Irises: planting and care, varieties, cultivation

How to plant?

Planting irises does not pose any particular problems, but it is still worth following the universal requirements to ensure success. It is best to choose well-lit areas. But in the most difficult cases, you can also select areas with light shading. It is advised to plant marsh iris in dense soil, where a lot of organic matter is concentrated. The acidity of the earth should not exceed 7 units.

The culture will grow even in lowlands where water collects and stagnates. Special watering for iris growing near the reservoir is not required. But when planting in ordinary open ground, irrigation should be carried out regularly, since drying out an earthen coma is extremely dangerous.

During the first year of development, the iris may shift slightly to the side. That is why they prefer not an ordinary, but a fan-shaped seating scheme. Before planting, a mixture of potassium and phosphorus, supplemented with compost, is laid in the ground. It is imperative to take care of disease prevention by treating planting sites with fungicides and herbicides. It is strictly forbidden to use manure for irises.

Iris marsh

The description says that this plant is characterized by unpretentious care and high resistance to adverse climatic conditions.

The flower has several names: marsh, pseudo-aira (in Latin "Iris Pseudacorus") or yellow iris. The cultivation of this plant does not require complex care. This plant is found not only in gardens and parks, but also in the wild.

Iris marsh at the reservoir

Marsh iris usually grows on the banks of water bodies. It can also be found in river armholes. Mature plants grow to height from 60 cm to 2 m.

For your information! The seeds of this plant are distributed by water. They have an air cavity inside. And, getting to the surface of the reservoir, they swim for a long time before they can take root in a new place. Also, the seeds are carried by waterfowl.

The buds of the iris pseudo-aira are yellow corollas. A strong bend can be seen at the lower petals. Up to 15 flowers bloom on one bush.

The leaf plate is elongated and yellow to the touch.

Iris marsh

Iris marsh in landscape design

Iris Pseudacorus will bring any body of water to life. Such a plant can be used for design not only near a pond, but in compositions involving trees and shrubs.

This flower can be used to create a hedge. In flower beds, it goes well with various perennial plants. The plant also looks spectacular when planted in a separate group.

Swamp iris varieties

On the basis of this type in the second half of the 20th century. began to actively develop new varieties of yellow iris. Here are the most famous ones:

• black iris is named after the color of the flower. He is known for unpretentious care;
• the Dyble pagoda has a slight doubleness of the inflorescences;
• at Umkirkh, the flowers are pale yellow with a slight pink tint;
• Kurlen is a natural hybrid of two natural species. Its flowers are one and a half times larger than that of the wild-growing analogue;
• Holden Knough is characterized by an original color: a purple mesh is visible on the yellow petals. In this case, the top two are completely painted purple;
• Iris Mtskheta was created by Georgian breeders. The buds are slightly yellow. This variety has a weak winter hardiness.

For your information! These flowers grow well not only in the aquatic environment, but also on land.

Planting marsh iris

This flower grows well where there is a lot of sun.However, the presence of penumbra is also fine.

Such a plant does not have any special requirements for the composition of the soil. The best option is heavy soil, rich in organic debris. The limiting value of soil acidity for it is 7. The presence of a large amount of moisture is not an obstacle to flower growth.

When propagating, you can use the seed method or vegetative.

Seed box

In the first case, take its seeds and place them in moist soil. This can be done in the fall. There is no need to take any special steps during landing. Springs will appear in the spring. When using this method, the flower will begin to bloom no earlier than 3-4 years later.

To use a vegetative propagation method, you will need to cut off the shoot from the root and plant it in a new place. This can be done at any time during the spring-autumn period. However, maximum germination can be achieved if the plant is planted in this way in early spring.

When carrying out this procedure, the following rules must be observed:

• it is impossible to separate the root during the period when flowering occurs;
• the separated part of the root should have stems, leaves and buds.

Before planting in a new place, cut off everything except the 20-centimeter section of the stem.

Care

This plant requires virtually no maintenance. It is very tenacious and tolerates drought and high humidity without any losses. Water can spread its seeds everywhere.

Marsh iris seeds

It is only necessary to occasionally apply potash and phosphorus fertilizers.

The plant is susceptible to gladiolus thrips disease. In this case, the leaves are affected. Cases of attack by a sawfly caterpillar are known. In case of disease or insect pests, it is necessary to remove the spoiled parts of the iris and spray with specialized preparations.

Important! It is recommended to separate and plant these plants every 5-7 years.

