Bearded irises: planting and caring for the German iris, interesting varieties and tips. German iris: description, planting and care

Garden iris is a perennial that is loved by many gardeners in the world. The noble iris takes root safely in a new place and easily winters in severe frosts. Although hybrid varieties in harsh climates need extra care. So that you do not have any difficulties, we will share with you the rules for growing these unusual flowers.

Germanic iris (other names - iris, violet root) belongs to the Iris family and is distributed throughout the Mediterranean.

  • The plant has a strong creeping root with weak branching, and a powerful erect stem up to 100 cm in height.
  • Iris leaves are flat, xiphoid and pointed at the ends, their color is gray-green. The foliage is concentrated just below the peduncle and creates a beautiful green fan. If less than seven leaves grow on one plant, flowering does not occur.
  • Flowers are formed on a high peduncle, which is divided in two. Bisexual flowers are placed singly, no more than 9 pieces bloom on one flower shoot.
  • Each flower remains fresh for 4-5 days, and then is replaced by the next. The flowering period of irises is May-June.
  • The fruit of the Germanic bearded iris is a small triangular elongated box.

The natural appearance of the German iris was first described by German botanists in the 19th century. It has a characteristic dark purple color of the petals and bluish foliage. The flowers are large, bearded with a yellowish or light blue beard, placed on a branched flower shoot. But the popularity of this elegant and easy-to-grow plant has contributed to the development of many hybrid forms of various colors.

German iris is grown not only as an ornamental crop. Healing essential oils are obtained from its roots, which are used in expensive perfumes, as well as for flavoring alcoholic beverages and confectionery.

IN traditional medicine all parts of the Germanic iris are used as raw materials for the preparation of tinctures, rubbing and ointments for respiratory, skin, gynecological diseases. In addition, iris seed powder is considered an excellent hemostatic agent.

Germanic iris, beautiful varieties

In horticulture, irises are revered for their original appearance, easy cultivation and perfect compatibility with other crops. To date, there are a lot of varieties that amaze with their diversity. Consider the most unusual varieties.

  • Germanic Iris Black Dragon- the variety consists of three charming shades - pale purple, deep blue and inky charcoal. Such a win-win color combination harmoniously shimmers in the sun. The height of the shoots reaches 90 cm in height, the average diameter of the flowers is 11-15 cm. The flowers exude an intense and unique aroma.

The Black Dragon variety is the cherished dream of every gardener. The unusual coloring of its buds contrasts favorably with the green foliage. In addition, up to eight flowers with pretty corrugated petals can form on one peduncle.

  • Iris germanica Sultan Palace- a spectacular representative of the whole family. His flower is just amazing. Flashy blood pink petals form a prominent dome, and a yellow curly beard completes the unusual look.

The delicate aroma of Sultan's Palace and its graceful silhouette are admired by gardeners. Flowering of this variety falls in May and lasts at least two weeks. Rich dark red buds gradually bloom on a strong stem 55-60 cm high. The variety is excellent for creating flower beds.

  • Germanic iris Sia Double- a variety with large flowers up to 15 cm in diameter. The height of its chic peduncle reaches 100 cm in height. This is a hardy species with increased winter hardiness and high survival in partial shade.

Flowers at Sea Double deep of blue color with a blue and white beard. This iris brings romantic sea colors to the garden, and during its flowering attracts those around with its captivating aroma.

  • Iris germanica Windsor Rose- the flowers of this charming variety are somewhat reminiscent of lilacs. Their delicate flowers of lavender-scarlet tones are decorated with a cheerful beard in tangerine color.

Windsor Rose is one of the most high grades, its shoots often exceed 80 cm. And stately flowers of large size (12-16 cm in diameter) are located on powerful stems. The gray leaves are grouped in the root zone and resemble a fan-shaped rosette.

  • Germanic Iris Purple Striped White― possesses the refined form of a flower which external features repeats a charming orchid. The blooming buds of Purple Striped White stand out with a velvety soft purple overflow, which is complemented by white touches. This iris is quite tall and stretches up to 80-85 cm in height. Flower diameter - 5-8 cm. The variety is actively used to create men's compositions and colorful bouquets.

  • Iris Germanicus Orange Harvest- a multi-flowered fiery iris, which is remembered for its catchy color. On tall peduncles, which sometimes grow up to 120 cm, single orange flowers appear.

This variety is best planted in large groups so that the flowering seems to be continuous. Also, Orange Harvest can be combined with other bearded irises, but this variety does not like the neighborhood with other plants.

  • Iris germanica Apache Warrior― the most decorative grade with large flowers of golden color which are shaded by red-brown paints. The Apache Warrior variety is often referred to as the garden rainbow. 7-9 flowers are formed on a high peduncle beautiful shape, and at the base of the flower shoot there is a refined leafy rosette. The height of this iris is 100-150 cm.

Germanic iris, planting

Irises are considered moisture-loving and frost-resistant plants that do not create difficulties for gardeners. Therefore, they are grown all over the world, decorating any garden plots.

