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Recently, lovers of perennial iris flowers are increasingly cultivating beardless varieties. But fans of the classics prefer growing bearded irises - beautiful and austere flowers with a massive petal in the form of a “tongue” or “beard,” which is a distinctive feature of this plant, its “zest.” By grouping varieties of irises by flowering time, you can provide decorativeness from May to July.

In nature, there is a flower that smoothly leads us from spring to summer. Wild irises are the first to bloom in early spring, they are replaced by “bearded” dwarfs and Spuria, and by the end of May the garden shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow thanks to numerous varieties of tall bearded irises. In June, marking the arrival of summer, Siberian and Japanese flowers delight us with their grace.

The perennial plant iris belongs to the family Irisaceae, or iris. There are about 200 species growing in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. In the 20th century Irises have gained wide recognition among flower growers in most countries, and in terms of the number of varieties (more than 35 thousand), this crop has taken one of the first places.

You can judge what an iris looks like even from the most ancient frescoes. The history of the flower goes back centuries. Irises were cultivated in the gardens of the Egyptian pharaohs. In Ancient Greece, entire fields were planted with them. Due to the variety of colors, the plant was given the name “iris”, which means “rainbow” in Greek. The ancient Hellenes revered irises and considered them messengers of the golden-winged goddess Iris, the messenger of the gods, the interpreter of their will.

Irises attracted people not only with their beautiful flowers. They were valued as medicinal plants, perfumery and confectionery raw materials.

Irises- perennial rhizomatous plants. The rhizome is located parallel to the soil level at a shallow depth and in bearded irises it comes to the surface. The rhizome, containing a supply of nutrients, consists of annual links. The newly formed links end in a bunch of sessile leaves that die off annually. The leaves are broadly or narrowly xiphoid, straight or crescent-shaped, most often collected in a fan-shaped bunch. In spring they are usually light green, darkening in summer.

How is the description of bearded irises of hybrid varieties different? The leaves of these plants are usually bluish with a waxy coating and, as a rule, persist until late autumn. Therefore, irises decorate the garden not only during flowering.

Peduncles branch and bear from 1 to 10 flowers or more. The number of branches depends on the type and variety. The height of the stem varies greatly among different species - from 15 cm for dwarf iris to 2 m for marsh iris.

The flowers, distinguished by their extraordinary grace and sophistication, consist of 6 perianth lobes, arranged in two tiers: the three outer petals are bent downwards, and the three inner ones are raised up and form a dome. The perianth lobes are deployed in such a way that every detail of each “petal” is visible. What do bearded iris flowers look like? On their lower petals there are soft, bristly growths resembling a beard, which gives the group its name.

The iris flower is remarkable for its sparkling, mysterious shine of its petals, especially noticeable in the slanting rays of the sun or under electric lighting. This is explained by the peculiar structure of cells that focus light, like miniature optical lenses. It is not for nothing that in the old days some gemstones with rainbow colors were called irises.

The colors of the flowers are incredibly diverse. There are solemnly velvety, mysteriously black irises, but no less mysterious is the sparkling shine of white and light blue flowers, reminiscent of the transparency of ice or crystal. And between white and black there is a whole range of blue, purple, pink, yellow, reddish and even brown shades. Neither painting nor photography fully conveys the play of color, texture, and graceful lines of these flowers. It’s not for nothing that irises are compared to.

Look at what the iris looks like in the photo to once again enjoy the beauty of this plant:

Conditions for growing bearded irises

Now it’s time to find out how irises are grown in garden plots. For hybrid bearded irises, sunny places, protected from strong winds, are selected. They can tolerate light partial shade from trees. Most varieties have very large flowers, for which gusts of wind and rain are especially dangerous. Therefore, during the period of mass flowering in windy, rainy weather, gartering of flower stalks is required.

Another important condition for growing irises is the presence of light, loamy soil. If the soil in the area is heavy, it needs to be improved by adding sand and peat. Wood ash is added to acidic soils. Before planting, the area should be dug up with a spade and all weeds should be thoroughly removed. Rotted manure is applied to a depth of 20-25 cm, without mixing it with the soil.

