The plant is literally strewn with flowers with snow-white, cream or pastel pink petals, collected in small brushes. Flowering lasts about 1.5–2 weeks. The buds rarely suffer from recurrent spring frosts, withstanding temperatures as low as -7 ° C.

Irga blooms very abundantly, attracting pollinating insects to the site

The plant looks no less cute in the fall. Its bright green "fleecy" leaves on both sides are painted in various bright shades: lemon yellow, crimson, crimson, red-orange, blood-scarlet, purple. They do not fall off for a long time, they stay on the plant almost until the beginning of winter.

The crop of irgi is round-shaped berries with a diameter of about 0.8 cm. Depending on the variety, they can be flattened or elongated. Unripe fruits are colored bright pink, which gradually changes to purple, inky purple and almost black. Ripening does not occur simultaneously, therefore, fruits of all possible shades can be observed on the branch at the same time. The skin of ripe berries is covered with a bluish-gray bloom. The crop is harvested early, fruiting begins at the end of June and lasts for several weeks.

Irgi berries ripen gradually, within 2-3 weeks.

The "natural" varieties of irgi have a sweet but fresh taste, so not everyone likes it. Most of the varieties and hybrids bred by breeding are distinguished by excellent taste.

Application of berries

Irga is widely used in folk medicine. The pulp of berries contains vitamins C, K, P, PP in high concentration, as well as B vitamins, carotenoids, pectin, tannins. NSThis determines the benefits of berries for strengthening immunity, treating anemia and vitamin deficiency, with problems with digestion, diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Irgi juice is useful for any inflammatory processes, as well as skin diseases in the acute stage. It also helps with chronic stress, attacks of causeless anxiety, sleep disorders. But just squeezing it out of fresh berries will not work. They need to be allowed to lie down for several days in a dry place. To improve the taste, the prepared juice is mixed with apple or lemon juice.

Other parts of the plant are also used. Flowers are used to prepare teas that normalize blood pressure and help cope with arrhythmias. Infusion and gruel from the leaves accelerate the healing of burns, wounds, abscesses and ulcers, normalize the microflora of the stomach and intestines, especially with frequent disorders. Infusion of the bark is recommended for angina, stomatitis, gastritis in the stage of exacerbation.

Irga is used not only in medicine, but also in cooking. Jam, jams, compotes are made from berries, jelly, marshmallows, and other desserts are prepared. It is often used in combination with apples, red or black currants, citruses to add a piquant sourness to a sweet, but bland taste. Irga is also popular with amateur winemakers.

Various desserts are prepared from irgi

Features of growing irgi

1. Irgi berries are to the taste not only for people, but also for birds. It is to them that the plant owes much to the breadth of its habitat. The gardener should take this into account and prepare in advance for the attacks of birds. The only truly effective remedy is a strong fine-mesh mesh thrown over the bushes. Homemade or purchased "scarers" have an effect that lasts a maximum of 2-3 days.
2. When choosing a place for irgi, it should be borne in mind that berry juice is a very high-quality dye.Therefore, you should not plant it next to a car parking place, a wall of a building painted in a light color, a path of white stones. It is almost impossible to get rid of the stains that form where berries fall.
3. Irga is self-fertile, that is, for regular fruiting, one bush on the site is enough. Nevertheless, practice shows that the presence of 2-3 varieties or hybrids has a positive effect on the yield, taste and size of berries.
4. In European countries, the USA and Canada, irga is widely used in landscape design both in single plantings and in composition with other plants. The irgi hedge also looks very impressive.
5. Irga is often used as a rootstock for apple and pear trees. Then it is very convenient to form the stanza. And the irgu itself, especially the scarce highly decorative varieties, are often grafted onto mountain ash.

Irga looks spectacular both in single plantings and in combination with other plants

Types of irgi

Most of the irgi species are very similar. Often, only a professional botanist can distinguish them. In addition, plants easily interbreed with each other, forming interspecific hybrids.

Round-leaved

Irga round-leaved is also found under the names "Irga oval" and "Irga ordinary". This variety is widespread in Russia. Her homeland is the Crimea and the Caucasus, but with the help of birds carrying seeds, she even “reached” Western Siberia and successfully adapted there.