When to plant Germanic iris

Irises can be planted from the first days of spring to the end of autumn. But as experience shows, it is better to plant or transplant after flowering. Therefore, the optimal time for planting is from August to early October. Transplanted irises bloom next spring. Only enjoy truly elegant and large buds to get only a year later.

Requirements for the growth conditions of Germanic irises

If you are planting this crop for the first time on your site, you need to pick up right place. A site that is sufficiently illuminated in the first half of the day is suitable. In addition, it must be protected from strong gusts of wind and underlying groundwater. You can plant irises on slopes or small hills, because such places provide an unhindered outflow of water.

Germanic iris loves light soil and good drainage. Its hybrid forms are in great need of soil enriched with minerals and nutrient compounds. And if the land on the site is not fertile, this defect must be corrected.

It is necessary to prepare a bed for planting irises in the spring. Compost is introduced into the soil, as well as fertilizers with a potassium-phosphorus composition. It is important to remember that irises do not take root well in acidic soil. Therefore, if the acidity in the area is increased, it is better to add to the soil wood ash. Unsuitable location and loamy soils. They have to be diluted with a peat-sand mixture.

The root system of tender irises easily susceptible to infection by pathogens. For disinfection, before planting, the soil should be impregnated with a fungicide.

Important! When preparing the soil for German iris, do not fertilize it with manure. He will surely burn the roots of the flower and it will die.

Planting German iris in a flower bed

If planting irises is carried out in the spring, preferably the entire planting material withstand in a growth stimulator ("Kornevin", "Ecogel"). Before planting, long roots are shortened and rotted areas are trimmed with a sharp, disinfected knife.

To plant an iris, it is necessary to prepare a hole with a depth of 23-27 cm. A low sand mound should be poured in the center, and roots should be placed on top of it. They need to be carefully straightened, and then sprinkled with earth. At the same time, it is important to take into account that top part rhizomes should remain above the ground.

If the rhizome is completely buried, it will rot and there is a risk of losing the plant. The minimum distance between irises should be 50-55 cm. At the end, planted plants are watered abundantly. If the weather is hot at the time of planting, watering is carried out daily for 7-10 days.

Germanic iris, care in the garden

After planting, irises provide simple but regular care. They need to be watered, fed and protected from damage.

How to provide watering for Germanic irises

After rooting, irises develop rapidly, so you need to ensure constant watering. This culture is very fond of moist soil, and the lack of moisture is fatal for it.

On loamy and sandy soils, on which moisture does not linger, watering is carried out in the evening. This trick prevents the water from evaporating during the day, so the iris can greedily absorb it at night.

Important! When the growing season comes to an end, watering of irises is reduced.

Excessive humidity is undesirable for irises. In the second half of summer, as well as in October-November, excess water in the soil can cause rotting of young or weakened rhizomes.

After the next watering, you need to loosen the soil. This provides the irises with a good flow of oxygen to the roots. Its deficiency disrupts the development of culture: the flowers become smaller, the leaves fade, and the life span is sharply shortened.

Organization of top dressing of Germanic irises

Caring for a noble plant involves generous feeding. After watering and loosening to a depth of 8-10 cm in early spring make the first top dressing: 8-10 g of superphosphate and the same amount of potassium sulfate per 1 sq. m.

For the whole season, it is planned to carry out three top dressings:

  • The first is carried out when the irises are actively increasing their green mass. At this stage, the use of nitrogen fertilizers is considered acceptable.
  • The second feeding is carried out after 14-16 days. Now they use nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizers, taken in equal proportions.
  • The third time falls on the flowering period. Apply potassium-phosphorus compounds.

Advice! If the site has poor soil, the introduction of 10-12 g will help to correct the situation. ammonium nitrate. Such feeding should be carried out in August.

Caring for Germanic irises after flowering

As soon as the irises have faded, you need to remove dry flower stalks with garden shears. Then in August, the foliage is trimmed by about a third. Closer to cold weather, mulching is carried out with spruce branches. This allows the plant to overwinter without any damage.

Advice! If on the eve of autumn the roots of the iris are very bare, they need to be sprinkled with sand.

Transplantation of Germanic irises in autumn

The natural species of Germanic iris lives quietly in the old place for up to 7 years, hybrid forms - a couple of years less. After this time, an autumn transplant is carried out to maintain the grade of irises.

The bush is carefully dug up, the root is shaken off the ground. Then the root is examined, and if there are signs of decay, the infected areas are cut off. Then the roots are immersed in a solution of potassium permanganate for 12-15 minutes. Then the roots are dried, the cut points are rubbed with charcoal.

A healthy bush is divided before transplanting. Delenki are separated with a leaf bundle. Then the roots are cut by a quarter, the foliage is shortened to 12 cm, and young bushes are buried in the ground.

Advice! Irises are winter-hardy crops, so winter shelter is not required. It can even be harmful, since it serves as a haven for rodents and can cause the development of putrefactive flora. But in very frosty regions, you can cover the irises with a thin ball of spruce branches.