Description

If you believe that irises arose from fragments of a rainbow, then in the Japanese city of Savara, its particles fell into the water. The most beautiful water garden of irises is located here. It is known that in Japan meadows with these flowers are sometimes flooded with water, but this is permissible only during the period of their active flowering. Despite this inspiring and picturesque example, you should not follow this tradition and try to recreate the water garden of irises in our climate. Usually, such experiments do not bring the desired results, but flowers can rot from excess moisture.

This makes Japanese iris a welcome guest in summer cottages, city flower beds and adjacent territories. Another distinctive feature of the plant is its large flowers with a diameter of 14 to 25 centimeters, which makes them noticeable against the background of other inhabitants of flower beds. Their structure includes 3 external lobes, a perianth and small internal lobes. The leaves of this perennial are even more impressive in size - from 25 to 60 cm.

Traditionally, these flowers grow on swampy meadows and edges of Asian countries, but the word "Japanese" is rooted in the name. The flower remained an exclusively oriental plant for a long time, but when it was taken to other countries, the breeders began to breed various forms. Thanks to the work of such specialists, today we can choose from the widest range of varieties of Japanese iris. They differ in flowering time, cold resistance, shapes and shades. In the Land of the Rising Sun, these flowers are preferred to be planted in lowlands, irises are very fond of moist soils, and in this position, the water can stagnate longer.

These beautiful exotic plants came to Russian soil more than a century ago. Botanist Eluard Regel wanted Japanese irises suitable for growing in temperate climates. As a result of trial and error, several varieties have been obtained that can take root in our rather harsh climatic conditions. His work was continued by the scientist Vasily Alferov, who received the groups popular today.

Note that in the homeland of these flowers, the Higo category is distinguished, which includes 3 thousand subspecies. They are grown in containers, so Higo is used as both garden and indoor crops. They can perfectly dilute house flowers familiar to the eye and add bright colors to a room greenhouse.

Planting irises

High varieties of bearded and beardless iris are planted at a distance of 70-80 cm, dwarf ones - closer, after 30-40 cm.

Dried planting material that has withstood long-term shipment or storage is useful to pre-treat with growth stimulants. Of these, the best in this case are "Zircon" and "Ecoel".

When planting bearded irises, an earthen mound is poured onto the bottom of the hole. A rhizome is placed on it, horizontally to the soil surface or at a slight angle, and the roots are straightened. The fan of leaves should be slightly raised and directed to the south for the bush to develop symmetrically. Cover with earth, leaving the upper part of the scapula on the surface, and watered. Bearded irises absolutely cannot stand the deepening of the rhizome, which provokes the development of rot.

Beardless irises are planted differently, with a depth of several centimeters, and mulched with peat or coniferous litter to retain moisture. On hot days, planting is shaded.

It is possible to plant irises until the end of September, but at a later date, the risk of plant loss in winter increases. In the case of late planting, bearded irises are covered with a 7-8-centimeter layer of sand with wood ash (1 glass of ash per bucket of sand) and spruce branches, beardless ones mulch with peat.

Transplanting plants with a clod of earth can be carried out at any time, from the beginning of the regrowth of leaves until autumn. However, it is desirable to time the movement, like division, to the period of active root growth in the last decade of July.

The vulnerability of bearded irises to bacterial and gray rot makes them use crop rotation when growing them. It is possible to return irises to their original place only after 3-4 years. If the plants are sick, it is useful to improve the soil by sowing siderates - winter rye, mustard, phacelia. With a lack of planting areas in place of the bearded iris, you can plant a Siberian one, which is resistant to these diseases and has a healing effect on the soil.

Growing features

Many growers, especially beginners, deliberately refuse to grow irises. They believe that this is an extremely complex procedure that requires a lot of time, effort and specialized knowledge. This is not true. In order for the plants to grow and develop well, to delight you with bright colors every year, follow a few simple rules:

How do you know if this is a real plant or flower that looks like an iris? Just look at the roots. In a real iris, they grow strongly in the horizontal direction, they can periodically become naked. In this regard, it is recommended to cover them with peat or an additional layer of soil before winter.

In the spring, peat or soil is carefully removed.
Another feature that Japanese, bearded, and Siberian irises have is the ability to move. During the season, representatives of the iris family move a few centimeters to the side

To make the rows smoother, it is recommended to fan out the leaf plates.
Bearded Iris Babeling Brook and other related varieties are always planted using sand. Sand is poured into a special hole with a slide, after which the roots are straightened. Do not deepen the plant too much - it will not bloom or die altogether.
It is categorically not recommended to use organic fertilizers for feeding. Better to replace them with liquid mineral fertilizer.

Care and feeding of iris

Caring for marsh iris in the garden from the moment of planting in open ground

Yellow iris is very unpretentious, no special care is required for it.