The plant reaches 2.5–3 m in height, bushy, with a wide spreading crown. Erect shoots, olive-gray bark. Egg-shaped leaves with a serrated edge. The average length of the leaves is 3.5–4 cm, width is about 2.5 cm. In autumn, they change color from dark green to scarlet or crimson, in the sun they shine golden.

Irga round-leaved is widespread in Russia

Flowers with a diameter of 1.2-1.5 cm are collected in corymbose inflorescences of 6-12 pieces. When they fully open, the narrow long snow-white petals are strongly bent back, the bush looks like "fluffy". Flowering occurs in the first decade of May, the beginning of fruiting - in mid-July (it often stretches until August). The first crop is harvested 5 years after planting in a permanent place. The productive period is about 40 years. The maximum possible yield is brought by a plant at the age of 10–20 years.

Fruit up to 0.8 cm in diameter (about the size of a pea) has an almost regular spherical or pear-shaped shape. The skin is purple-black with a bluish tinge. The pulp is raspberry, sweet, with a light honey-cinnamon aftertaste. The average weight of a berry is 0.3–0.4 g. Fruits are well stored without losing their beneficial qualities during freezing and heat treatment.

The fruits of the round-leaved irgi cannot boast of outstanding taste, but they are very useful and are stored for a long time.

The plant is cold-resistant, it does not need special preparation for winter, successfully surviving frosts down to -40 ° C. Also, round-leaved irga does not suffer from recurrent spring frosts. Undemanding to the quality of the soil, but prefers open, well-warmed by the sun areas. It multiplies easily, very actively forms basal shoots.

Irga round-leaved has good immunity, but if the summer is very damp and cold, gray rot may develop. Perhaps the gardener himself is to blame for this, too zealous with watering. To combat the disease, copper-containing preparations are used - fungicides.

Canadian

Irga canadian is the "parent" of most varieties and hybrids bred by breeding, the first variety of irgi, successfully domesticated by man in the 17th century. It is ubiquitous in northeastern North America. On other continents, it takes root with difficulty, with rare exceptions it can only be found in botanical gardens.

This is a shrub 5–6 m high or a tree that grows up to 8–10 m. In nature, there are also "champions" with a height of 15–18 m. Shoots are thin, flexible, drooping. They descend gradually, forming a wide crown, similar to a tent.The bark is reddish. The leaves are large, about 10 cm long. The underside is almost white due to the dense soft edge, similar to the pile. Up to 5 years, shoots grow quickly, then the rate gradually slows down.

Irga canadian - the basis for most experiments breeders

Flowering is short, lasts 1–1.5 weeks. The buds are collected in loose panicle inflorescences of 5-12 pieces. The petals are creamy or greenish. Flowering occurs in late April or early May.

The crop is harvested in the last decade of July. The berries are deep purple in color, they shine scarlet in the sun. The shape is rounded, slightly elongated. The pulp is juicy, sweet, bright pink in color. Low yield - 5–6 kg per mature tree.

The harvest of canadian irgi is harvested in the last decade of July

The plant is very reluctant to propagate by seed. But the cuttings take root in almost 100% of cases. Irga canadensis is distinguished by cold and drought resistance, it takes root even on saline and alkaline soils with a high lime content.

Irga canadensis is widely used in landscape design, in single plantings or for the formation of hedges. A flowering plant and bright autumn leaves, painted in all sorts of shades of orange, red, purple, look spectacular.

Spicate

The natural habitat of Spikelet Irga is the central part of the North American continent. It prefers to settle along the banks of rivers, successfully assimilates stony soils. It can be found on practically bare rocks and cliffs.

The plant is bushy, 4–5 m high. The crown is very thick and wide. Even without regular pruning, it acquires the correct oval shape. The bark on young shoots is brick-colored; this shade gradually changes to gray-brown.

In nature, Irga spikelet forms dense, almost impenetrable thickets

The leaves are medium-sized, 4–5 cm long. From a distance they appear whitish or silvery, since both sides of the leaf blade are densely pubescent. Short pedicels are also covered with the same soft "nap". In autumn, the bush resembles a fire, the leaves are painted in all sorts of tones of yellow and red-orange.