Diseases and pests of Germanic irises

A dangerous disease of irises is root rot. As soon as signs of damage appear, the plant is immediately dug up, the rotten areas are cut off. Then the rest of the rhizome is treated with a solution of "Hom" and completely dried in the open air.

Another disease of irises is heterosporosis. It is accompanied by the formation of brown spots on a leafy rosette. Damaged leaves are cut off, and then burned to prevent infection of other crops. At the end, the diseased iris is abundantly sprayed with copper sulphate (concentration: 100 g per bucket of water).

German irises are resistant to pests. Only occasionally thrips can settle on them. For the purpose of prevention, plants can be sprayed with a fungicide.

During the rainy season, the irises are attacked by slugs. Superphosphate, which must be scattered around the plant, will help scare away pests.

German iris breeding methods

Propagation of Germanic irises is an easy task that takes place directly in the open field. Two methods are used: growing from seeds and dividing the roots.

Reproduction by the seed method is acceptable only for the wild species of Germanic iris. Hybrid forms grown in this way completely lose their varietal characteristics.

Seeds sown in autumn open ground, undergo natural stratification and in the spring give strong and friendly shoots. If planting falls in the spring, the seeds are stratified at home. They are soaked, combined with disinfected coarse sand. This mixture is kept in the refrigerator for 1-1.5 months, then sown in a fertile soil composition.

A more acceptable method of propagation of irises is the division of the bush. Before starting work, the plant is watered, carefully dug up and slowly pulled out of the ground. The extracted root is washed, dried and divided into parts. An important condition is the presence of an annual link on each part.

Planting material must be disinfected with a solution of potassium permanganate, thoroughly dried. At this stage, the foliage and roots are cut. Prepared seedlings can be stored for about 15 days in a dry room.

German iris in landscape design

A perfect choice would be planting irises in colorful rockeries, especially in combination with conifers and junipers. Romantic cornflowers and dwarf carnations can be planted in the foreground. And in large mixborders, iris companions should choose campanula, chamomile, medium-sized lilies, which can share the hottest days with irises.

German irises look especially elegant in iridaria - iris gardens, where they are planted in curtains, often asymmetrically. Between plantings for decoration, paths of white gravel are built in combination with transparent pebbles of aquamarine color.

There is no place for other plants in the iridaria. Cereals are an exception, but their number is strictly limited - no more than 3 bushes. A special place in the iris garden is occupied by decorative elements - earthenware jugs, ceramic figurines, old curly driftwood, wooden bridges.

German iris, photo

It seems that in the simply unbearable summer heat, all the plants in the flower garden are simply exhausted by such weather, and there can certainly be no question of any transplant. But, nevertheless, there is one plant that simply craves a July transplant, and these are bearded irises, the planting and care of which fall like in the middle of summer. Such an extreme culture ....

Bearded irises, planting and care

It is worth immediately clarifying that it is worth planting this culture exclusively with rhizomes, since the seed method does not allow preserving the varietal properties of plants. However, when choosing bulbs, it is worth paying quite important attention to this occupation. So, the "seedling" must meet the following requirements:

Have at least one formed link, "trimmed" to 15 centimeters in height;

To have an elastic and dense rhizome, on which any signs of decay or softening would be completely absent;

The color of the bulb must necessarily be light and uniform, and on it the rudiments of future roots must certainly be seen, which are shown in the form of ordinary tubercles.

If you do not prepare planting material yourself, but are already purchasing a finished product, be sure to pay attention to the deciduous part of the plant, which should be dense and green, but by no means pale. A slight yellowing of the leaves is acceptable, which is usually associated with drying the bushes for delenka.

Purchased or prepared bulbs can be planted a little later, because varieties of bearded irises are not afraid, and even have a positive attitude towards drying. At the same time, it is impossible to store rhizomes in any way humid environment or in cellophane, since in this case all conditions are created for their damage. In general, the bearded "representatives" of irises are very unpretentious and do not require any special conditions in cultivation. But, nevertheless, there are several factors, the observance of which will definitely help you achieve success in the form of lush and healthy bushes.

In general, attention should be paid to the following points:

Place for landing. It must be well lit, and only in the afternoon a light penumbra is acceptable there. It is also worth excluding areas where gusty winds are possible, which will not cost anything to break fragile flowers.

Soil composition. In principle, if possible, it is best to give preference to slightly acidic or alkaline soils, avoiding heavy wet soils in every possible way. In addition, you can safely plant seedlings of bearded irises on slightly rocky lands, which is a feature of the species. In cases where waterlogging of the site is not excluded, it is necessary to take care of drainage in advance, which in the end will help to get such an ideal for irises - light, loose and weed-free soil without excess organic matter.

- Measures for proper landing. The main thing here is to follow one rule, namely, never deepen the rhizome, otherwise it will take quite a lot of strength to “get” out. It would be correct to make a small mound, on the top of which the bulb is planted, the roots of which are neatly straightened down the slopes of the so-called mound. After that, the rhizome is lightly sprinkled with a 1 - 2-centimeter layer of soil.