Features of water iris care

Plants placed in a reservoir or on its banks do not need to be watered, but those planted in a flower bed are often watered so that the soil under them is constantly wet. In the heat, this is done daily or even twice a day, spending 2-3 liters per bush. Usually, one moisturizing every 2-3 days is enough. There is no urgent need for additional nutrition either, however, at the end of flowering, it is advisable to feed the killer whales with any complex fertilizer with an equal amount of phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen (Kemira, etc.).

Water irises react very sharply to moisture deficit, they dry out and lose their decorative effect. Abundant watering will help to correct the situation. Weak bloom is usually associated with a lack of light. In this case, the plant will have to be transplanted to another more illuminated place.

When and how to collect seeds

The seeds are fully ripe by September, which is when they can be harvested. The ripening, but still green seed box is wrapped in gauze or a cloth bag in advance so that the seeds do not crumble when cracking.

The seeds of the iris marsh are rather large

Pruning and preparing for winter

At the end of the season, the foliage of the irises is cut off, leaving cuttings 5–9 cm long. For the winter, they are insulated with a layer of 10–12 cm from peat, compost, etc. The pots placed at the bottom of the reservoirs are lowered to a great depth.

Transfer

Over time, the iris bushes grow excessively, flowering becomes scarce, or even stops altogether. A plant growing in one place for more than 7-8 years needs to be rejuvenated and transplanted. This is usually done in early autumn or very early spring, as soon as the soil thaws.

Strongly overgrown clumps of irises need to be planted

The neighbors have a small pond on the site, a yellow iris bush is planted right at the water's edge. It grows completely independently, all care comes down only to cutting the foliage in October. Even in our harsh Siberian climate, the iris hibernates without any shelter.

Photos and names of iris varieties, conditions for growing and caring for flowers in the open field

Not all irises grow well in the gardens of central Russia. Most need a dry and hot summer, but our bulbs rot or shrink, the plants stop blooming and disappear after a few years. Therefore, planting irises on a site in open ground in this strip requires compliance with certain rules.

The most resistant yellow Iris Vinogradov (I. winogradowii) and its hybrids, for example, the widespread variety 'Katharine Hodgkin', reticulated iris (I. reticulatum) and its numerous varieties. Sometimes Mrs. Danford's sunny yellow iris (I. danfordiae) appears on sale. Unfortunately, he has not lived in the garden for more than three years. But look at the irises of this variety in the photo - they are really beautiful and worth taking care of:

Dutch, Spanish and English bulbous varieties - xyphyums - do not winter well, get wet. Planting these irises in open ground is not at all suitable for the gardens of Central Russia.

Intermediate (due to the presence of a bulb and developed fleshy roots) can be conventionally called another group of bulbous plants, which botanists have singled out as a separate genus. They are Juno. Look at the iris flowers of this varieties in the photo, they are very delicate, but at the same time resistant:

They behave like ephemeroids, that is, they hide the aerial part at the end of July. Juno are very attractive, but we have them too damp and cold.

Juno of Bukhara (I. bucharica) is considered one of the relatively stable ones. These irises are flowers that have enough sunny space and drainage to grow, then they grow well and bloom stably. They hibernate perfectly.

The variety of species and varieties of "traditional" rhizome irises (Iris) is great. In order not to get confused, you can use the table, which shows the garden classification of species and varieties of irises, in our climate, the growing conditions for which are most suitable.

Care and cultivation

Iris calamus is more commonly known as a wild plant, so it does not require special care.

Lighting. The flower needs diffused lighting. However, iris does not do well in direct sunlight. The ideal planting site is partial shade.

Watering. Yellow iris grows along water bodies and in wetlands, so it does not need watering. If the flower is grown in a backyard where the soil can dry out, additional watering will be required

This is especially important for young plants.

Planting and soil. Flowers are planted in well-moistened areas, along the banks of artificial reservoirs or in shallow water

When planting, the soil is not used, the rhizome is fixed at the bottom with pebbles or small stones. The creeping rhizome is horizontal. Small auxiliary roots are formed on it. Also, buds arise on the rhizome, from which leaves and peduncles grow. Planting is carried out in the spring before the beginning of the period of active growth and before flowering. In April-May, rhizomes are harvested. Under favorable conditions, newly planted plants begin to bloom in the year of planting, and by the next season they will take root and grow. Marsh iris requires a heavy, acidic soil rich in organic matter. Flowers can be planted in areas where a large amount of ground water or rainwater accumulates.

Top dressing. Yellow iris does not need additional fertilizing with minerals. However, feeding is carried out once a season. The introduction of mineral fertilizers promotes a lush and beautiful flowering of plants.