The flowers are very fragrant. The petals are white or pale pink. The buds are collected in dense brushes. Berries with a diameter of 0.9–1 cm ripen in the first decade of August. The almost black skin turns red in the sun. The pulp is sweetish, but the taste cannot be called outstanding. The first berries are removed 4 years after planting. The productive period is 30–35 years.

Irga spikelet is distinguished by its endurance and unpretentiousness even against the background of other varieties, it easily adapts to unfavorable environmental factors, and successfully reproduces in any way. It is also appreciated for its frost resistance down to -50 ° C and its growth rate.

The fruits of the spicata are almost bland in taste, but for some reason birds are very fond of them.

It is extremely rarely affected by diseases, but it can be attacked by leafworm caterpillars. The plant tolerates pruning without much damage to itself, the bush can be given any desired configuration.

The shrub is used as a rootstock and is planted in soils prone to erosion to strengthen them.

Irga Lamarca

Until recently, it was considered a natural mutation and a variety of canadian irgi, but modern botanists distinguish it as a separate species. It is the most decorative of the varieties of culture. Irgu Lamarck can be distinguished by its larger leaves and fruits, abundance of flowering. Homeland - North America, but by the 19th century, the culture was widespread in northern Europe. It was mainly grown not for the sake of fruiting, but for landscaping public and private gardens. Looks especially good next to conifers. In Russia, Irga Lamarck is still relatively rare.

Until recently, Irga Lamarck was considered a variety of Canadian Irga

The average height of a shrub with a wide spreading crown is up to 5 m. Its diameter almost coincides with the height. For a year, the length of the shoots increases by 20–25 cm. As they grow older, the lower part of the branches is gradually bare.

The leaves of the plant are 10–12 cm long, rather narrow (3–5 cm), with the edge cut out by the denticles. Freshly blossomed leaf plates are cast copper-red. They acquire the same shade in the fall.

Flowers 2–2.5 cm in diameter, with narrow snow-white or yellowish petals, are odorless. The buds are collected in dense "panicles". The fruits are very sweet, juicy, the skin is blue-violet. They are filmed in the first half of August. Ripe berries do not crumble, they can hang on branches until frost.

Average yield is 6–7 kg per adult plant. You will have to fight with birds for the berries. Robins, swifts, magpies are especially fond of Lamarck's irgu.

Irga Lamarca looks very impressive in autumn

Frost resistance of the culture is about -35 ° C. It successfully takes root and bears fruit on almost any soil (with the exception of marshy). Irga Lamarca tolerates drought well, is extremely rarely affected by diseases and pests. The root system is very developed, the roots penetrate into the soil to a depth of 2.5–3 m.

Other varieties

In addition to those described, there are other varieties of irgi, but they are very rare in gardens.