Irises are afraid of excess moisture, so they grow best in areas with low groundwater levels. However, during the period of budding and flowering, they show an increased need for water. Good watering at this time helps prolong flowering and creates favorable conditions for pollination. Watering is best done in the evening.

Faded flowers of bearded irises are removed, and the flower stalks are broken off entirely at the end of flowering. In late autumn, the leaves are shortened to 10 cm. Plants are covered with a small layer of mulch for the winter. Frost-unresistant varieties are covered more thoroughly. In the spring, after the snow has melted, carefully stir up the compacted winter shelter. It is completely removed in early or mid-April, depending on weather conditions. Bearded irises, despite their southern origin, tolerate spring frosts quite well compared to other perennials with temperatures dropping to -5...-7 °C.

How to plant irises correctly and how to care for them

How to plant irises correctly to ensure their vigorous growth? Plants are propagated by rhizomes. To do this, the root is dug up and divided into planting units, the so-called delenki, each of which consists of 1-3 annual links. Before planting irises, root sections are treated with crushed charcoal or a solution of potassium permanganate.

When is the best time to plant irises so that they germinate on time? The optimal time for planting irises is 2 weeks after flowering. With a lump of earth they can be replanted at any time. However, late planting (later than September 10-15) leads to poor rooting of plants. When planting, it is important that the division is not buried. The rhizome is placed almost at the level of the soil surface. A mound of earth is poured into the bottom of the hole and the roots are evenly spread along its slopes, covering them with earth and squeezing them tightly with your hands. Water generously with water and check once again whether the division is planted firmly enough. The rhizome should be horizontal, and the fan of leaves should be slightly inclined. Tall and medium-sized irises are planted at a distance of 30-40 cm from each other, and low-growing ones - 15-20 cm.

The landing links are positioned so that there is room for “movement”. The root system of irises is directed forward (along the growth of the rhizome), and the planted section will continue to grow in the part where the fan of leaves is located. When planting irises in nests, the plane of the leaves should be directed across the outlined circle.

If the soil is clayey and does not drain water well, it is recommended to plant the tree on a “cushion” of sand or fine gravel so that the water does not stagnate and the rhizome does not rot. When planting, the rhizome is not buried, but only sprinkled with a layer of soil of no more than 2-3 cm - over time it will come to the surface on its own.

After planting irises, when caring for plants, fertilizing is carried out at least three times. There are no universal recommendations on how to care for irises in terms of fertilizers, but one rule must be firmly remembered: excessive fertilizing is detrimental to plants. The first feeding is carried out in the spring, immediately after removing the cover (nitrogen-phosphorus - 3:1), the second after 2-3 weeks (nitrogen-potassium - 1:1). At the end of flowering, nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (3:1:3) is added. The last feeding is very important for good flowering of irises next year; it should not be skipped. Fertilizing is carried out at the rate of 10 liters of solution per 1 m2, or 6 iris bushes. During the summer, the soil around the plants is lightly sprinkled with ash 1-3 times, which is not only a top dressing, but also repels pests and prevents diseases.

Here you can see photos of planting and caring for irises of various groups:

Now that you know how to care for irises, check out the most popular varieties.

Varieties of bearded irises with photos, names and flowering dates

Bearded irises are divided into 3 groups according to height: low-growing (25-36 cm), medium-growing (37-70 cm), tall (more than 70 cm).

According to the timing of flowering, varieties are divided into early, mid-early, middle, mid-late and late. The beginning of flowering of each of these subgroups may vary from year to year depending on weather conditions. For example, in the Moscow region, early varieties of bearded irises bloom in mid-May and bloom until the end of the month. The mid-early ones bloom in the last five days of May and finish flowering in the first ten days of June. Medium and mid-late varieties, which predominate in our gardens, bloom throughout June. Late varieties, blooming in early July, are grown extremely rarely.

Based on flower color, irises are divided into 13 classes: white, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet, red-violet, black, two-tone, two-color, bordered, iridescent.