In general, experienced gardeners assure that the most successful planting option can be considered when the deciduous part of the plant “looks” to the north, and the rhizome to the south - this is the key to a fairly quick warming up of the latter, as a result of which disease prevention is carried out and active germination of axillary buds occurs. .

We select the optimal landing scheme

It should be noted right away that irises are not those cultures to which the expression "in cramped, but not offended" could be applied. That is why, having rather small garden plots, you should limit yourself to a small number of bushes, providing existing crops with sufficient space necessary for normal formation and growth. Excessive crowding of plants leads to the development of diseases, confusion of varieties and the weakening of their flowering.

It is best to plant irises at a distance of 50 centimeters from each other, allowing a decrease in this indicator for dwarf varieties. Further proper care help plants grow well. Well, if for now the free space between the irises is excessively “cutting” your eye, you can fill it with non-self-seeding small-bulb representatives.

Secrets of caring for bearded irises

Every flower grower who has taken up the cultivation of irises should know that manure should never be applied under these flowers, since it contributes to the rapid development of diseases and an increase in the number of leaves, which brings almost irreparable damage to flowering. In addition, you will also have to follow a number of other important recommendations:

Carry out regular weeding, as weeds are very crowding out plants, and also create the best conditions for the development of diseases;

Often loosen the soil, thus contributing to the removal of excess moisture, which the iris does not like so much;

Apply mineral fertilizers, which are simply vital for flowering. To do this, you can use substances containing phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen;

In the spring, feed iris bushes with wood ash at the rate of one matchbox per plant, which will help supply the crop with potassium, greatly reduce the risk of disease and reduce soil acidity.

Varieties of bearded irises

Of course, for more than a hundred years of breeding, quite a few varieties of bearded irises have been bred and they are divided into the following groups:

Miniature dwarfs that grow about 20 centimeters in height and are distinguished by large flowers. They bloom first.

Standard dwarfs tending to the mark of 35 centimeters, the flowering of which is replacing miniature crops. Such cultures grow rapidly and are very unpretentious. The most prominent representative is the iris Avenel.

Medium-sized irises delight tall plants up to 70 centimeters in height. This group consists of several classes, each of which can "boast" of the presence of certain features that distinguish it from other representatives. The most popular medium-sized iris is Red Singer.

High representatives, also often called Germanic iris, planting and care also require similar species and are perhaps the most popular. All varieties of this group, whether it is Germanic pink iris or some other variant, can grow in the open field, which, of course, is quite a big advantage. At the same time, the height of such crops can often jump over the mark of 1 meter, making them simply a unique decoration of the garden. Among the brightest representatives This variety group: Germanic pink iris, Nerman purple iris, Germanic white iris, Batik, Visual Arts, Sambuca, Caroline Gold, Respectable, Ambassador, Black Dragon, Skyfire, Bebeling Brook, Pati Dress, Amsterdam, Edith Walford, George Spect and Pink Taffet.

Iris Germanic planting and care made quite simple, which is applicable, among other things, for all bearded varieties. All representatives are quite beautiful cut plants, and even in a bouquet they can easily maintain a “marketable” appearance for about two weeks. But, you need to remember that it is necessary to cut the culture in buds, and only then you can enjoy a beautiful multi-colored vase for a long time, which can embellish any interior.

Along with this article, they usually read:


Do you dream of finding flowers that would not differ in excessive capriciousness and demanding care? Choose Siberian iris and you can be sure that the choice was made correctly! The main thing is to be able to apply a few little tricks!

iris germanica

Parts used - rhizomes

The popular name is violet root, Germanic iris.

Botanical description

Germanic iris is a perennial herbaceous plant with a short, thick, fleshy creeping rhizome, with starchy flesh. From below, it gradually dies off, leaving behind young tubers that form leaves and flowering stems. Stem annual, rounded, upright, 70-100cm in height. flat, bluish-green, basal, two-row, vaginal, xiphoid in shape, entire, pointed at the end. The flowers are located at the ends of the shoots, large single, dark purple, yellow at the base, with brown-violet veins. The plant blooms in May - June. The fruit is an oblong trihedral multi-seeded capsule.

Iris refers to winter-hardy plants. About 40,000 forms and varieties are known garden irises, more and more new varieties are added to them. Grow in the wild in the Far East, Japan, Western Europe.

Collection and preparation

For the preparation of medicines, iris rhizomes are harvested in autumn or early spring. Rhizomes are dried in the open air, under a canopy, whole or cut lengthwise and spread in a thin layer. The shelf life of finished raw materials is 3 years.

Active ingredients

Use in homeopathy

In homeopathy, it is used for migraine, sciatica and gastric diseases with colic.

Healing action and application

The plant is not used in official medicine, but in folk medicine it has found application in the treatment of diseases such as bronchitis, cough, headache, migraine with bilious vomiting and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

In Indian folk medicine, the rhizome is used for diseases of the gallbladder.

The essential oil is used in perfumery for the production of perfumes and colognes of the highest quality, and the ground dry rhizome is used to produce toilet powder and tooth powder. In the textile industry, the rhizome is used for finishing canvas and silk.