• irga low (pumila). A bushy light-loving plant 1–1.2 m high. Prefers a light nutritious substrate. It is found mainly in North America, most often at the edges of deciduous forests. A shrub with many shoots and a very dense crown. The leaves are small, 2–2.5 cm long. The diameter of a flower with snow-white petals is 0.8–1 cm. Edible fruits, black skin. Cuttings do not root very well;
• Irga smooth (laevis). A semi-shrub with a height of 3–3.5 m. Habitat - northwestern part of North America. Frost resistance is very high, up to -45 ° C. Irga smooth was domesticated at the end of the 19th century, but never became popular in Europe. Perhaps this is due to the difficulties with reproduction: seeds do not differ in germination, seedlings grow very slowly, cuttings root poorly. The crown is spreading, rounded. The buds open before the leaves appear. The flowers are pastel pink, collected in long (8–10 cm) loose flowing brushes. Young leaves are also pinkish or reddish brown. Flowering lasts 15–20 days, sometimes more. Fruits with a diameter of about 0.5 cm, the skin is reddish-purple. The largest berries are located at the base of the brush;
• Irga abundantly flowering (florida). Very similar to smooth irgu, but much more popular than it. In Russia, it is found mainly in the North-West region, common in Belarus. The average height of the tree is 4–6 m. The petals of the flowers are wider than those of the Irga smooth; during flowering, the tree seems to be covered with pinkish foam. It reproduces much easier. This applies to both the generative and vegetative modes;
• irga pleasant (amabilis). A bushy plant up to 2–2.5 m high. The crown is round, with a diameter of about 1.5 m. It differs from its “relatives” in that it tolerates shade well. Young seedlings grow rapidly. It blooms quite late, already at the beginning of summer. The harvest ripens en masse, in the second decade of August;
• Asian irga (asiatica). A powerful tree with a spreading crown, reaching 15 m in height. Found in Japan, Southeast Asia. It settles mainly on rocks. Does not bloom. Winter hardiness at the level of -20 ° C;
• irga blood-red (sanguinea). Shrub or semi-shrub 3–3.5 m high. The crown is spreading, its diameter almost coincides with the height. It blooms towards the end of May, the harvest ripens in mid-August. It does not breed very readily. Berries with dark scarlet skin are slightly flattened. Their taste is not very pleasant, there are many seeds in a very dense, as if "rubber" pulp. These fruits are not even eaten by birds. But they make delicious juice, especially if you mix it with currant, apple.

Photo gallery: rare species of irgi

Irgi varieties suitable for growing in different regions of Russia

The homeland of most varieties of irgi bred by breeding is Canada or the United States. But Russian specialists also have their own achievements.Since the climate in North America differs little from that which is typical for most of the territory of Russia, almost all varieties of foreign origin successfully take root and bear fruit in the Russian Federation.

Varieties for the Moscow Region and the European part of Russia

When choosing irga for cultivation in the European part of Russia, you can give preference to one of the time-tested varieties popular in the USA and Canada.

• Smoky. At home, in Canada, it is one of the most popular varieties among farmers who grow irgu on an industrial scale. The berries are large, more than 1.5 cm in diameter. The bush is low, but spreading, with many shoots. It grows up to 2.5 m, the crown diameter is about the same. This greatly facilitates the care of the plants. The berries are widely used in home winemaking. Fruiting is annual. The only drawback is sensitivity to drought. Flowering later;
• Martin. Thiessen variety. It is appreciated for its decorative effect and large fruit size. The harvest ripens en masse, the plant almost never suffers from diseases and is not attacked by pests. Fruits are spherical, 1.6–1.7 mm in diameter, with black-blue skin. They are collected in brushes of 16–20 pieces;
• Forestbourgh. Large-fruited variety, belongs to the category of late. Ripe berries have a black-purple skin, the fruits are very sweet. It is distinguished by its drought resistance, it tolerates heat well. Berries with a diameter of 1.2–1.6 cm are collected in bunches of 7–13 pieces;
• Success. One of the few varieties bred on the basis of blood-red irgi. The fruits are large, up to 1.5 cm in diameter and 0.8–1 g in weight, with a dark scarlet skin. The taste is very balanced, sweet and sour, reminiscent of cherry;
• Pembina. A hybrid widespread not only at home, but throughout the world, bred on the basis of Canadian irgi. The height of the bush is up to 3.5 m, the shape is almost a regular ball. The fruits are large, up to 2 cm in diameter, sweet and juicy. The variety belongs to the category of dessert;
• Pierson. Another Canadian variety. The bush is multi-stemmed, spreading, with abundant root shoots. The fruits are almost spherical, with a diameter of more than 1.5 cm. The taste is excellent. The harvest ripens in the first decade of August;
• Prince William. Like all varieties bred on the basis of Lamarck's irgi, it is highly decorative and abundant in flowering. The height of the shrub is 3–3.5 m. The berries are dark purple in color. But the yield is low - 5–6 kg per bush. In autumn, the leaves take on a very beautiful red-orange hue. They do not fall off for a long time, until the first frost;
• Mandam. The plant looks like alder-leaved irgu, but the fruits are larger and more juicy. The average weight of a berry is 0.9–1 g. The growth rate does not differ, the fruiting period is greatly extended. The crown is elongated, similar to a column;
• Sleith. One of the earliest varieties. "Parent" - Irga Canadian. The bush is up to 1.5 m high. The leaves are very beautiful lettuce color, in autumn they are painted in all shades of red. The buds are collected in loose brushes. Snow-white petals are narrow and long, strongly bent back. The plant is light and thermophilic, frost resistance up to -25 ° C. Birds are very fond of berries. Therefore, experienced gardeners recommend collecting them without waiting for full ripeness;
• Ballerina. It is planted mainly to decorate the site, although the fruits with black-red skin and an interesting almond flavor are juicy and sweet. Very high (up to 6 m) shrub. The shoots are thin, gradually drooping, hanging almost to the ground. Freshly blossomed leaves are cast bronze, in autumn they change color to crimson and purple. The flowering is very abundant. Snow-white flowers resemble stars, they are collected in loose racemose inflorescences. The variety is unpretentious, successfully adapts to unfavorable environmental conditions in large cities.