It should be noted that the green color of irises has a yellowish or brownish tint. There are no varieties with a scarlet, pure red color: irises have brown, terracotta, cherry shades. Pink irises are classified as light red. Brown color is classified as dark orange. Black has blue, violet, brown, dark cherry shades and is characterized by special depth and velvety.

Below you will see photos and names of varieties of bearded irises that bloom from mid-May, and also read their descriptions.

"Arkady Raikin". This variety of iris received its name in honor of the great Russian comedian. Peduncle 80-100 cm, strong, short-branched, 5-7-flowered. The flower is 12-13 cm, delicate reddish-pink in color, the outer lobes are semi-drooping, the inner lobes are slightly frilled at the edges, the aroma is strong.

"Beverly Hills". The height of the bush is 50 cm, the peduncles are 80-85 cm. The inflorescence contains 3-4 very spectacular flowers with a diameter of 17 cm. The upper lobes of the perianth are light pink, very wavy, the lower ones are paler, floating. Pink beard.

"Blue Staccato" The height of the bush is 55-60 cm, peduncles are 90-100 cm. The inflorescence contains 4-5 very spectacular flowers with a diameter of 16 cm.

Pay attention to the photo of the bearded iris flowers of this variety - the upper perianth lobes are blue-blue, wavy, slightly fringed, the lower ones are white with a blurred blue border, the beard is golden-yellow:

"Burgomaster". The height of the peduncles is 100-110 cm. There are 5-7 flowers in the inflorescence. The outer lobes are violet-lilac with a brownish border, the inner ones are yellowish-cream. The beauty of the flower is emphasized by elegant corrugation.

"Gvardeysky". Peduncle 125-140 cm, strong, long-branched, 10-12-flowered. Flower 14-15 cm, sunny yellow with an orange beard, strong honey aroma.

"Canada's Gold" Peduncle 90-105 cm, strong, short-branched. The flower is light golden yellow with an orange beard and has a strong aroma. It blooms profusely and the bush grows quickly.

"Saprim Sultan". It has a powerful bush with strong peduncles up to 120 cm high and more. It has the largest flowers to date (more than 20 cm in diameter). This variety of bearded iris is bicolor: the inner lobes are bronze-yellow, the outer lobes are red-brown and velvety. It is distinguished by its beautiful corrugation and unusual bubbly edges of the petals.

"Kentucky Derby". The height of the bush is 50 cm, peduncles are 80-90 cm. The inflorescence has 5-6 flowers with a diameter of 16 cm. The perianth lobes are light lemon-yellow, wavy, with fringed edges, on the lower ones there is a creamy white spot in the center. The beard is golden.

They have long gained popularity due to their unusual appearance and unpretentiousness. They practically do not require any maintenance; even an inexperienced gardener can cope with growing them. A lot of varieties of this plant have been developed. In order not to get confused in such diversity, you need to study irises, varieties with photos and names in advance. This will help create a spectacular garden that will be the envy of all your neighbors.

Varieties of irises

Iris is an unpretentious perennial plant that is distinguished by its unusual shape and color of flowers. It is suitable for growing in open areas flooded with sunlight. A distinctive feature of the flowers is their enchanting delicate aroma. Therefore, they are often used in the perfume industry.

Wild irises today can be found in meadows, steppes or on steep cliffs. Under the conditions, about five hundred different varieties have been bred that are suitable for growing in personal plots. They can be divided into several large groups:

• bearded;
• dwarf;
• bulbous;
• Siberian;
• swamp;
• Japanese.

In European countries, it is customary to divide these plants into 10–15 categories. Separately, border, Californian and some other species are distinguished. To decide which of them will take root better on your site, carefully study the irises, their varieties with photos and names.

Bearded irises

Bearded iris is considered one of the most common plant varieties. Its distinctive feature is the presence of fine hairs on the lower petals. They have a more saturated color compared to the general tone of the flower. Among the most spectacular varieties are:

This is just a small part of the variety on the market today. When choosing, pay attention to the fact that the flowers are in harmony with neighboring specimens and fit into the overall design of the site.

The height of such varieties can reach 80 cm, so you should not plant them in close proximity to light-loving low-growing plants.