Rhizome flour is used in confectionery, for sweet pastry and sugar products. In small doses, iris is part of the spices for fish. They are flavored alcoholic drinks. In Armenia, jam is made from flowers, in Russia, kvass and honey drinks are flavored with iris.

Recipes

  1. Infusion of rhizomes (internal). Pour 400 ml of boiling water over 1 hour spoonful of crushed raw materials, and let it brew for 2 hours. Strain and take 0.5 cup 4 times a day before meals.
  2. Infusion of rhizomes (external). Pour 1 teaspoon of crushed raw materials with 1 glass of cold boiled water and let it brew for 8 hours. Strain and use for rinsing, washing and lotions.
  3. Root powder. Grind dry rhizomes in a porcelain mortar and use for powder for neurodermatitis.
  4. Boil the crushed iris roots in milk and apply to purulent wounds, boils on the neck and in other places.

The word "iris" is translated from Greek as "rainbow". This is the name received perennial beautiful flowering plants for the variety of colors. In the people they are affectionately called "roosters" or "irises" because they resemble a scythe. And also because of the shape of the flowers, which look like a rooster's beard and comb.

In addition to their beautiful appearance, irises have medicinal properties. Today there are about three hundred varieties of these magnificent flowers. But the most popular among gardeners are Germanic irises. They are widespread in our country. The type species of the genus is Germanic iris. The varieties grown today in summer cottages can be called hybrids (Iris hybrida hort). Today there are about 35 thousand of them.

german iris

This variety is extremely rare in nature. It was first described in the 19th century in Germany. Later, 3.T. Artyushenko on the territory of Ukraine: in the Transcarpathian region, in the vicinity of the city of Vinogradovo. Germanic violet iris has broadly xiphoid bluish leaves. Their length reaches 50 centimeters, width - 30 mm. The peduncle of the culture is branched. May be as long as the leaves or longer. The flowers are large, painted in bluish-lilac or purple. They have a pleasant strong aroma, light blue or yellowish beard. The box is slightly elongated, oval in shape. Seeds are small, wrinkled.

Bearded irises: description

A large group of varieties and species of bearded irises belongs to a separate complex and interesting group. Their rhizome has well-marked annual thickenings - links. They can be quite thick and completely naked. Germanic bearded irises are distinguished by large, brightly colored flowers. They have numerous hairs on the perianths of the beard.

German iris: varieties

These are moisture-loving, frost-resistant flowers that do not require complex care. They are very popular with gardeners around the world. Refined and elegant irises can decorate any area. They look great in flower beds and natural landscapes, grow quite quickly. The benefits of irises are as follows:

  • Affordable price bulbs.
  • Simple agricultural technique.
  • Original appearance.
  • Compatibility with other garden plants.

Sultan's Palace

This Germanic iris is considered one of the most spectacular in its family. The delightful flower has bloody-scarlet upper petals, collected in an elegant dome, and dark red, with a burgundy, almost black, edging around the edge. The beard has a rich yellow tint.

The graceful shape of Sultan's Palace iris, as well as its exquisite delicate aroma, delight gardeners. This species blooms in May for two to three weeks. Magnificent dark red buds bloom on a powerful stem. Its height reaches 60 cm. This species is often used to decorate flower beds.

English Cottage

And on next photo you can see another germanic iris. It is created with German pedantry in style English classics. The impeccable set of lines of this perfection has formed a truly luxurious bud. Dazzling snow-white large flowers cover lavender veins at the base of the petal with bright yellow tongues of dense villi (in the center). The diameter of this miracle when fully opened reaches fifteen centimeters. The stems are flexible and strong. They can grow up to one meter in length. The leaves are light green, collected in a fan-shaped bunch. Flowering begins in May. It is during this period that the entire garden is filled with a delicious aroma.

Another important advantage of this plant is that the Germanic iris English Cottage belongs to remontant plants. Its magnificent flowering can also be enjoyed at the end of the summer season.

Crinoline

And this is probably the highest German iris. An unusually beautiful herbaceous perennial can grow in your garden up to 120 cm. Its leaves are xiphoid, covered with a slight wax coating. They are collected in fan-shaped bundles. It is noteworthy that the flowers remain decorative throughout the summer. They appear on a branched strong stem. The buds are dark burgundy with a white speck on the lower petals. The bright yellow beard is covered with dense hairs. This Germanic iris is very stable in cutting. He needs minimal care (we will talk about this a little later). The plant prefers well-lit areas, protected from wind and moisture stagnation.

German iris: planting and care

If you want to breed this crop, you first need to choose a place to plant. This should be an area that is well lit in the morning. A slope or hill is most suitable, allowing melt water to drain unhindered. Germanic iris, which is easy to plant, loves good drainage. In addition, all varieties of this crop need nutrient-rich soil. Therefore, if it does not meet such requirements on the site, it must be fertilized.