Photo gallery: irgi varieties suitable for growing in the European part of Russia

Varieties for the North-West region, the Urals and Siberia

The climate here is much more severe than in the European part of Russia, but the irga endures cold winters with little snow without much damage to itself. Even in these conditions, she does not need special shelter.At extremely low temperatures, the tips of the shoots may freeze, but the plant quickly recovers, this does not affect the yield in any way.

• Northline. The variety is bred on the basis of alder irriga. It is appreciated for its high yield and large fruit size. The height of the bush is about 1.5 m. The erect shoots gradually disappear. The bush consists of many trunks. The berries are collected in 12-15 pieces in dense clusters, from a distance they resemble small grapes. In shape, they can be both rounded and elongated. The harvest ripens in large quantities. The first fruits are tried 3-4 years after planting. Berries can be harvested mechanically;
• Thiessen. The tree is 4.5–6 m high. The variety belongs to the dessert category. The fruits are very juicy, fragrant, the pulp is sweet. Unlike other varieties, it does not actively form root shoots;
• Honeywood. One of the latest varieties, the harvest ripens at the end of August. The fruits are large, more than 1.5 cm in diameter. The skin is blue-violet, covered with a bluish waxy coating. The pulp with a light honey aroma, sugary-sweet, slightly tart. Berries, collected in a brush of 12-15 pieces, ripen in large quantities. The bush is low, up to 2.5 m, the root growth is not very active. The variety rarely suffers from diseases and pests. If it has enough moisture, the plant can do without fertilizing, bears fruit in almost any soil;
• Altaglow. A very showy plant with almost white berries. The tree is 6–8 m high, does not differ in its growth rate. The crown is elongated, in the form of a pyramid. The leaves stay on the tree until the first frost, in the fall this is a real riot of colors - they are painted in a variety of shades of yellow, orange, scarlet, purple;
• Krasnoyarsk. Achievement of Russian breeders. The height of the tree is 3-4 m. The variety turned out to be high-yielding (12-15 kg of berries from an adult plant), extremely frost-resistant (up to -50 ° C) and large-fruited (berry diameter up to 1.8 cm). The harvest ripens in the last decade of July. The berries are almost regular rounded, the taste is sweet with a slight refreshing sourness;
• Starlight Night. One of the novelties of the Russian selection, bred on the basis of alder irgi. The variety was entered into the State Register of the Russian Federation in 2016. Bush up to 3 m high, spreading. The fruits are easily identified by their very dark, almost black skin, dotted with small whitish dots. They appear when the crop is fully ripe. The average weight of a berry is about 2 g. Fruits are collected in a bunch of 10-15 pieces. Taste by professional tasters is rated at 4.7-4.8 points out of 5. The crop ripens massively or in two "waves".

Photo gallery: Irga grown in Siberia and the Urals

Gardeners reviews

Irga is not only an annual harvest of useful berries. The plant is widely used in landscape design. It looks impressive, while it does not require special care. Even a gardener who cannot boast of having a wealth of experience in the field of cultivating fruit trees and berry bushes is capable of growing irgi. The plant successfully adapts to almost any type of soil and bears fruit, almost not paying attention to the vagaries of the weather.

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