Dwarf irises

The dwarf iris differs from its fellows in its small stature. The height of the peduncles does not exceed 40 cm. For most varieties this parameter is even 20 cm. They will be an ideal option for decorating small compact flower beds. Among the most popular varieties are:

Dwarf irises thrive in light, moisture-permeable soils. If the soil in your garden is heavy, add sand to it before planting.

Bulbous irises

Everyone is accustomed to the fact that irises are rhizomatous plants. Modern experts have managed to develop several varieties growing from bulbs. They are distinguished by unusually early flowering. They can be compared to snowdrops. As soon as the snow melts, the first flowers appear. There are three main types:

Bulbous irises look good in a flower bed with crocuses, galanthus and so on. They will be an ideal option for alpine slides.

These varieties can be grown in pots and large flowerpots. They will be an excellent decoration for verandas and gazebos.

Siberian irises

Photos of Siberian irises are impressive. They are distinguished by the extraordinary beauty of their flowers. The value of this species is also that the foliage of the plant has a rich green color throughout the entire season. The most spectacular varieties are:

Such varieties look impressive along the banks of improvised reservoirs, in large ones. You can decorate your lawn with groups of such flowers, which will make the landscape unusual.

Swamp irises

Swamp iris or iris grows everywhere in our country. The leaves of this species are sword-shaped. Their length can reach two meters. This species does well in partial shade. Therefore, such flowers can be planted along fences or near trees with a not too thick crown. Among the most popular varieties are:

Having studied these varieties of irises with photos and names, we can conclude that they are ideal for group plantings. Using different types of irises you can create spectacular flower beds.

Japanese irises

Japanese iris has orchid-shaped flowers. Their size can vary from 15 to 25 cm. In Japan, such plants are planted so that they can be admired from above. From this angle they look most impressive.

The plants are large, so when planting between them it is necessary to maintain a distance of at least 30 cm. The most popular varieties:

After studying photos of varieties of irises, you can choose the right planting material suitable for your soil type. If you choose specimens with different flowering periods, you can admire the beauty of the flowers all summer long.

Irises bloom in the garden - video

Iris flowers are popularly affectionately called irises, cockerels or pipers. The first images of these plants were discovered on frescoes, whose age is measured at four centuries. Thanks to the variety of species and varieties, irises are one of the most common crops among world gardeners: they can be found all over the world, because certain varieties of these flowers are adapted to a wide variety of conditions.

Below you can see photos and descriptions of irises, as well as learn about the conditions for their cultivation and reproduction.

Irises (IRIS) belong to the Iris family. These are mainly plants of dry open spaces (steppes, meadows, semi-deserts, rocks) of the temperate zone. Among the species of irises (and there are about 250 of them) there are giants and small plants, rhizomatous and bulbous. But in central Russia, the most promising are rhizomatous plants that are moderately moisture-loving. The rhizome is thick, superficially located with a mass of cord-like roots. The leaves are xiphoid, collected in fan-shaped bunches. Large flowers of all types of irises are located on a strong peduncle.

Types and varieties of irises with photos and descriptions

Tall irises have a height of 70-100 cm. Pay attention to the photo and description of irises varieties yellow (I. pseudacorus) And. Kaempfer (I. kaempferi):

These plants have narrow leaves and large flowers of original shape and color. All varieties are combined into the group “Japanese irises”; they grow near water and need shelter.

Siberian iris (I. sibirica)- the only one that forms a dense turf, the leaves are linear, the flowers are relatively small, graceful. Interesting hybrids of winter-hardy Siberian irises:

"Perry's Blue", "Snow Queen", "Butter and Sugar".

Hybrids:

Spuria - "Conquista" etc.

Fashionable varieties:

"Loop de Loop", "White Knight";

"Azurea", "Brassil" etc.

Iris bristles (I. setosa) has sword-shaped leaves and purple flowers.

When describing low plants, irises are divided into low-growing and dwarf.

Low-growing irises have a height of 15-20 cm, these include, for example, iris leafless (I. aphylla)- the flowers are large, bright purple.