Before planting (in spring), add compost or rich garden soil to the soil, feed it with potassium-phosphorus fertilizers. If the acidity of the soil is increased, it is necessary to add wood ash to it or Loamy soils require dilution with peat and sand, and sandy soils with clay. To disinfect the soil before planting, treat it with a fungicide and herbicides. And one more important detail: when planting Germanic iris, do not fertilize the land with manure.

We process planting material

In spring, planting material needs to be treated with growth stimulants (Zircon, Ecogel). In addition, it is necessary to shorten roots that are too long, using a sharp garden knife for this. The same applies to rotten areas. Roots should be disinfected. To do this, it is enough to hold them for about twenty minutes in a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

Landing in the ground

To plant German iris in open ground, you need to make a small hole. In the center, you need to pour a mound of sand, on which the rhizomes are carefully laid out in a horizontal position. After that, they must be straightened and covered with soil so that the upper sections remain above the ground. Now the plant needs to be well watered. If you bury the rhizome completely, it may rot. The distance between plants should be at least fifty centimeters.

Iris Care

Many summer residents and experienced flower growers breed German iris on their plots. Planting and caring for it is quite simple. Therefore, keeping simple rules, even a beginner can cope with this work. The main feature of this culture is the love of warmth and light. If you have prepared the site well for planting, then the irises will have enough nutrients embedded in the soil. If the soil is depleted, at the growth stage, you can feed the plant with phosphorus-potassium compounds, which are applied under the root. During flowering, this is not recommended.

Irises are in dire need of abundant irrigation, especially during the budding period. At this time, they are recommended to be watered as soon as the soil at the roots dries. Weeding is also very important for these plants. Their root system is close to the surface. Therefore, in order not to injure it, weeds should be removed manually. In addition, two or three times per season it is necessary to loosen the soil.

After the bud blooms, it is necessary to cut off the flower stalks (if you are not going to plant the plant). Cut the yellowed leaves, making them semicircular. When the foliage dries completely, remove it. In late autumn (before frost), sprinkle the bare roots with soil and mulch the area with sand or peat for about ten centimeters. In very cold winters, the plant is covered with spruce branches or dry leaves.

Irises - perennial herbaceous plants with over 250 varieties. Under natural growing conditions, irises can be found in Asia, North America, Africa, and Europe. Bulbous and rhizomatous plants delight the eye with a palette of colors. Create beautiful composition of irises, planting and caring for which is not difficult, you can combine purple irises with blue, lilac with pink, yellow with light green and white.

Botanical description of irises: an excursion into history

Iris- an ornamental, perennial plant belonging to the Kasatikovye family. It is believed that the first flowers came to us from Asia. Under natural growing conditions, irises can be found in North America, in Europe.

These are the most beautiful and common flowers. They decorate city parks, flower beds of suburban areas.

The plant has a long erect stem, basal elongated leaves, huge flowers of different colors. except decorative properties, irises are also medicinal. They are used to treat many diseases.

Iris got its name in honor of the ancient Greek goddess of the rainbow - Irida. And the name was given to him by Hippocrates. If you believe one legend, then in those days when Prometheus distributed fire, a rainbow spilled in the sky. One could admire such a beautiful event all day, and the next morning, when the rainbow disappeared, flowers appeared that completely repeated the rainbow: they shone with all its colors.

In ancient times, iris was considered a powerful aphrodisiac. Men and women, eating the powder, believed that it causes a strong attraction. The aroma of the flower was so strong and pleasant that it had an exciting effect on people, setting them up for a love pastime.

Variety of species

The diversity of the natural world of irises botanists divided into 2 types: rhizomatous and bulbous. Rhizomes, in turn, are divided into bearded and non-bearded or beardless. Each species has its own characteristics and growing conditions. Let's consider each type in more detail.

Bearded irises - the kings of the garden

A large group of charming irises includes tall, standard, short and dwarf plants.

Distinctive features of bearded irises:

  1. Coloring. You can find flowers ranging from snow-white to dark coal. Breeders did not bring out only one variety of irises - there is no pure scarlet color.
  2. Texture. The petals have both a translucent structure and a dense one. You can find petals with a wax texture.
  3. The form. Thanks to breeding work you can buy flowers of a classical form, and if you want something original and unique, then there is an opportunity to have a variety with beautiful, foamy lace of openwork petals on your site. Such flowers look like a soaring bird.
  4. Size. Among the wide range, represented by undersized and tall varieties, you can choose the one that will be appropriate in landscape design and which will attract appearance.

Beautiful varieties of bearded irises - worthy decoration of the garden

A wave of new varieties of bearded irises simply swept the country in the early 90s. Mass distribution played a cruel joke, turning against the flowers themselves. It was assumed that newest varieties inferior to the old ones in quality. However, this is an exaggerated opinion, so do not give up beautiful varieties irises for the sake of someone's opinion.

Among the huge variety you can find not only bearded irises, there are Dutch and reticulated irises that bloom in early spring from a planted bulb.

Dutch irises (xifiums)

Elegant tall plants reaching a height of up to 50 cm. These are hybrid varieties bred by Dutch breeders. Planting material is represented by bulbs covered with scales in several layers. The color of the flowers can be snow-white, blue, yellow, blue, orange.