Preparing for winter. The bog plant needs additional protection for the winter cold season. Since the root system is horizontal, it can be completely exposed. To prevent the plant from freezing, it needs to provide additional shelter. To do this, a layer of peat and soil is applied to the rhizomes, which is carefully removed with the onset of spring. The soil is laid out around the stem.

Special properties of the plant

The calamus iris has many beneficial properties.

• It contains an essential oil that smells like violets. Iris oil contains more than 140 useful components: benzoic acid, esters, aldehydes, phenol, furfural, ketone.
• Rhizomes contain starch, fatty acids, oils, resins. The leaves are rich in ascorbic acid and amino acids.
• Rhizomes are used to treat diseases of the respiratory, digestive and urinary systems.
• The flavonoids included in its composition prevent the development of blood vessel diseases, the normalization of blood pressure and the work of the heart.
• The flower has antimicrobial, antispasmodic, tanning properties.
• In folk medicine, decoctions of rhizomes are used as an expectorant. They are treated for migraine, sore throat, bronchitis, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Bearded iris

Its appearance is similar to most other varieties of this plant. The flower got its name due to the presence of a small number of bristles in the upper part of the outer petals.

Bearded irises

This plant is a hybrid. On its basis, a large number of varieties have been bred, and the selection work is actively continuing to this day. This species is distinguished by a wide variety of colors, similar to the Dutch iris.

Note! Bushes can have different heights: dwarf varieties grow up to 5 cm, and tall ones - more than 0.7 m.Flowering occurs from mid-June to early July

There are many varieties in different sizes and colors.

The petals are divided into internal and external ones. The former are directed upward, while the latter fall beautifully downward. At the top of the outer petals is a small bristly beard. At the pistil, you can see three lobes and a nipple ridge. The stamens are hidden under the pistil and inner petals.

Varieties of bearded iris

In tall varieties, the height exceeds 70 cm. The size of the flower can reach 15-20 cm. Medium-sized varieties have a height of 41 to 70 cm. The most famous varieties of the species are:

• dining rooms have a branchy thin peduncle with 8 cm flowers. They are often used to make bouquets in vases, which influenced the origin of the name;
• curbs resemble tall ones in appearance, but have proportionally smaller buds. Can be of any color, including burgundy;
• Iris Kopatonic has orange flowers;
• Intermedia has a flower size of 10-12 cm. They are always characterized by abundant flowering, which begins in early June;
• Iris Si Si has purple or yellow flowers;
• Nordica is one of the varieties of white irises. They have white petals with a small orange beard.

Dwarf standard bearded species reach a height of 21-40 cm. The smallest varieties are miniature bearded dwarfs. Their height ranges from 5 to 20 cm.

Landing

This plant prefers neutral or slightly alkaline soil. It must be moisture permeable. Clayy and acidic soil will not work for bearded iris. If they need to be planted on heavy soil, it is recommended to add sand to it.

Note! Iris Delicia is in great need of abundant sunlight. If it is planted in the shade, then in such conditions it will not grow.

The best time to propagate and plant these plants is after flowering ends. During this period, active growth of roots occurs. They can be seen on the soil surface as light green small bumps. As they grow, they become brittle and break off easily. Until this happens, you can reproduce by dividing the roots. This can also be done later, during the fall, when the root system becomes fibrous and tough.

When planting, a hole is made in which the root of the plant should fit freely. A small mound is poured in the center of it. The plant is placed on it and the root is carefully spread around. Then the required amount of earth is poured.

When planting, you need to take care that the roots are located under the ground and do not stick out

This is important to ensure that they are warmed up by the sun's rays.

Bearded iris care

Planting and care in the open field for bearded iris is carried out as follows. Watering is generally not needed for this plant. The need for it can arise only during a severe drought. However, the bushes need to periodically weed and trim the weeds.

Important! It must be remembered that you need to loosen the soil next to this plant with great care. This is due to the fact that the root system is located close to the soil surface and can easily be damaged.

Gradually over the years, the outer part of the plant grows, while the inner one gradually grows old and dies off. For 3-4 years, a cluster of dead rhizomes forms in the center. To prevent this, the plant is divided and transplanted.

In August, it is necessary to cut off the leaves that have dried up.

Dwarf and medium-sized flowers do not need shelter for the winter. However, it is recommended to cover tall garden varieties with spruce branches, sawdust, peat or similar material.

It is not recommended to overfeed the plant with nitrogen fertilizers. It is customary to make top dressing after flowering. The plant is suitable for the introduction of ash.

Shelter for the winter

Fertilizers are also applied at the beginning of the growth period in the spring (20-30 g of ammonium sulfate and potassium chloride) and when buds begin to form (the same composition as in the previous version).