Iris dwarf (I. pumila) reaches a height of only 10-15 cm - its leaves are wide, the flowers are yellow and purple. Both species are drought-resistant steppe plants.

Iris smoothed (I. laevigata)- height 30 cm; iris variegated (I. versicolor)- height 50 cm; moisture-loving irises.

But the most popular varieties (about 50,000 are known) bearded iris, or Germanic iris(I. x hybrida).

They are divided according to the length of the peduncle into tall (above 70 cm), medium-sized (25-70 cm), low-growing (below 25 cm) and the type of flower color (single-color, two-tone, two-color, plicata (bordered), iridescent).

The variety of iris varieties makes this crop one of the most common among flower growers in the world.

Growing irises

Growing conditions. All irises are photophilous, but their different relationship to water should be taken into account - yellow, Kaempfer and bristly irises are grown on wet, constantly moist soils. With normal moisture – Siberian iris; on light, well-drained soils, other types and varieties of bearded irises.

Reproduction. By dividing the rhizomes after the end (end of July-August) once every 4-5 years. A delenka is a one-two-year section of rhizome with a trimmed bunch of leaves and a renewal bud. After digging, the rhizomes of the mother bush are heated in the sun for 5-6 days. The plot is planted superficially, sprinkled with a thin layer of soil. For the winter, fresh plantings are mulched with wood chips or covered with spruce branches.

As you can see in the photo above, moisture-loving irises are planted near ponds. Dry-loving, low - on rockeries and in the foreground of mixborders. Bearded iris in combination with peonies, heuchera, low varieties of goldenrod, coreopsis, and lavender creates a magnificent variety of colors in flower beds and mixborders.

After flowering, the leaves are cut in half and the flower stalks are broken out. Iris is also used as a cut flower.

It is no coincidence that these delicate and fragile flowers received such a beautiful name in honor of the goddess of the rainbow: they surprise with the rich variety of appearance and colors.

This plant is called iris. Flowers attract experienced gardeners not only with their cute appearance, but also with their unusual flowering time. They fill some gap between the first spring and summer flowers. Despite their external fragility, irises are unpretentious, and growing them on the site does not require much effort or expense.

Below is a description of the plant, its varieties and characteristics, as well as planting and care rules.

General information

Irises are common almost everywhere, as they are unpretentious and, therefore, are especially popular among flower lovers. This plant is mentioned in many ancient legends, myths, tales and signs. The flower is a symbol of hope and trust, friendship and strong bonds.

Today, irises are grown not only as garden decorations, they are also used in the production of confectionery (there is even jam made from iris flowers), as well as in perfumery and medicine.

We will talk about the characteristics of the plant and the rules for caring for it below. Let's talk about flowers that look like irises.

About the name and meaning of iris

The legendary flower, as noted above, was named in honor of Iris, the Greek goddess of the rainbow. The reason for this comparison is that this plant is found with a wide variety of flower colors. There are many varieties that combine several shades. Iris has two more popular names: Cockerel and Iris.

The meaning of the name of the iris flower is unique and interesting. The plant has been known for more than 1000 years. In those ancient times, the flower was a popular heraldic sign, but later it was replaced by the lily. This could happen due to the fact that the names of these plants are consonant (the iris is also called “saber lily”).

Additionally, the characters corresponding to "warrior spirit" and the word "iris" in Japanese have the same spelling. Therefore, Japanese people believe that a bouquet with irises can awaken all the best qualities of a man.

Iris in the language of flowers signifies purity, impeccability and greatness.

General description

The iris flower looks a bit like an orchid. It has beautiful and delicate buds, mesmerizing with their colors. The iris plant is a perennial crop. Its peculiarity is that the root system is located in the top layer of soil. The stems of the iris are simple and branched; they can grow singly or in bunches, depending on the variety.

The flat leaves are sword-shaped, gathering at the base of the stem. The corolla-shaped perianth has the shape of a tube with a six-part bend. At the base of the flower, the petals are collected in a tube, where the nectar is located. The flowering time of the plant depends on the place of growth. For example, in central Russia, the iris blooms from the end of May to July. Irises are distributed on the territories of almost all continents. They are absent only where severe drought prevails and where it is very cold.