Representatives of the Dutch selection. Can be grown from bulbs. They bloom very early and delight with flowering for more than a month.

You can find purple irises. Flowering begins in mid-May and continues until early June. By the end of August, the foliage dries completely. Dutch irises resistant to frost, but in order to avoid freezing, the bushes need to be covered. Prefer sunny areas fertile soil and neutral acidity. They look beautiful in the cut, can be grown in flower beds, flower beds.

Reticulated irises (iridodictiums)

This group belongs to dwarf plants not exceeding 10-15 cm in height. Such undersized varieties are used to decorate borders, in discounts, they look beautiful in flower beds.

However, the low foliage is just before flowering. When the specimens fade, the foliage reaches a height of up to 50 cm. They bloom very early. Due to such an early flowering, the people also call them snowdrops.

Varieties and varieties of irises

There is also a group of non-bearded irises, which includes all the remaining varieties of irises:

  • Japanese and Siberian
  • Louisianan and spuria
  • Californian
  • marsh

All of them are beautiful and deserve attention. Bearded refers to the Germanic iris.

German

Germanic iris is considered the most beautiful variety of tall bearded iris. Among the beautiful varieties can be called a few.

For example, the Acoma variety is famous for its sky blue flowers. A lavender border runs along the edge of each petal. Among Americans, the Acoma variety is considered the most popular.

Baltic Sea- a powerful plant with strong corrugated flowers. The petals are painted blue, the blue "beard" is clearly visible.

Bewilderbest- an amazing variety with cream, corrugated, burgundy-reddish flowers. Each petal has white and yellow blotches and strokes.

Germanic iris Ettension pliz- perennial variety beautiful flowers, reaching a diameter of 13-16 cm. The plant reaches a height of 70 cm.

The beauty of the pink bearded iris can be compared to a superb orchid. Pink inflorescences rise on a peduncle, reaching a height of 15 cm. It is characterized by early flowering. Prefers fertile, well-drained soil.

Blue Magic. simple, large flowers located on tall peduncles, up to 30 cm high. blue flowers decorative variety look great cut. If you plant a plant in the spring, flowering will occur in the last decade of June or early July.

Siberian

An extensive group that has collected irises with a natural color ranging from blue to dark purple. In the course of breeding work, more than 1000 varieties of Siberian iris have been bred, differing in color.

Snow Queen- a variety with dazzling snow-white flowers.

Iris sibirica ‘Snow Queen

Battz & Suga- flowers are dyed yellow, a white border runs along the edge.

Battz & Suga

Imperial Opal- tall variety lavender flowers reaching 10 cm in diameter.

When purchasing Siberian irises, it is important to know one feature of this variety: the flowers are devoid of aroma!

Japanese

Other names have also been assigned to this variety - xiphoid iris and Kempfler's iris. C branches of representatives of the group look like orchids, they reach 25 cm in diameter, as well as Siberian irises, they are devoid of aroma.

Thanks to the selection work of Japanese specialists, a garden form of Japanese iris was bred, which was given the name Hana-Shobu. However, this species has poor resistance to low temperatures, so it is not recommended for cultivation in our conditions.

Nessa No Mai. The variety is characterized by good growth, resistance to climatic conditions. The petals of the flowers are painted purple, white blotches are clearly visible. The flowers are very huge - up to 25 cm in diameter.

Vasily Alferov. An amateur variety. The fact is that the flowers are simple, not terry, but they are painted in ink color.

Vasily Alferov

Solveig. Delicate flowers irises have a light lilac color.

Solveig

Angel Mountain. exotic plant with white and purple flowers.

Iris spuria

A very elegant flower. By appearance has some resemblance to xifium, only the flowers are much larger.

The 2 most important features are: drought tolerant variety low temperatures, that is, it winters well in regions with severe frosts.

lemon touch. plant height at good conditions the content can reach 1 m. The flowers are yellow-lemon, the petals are strongly corrugated along the edge, a golden stripe also runs along the edge.

Stella Irene. Zev is painted in golden color, the petals themselves are purple-black. Height can reach 90 cm.

Stella Irene iris

Bolotny

In the people it is also called false iris iris. Very interesting species, whimsical to growing conditions. The name itself suggests that the marsh iris prefers wetlands, and will not grow in conditions with a lack of moisture. In nature, you can find yellow irises. Landscape designers use this species to frame the banks of water bodies.

Flore Pleno- a variety with double flowers.

golden queen or "hairy bee" has yellow flowers.

Early bulbous plant. In diameter, the bulb reaches 1.5-2 cm, in shape it is elongated-ovoid. The bulb is covered with fleshy scales, covered with a dry mesh.

The foliage is narrow, cylindrical. During flowering, the iris produces a peduncle 15-20 cm high.

Harmony irises are reddish-purple or light blue in color with flowers up to 5-8 cm in size. Used to decorate the garden. You need to plant according to the landing scheme: 10x8 cm, where 10 cm is the distance between rows, and 8 cm is between the bulbs.

Varieties of irises differ in the color of flowers and are also divided into certain groups:

  • two-ton- upper and lower petals are painted in different shades one tone;
  • plain- all shares of flowers have the same shade;
  • variegatta- the upper petals are painted yellow, the lower petals are red-brown;
  • bicolor- the upper and lower petals differ in color, and can be combined as a contrasting color, so they can differ in shade in one tone;
  • amena- upper petals - snow-white;
  • iridescent- on the petals there is a smooth transition from one color to another;
  • fringed- the petals have a beautiful corrugated rush of a different tone.

Among the huge variety, you can choose exactly those varieties that match the taste and are suitable for technical specifications for cultivation in the area.

Read also:

  • Perennial flowers (33 main types): a garden catalog for giving with photos and names
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  • Periwinkle: description of the main species, recommendations for care and reproduction, medicinal properties (50+ Photos & Videos) + Reviews
  • Bluebell: natural beauty in your flowerbed: description, varieties, planting and care, growing from seeds (50 Photos & Videos) + Reviews
  • Chrysanthemum home: description, varieties, growing in pots, care and reproduction, possible diseases (40+ Photos & Videos) + Reviews

Features of planting Dutch, net and bearded irises

Many gardeners do not want to plant irises on their site, referring to the fact that caring for flowers requires some specific knowledge. But growing irises is not a laborious task, you just need to know the varieties of the acquired iris and how to care for exactly the variety that you bought in the store.

Unpretentious plants serve as a worthy decoration of a suburban area

Features of growing bearded irises

  1. The first feature is that some rhizomes grow horizontally and may become bare over time. So for the winter it is recommended to cover plantings with mulch to prevent freezing of the roots.
  2. Irises do not tolerate excess organic fertilizers . If there is a desire to pamper the plants, then it is better to apply mineral fertilizers dissolved in water for planting.
  3. When planting, it is desirable to pour sand on the bottom of the hole. If you deepen the rhizome, the flowers will stop blooming.
  4. During the growing season, irises have such a property as the ability to move a certain distance other than the landing site. To make the rows look even, you will need to plant the irises in a fan along the row, and not across.

By following simple rules, you can create a beautiful and compact flower garden that will decorate your summer cottage.

Contrary to the generally accepted belief that irises should be divided immediately after flowering, it can be said that irises can be transplanted at any time of the year: early spring, summer and even autumn. If the weather is warm in the region, then you should not rush to change at all.

Bearded irises are recommended to be transplanted once every 3 years. in order not only to propagate the variety, but also not to let it come down. Siberian irises are transplanted less frequently, once every 10 years. It is possible more often, the main thing is to prevent the degeneration of the variety.

Planting bearded irises

Bearded irises prefer areas with good light. They do not like drafts, so for planting it is recommended to choose a sunny place, protected from the winds. In the spring, when the snow melts, moisture should not linger in the area with irises.

Before planting, you need to dig a hole that will match the size of the iris root system. At the bottom of the hole, it is recommended to pour small river sand. Then, on the resulting mound of sand, it is necessary to place the rhizome, straighten the roots and sprinkle them with soil.

A mixture of bright colors of bearded irises stands out in a bright spot on the site

When planting, you need to make sure that the upper part of the rhizome is not deeply buried in the soil.. It is better to do so that part of the rhizome protrudes slightly above the surface and is accessible to the rays of the sun.

Planted plants do not need watering. If the division of the iris and its subsequent planting was carried out in the previous year, it is recommended to remove the flower arrow so as not to deplete the plant's strength.

If you really want to admire the flowers of a new variety, it is recommended to cut the peduncle with buds. They will bloom already in a vase, and using this method, you will not deplete the plant.

Features of planting Dutch irises

In shops you can find bulbs and rhizomes of Dutch irises. Rhizome irises are planted in August or early September. The site should be with loose, breathable soil, soil with low acidity.

Before planting, it should be noted that the irises subsequently should not be darkened by others. tall plants, otherwise such a neighborhood will negatively affect flowering.

For planting, dig a hole that is 2 times the size of the rhizome itself. After the rhizome is sprinkled with earth, you need to pour another layer of mulch. This will prevent soil freezing in winter time, and in the summer it will save root system from overheating. You can mulch with hay, straw, tree bark.

Planting bulbs

There are some discrepancies in the planting of rhizomes and bulbs, which are important to consider when planting the prepared material:

  1. Before planting, iris bulbs must be placed in a fungicide solution for disinfection. This procedure will prevent the possibility of rotting of the bulb. After removing from the solution, the planting material must be dried.
  2. The landing site must be shed with a weak solution of potassium permanganate to kill pathogens.
  3. The bulbs should be planted according to the 15x15 cm scheme. With such a planting, the specimens will not obscure each other.
  4. At the end, the bulbs are sprinkled with soil and watered.

The flowering of Dutch irises occurs in the middle or end of May, however, such a discrepancy can also be observed: some bloom in early June. Buds wither quickly, especially on hot days.

Care for the Dutch after flowering

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