There are plants with red, blue, yellow, purple, pink and other flowers. In almost all species, a unique beautiful pattern stands out in the middle part of the petals, differing in color from the main color.

Varieties

Iris is a generalized name for several plants that have different types of root systems: bulbous and rhizomatous. It should be noted that the bulb and rhizome are not roots. These are just thickened shoots.

Currently, there is no generally accepted classification of plants of the genus Iris. Therefore, in Russia only plants with a rhizomatous root system are considered true irises, while in the world, on the contrary, bulbous irises are recognized as such.

Despite the presented differences in the root system, a fairly clear general description can be given for these plants. The flower, located on an annual peduncle, is single and large, exuding a strong aroma. It consists of six petals arranged in two tiers: the outer three petals (fouls) are curved outward, and the inner ones (standards) are raised upward and look like a dome. The thin, flat leaves have some waxy coating.

Rhizomatous irises are divided into 2 large groups, called bearded and non-bearded. All of them tolerate winter frosts in Russia well.

Bulbous irises are also divided into several groups: Juno, Iridodictium and Xyphium. In turn, the genus Xyphium includes six species, which are quite widely used in breeding. Thanks to the work of breeders, today irises are represented by a huge variety of varieties: Spanish, Dutch, English hybrid bulbous irises and many others.

Growth conditions

Many varieties of this plant can rebloom in the fall. It should be noted that only 2-3 years after planting the plant, all the splendor and beauty of irises is revealed.

Growing these flowers on a plot is not a very difficult matter, but there are some peculiarities. Irises prefer light soils with an alkaline reaction. They may not bloom in acidic soils, but in them the flowers quickly and well develop leaf apparatus. To neutralize acidic soils, you can add a little lime or ash.

If necessary, fertilizers are applied approximately 10 days before planting. Depleted soils are better suited for iris than overly fertilized ones. From an excess of the latter, the plant may die. Thus, in terms of applying organic fertilizers (for example, manure), maintenance is not so difficult. The iris flower can be fed with mineral mixtures.

It should be noted that another reason for the lack of flowering may be planting the plant in the shade. These flowers are light-loving. Of course, among the rhizomatous irises there are plants that bloom in the partial shade of trees. However, not a single bulbous variety likes shade. In addition, the tightness and great depth of the plant’s roots can also cause some problems when growing.

Planting rhizomatous irises

Iris flowers need to be watered immediately after planting, but there is no need to rush into the next watering. This should be done as soon as the root soil dries completely. Overwatering is one of the reasons for the death of iris. If there is close groundwater, the area should be slightly raised and drained.

Rhizome varieties of the plant can be planted in open ground in August, bulbous varieties - in September (in central Russia) and in October (in the southern regions). If necessary, they can be planted in the spring, but to do this, the planting material should be treated with a growth stimulator and very long and rotting roots should be removed. For disinfection, they can also be kept in potassium permanganate. But most likely, flowers planted in the spring will not bloom the year they are planted.

Planting by seeds

How to grow irises from seeds? The method is very simple, but has some subtleties. You can plant the seeds in the fall - in September. This method allows the seeds to go through natural preparation. In spring, the first shoots appear. However, it should be remembered that irises planted in autumn can germinate before cold weather, and subsequent frosts can kill these seedlings. In this regard, the best way to grow from seeds is to plant in the spring. But this method is more labor-intensive.

First you need to prepare the seeds. To do this, at the beginning of February you should wrap them in a damp cloth and keep them in this state in a cold place (or in the refrigerator) until March. Then, at the beginning of March, plant it in a container with soil, and transplant it into open ground in May.

Iris in the house

Are there any homemade irises? Dwarf flowers and some bulbous varieties can be planted at home.

At the end of summer, the roots of the plants should be transplanted into containers, watered and placed in a cool place, periodically watering as the soil dries. Soil composition: peat, humus and sand. In January, irises should be placed on the windowsill on the south side of the house. For home flowers, watering should also be moderate; water stagnation should not be allowed. Under favorable conditions and proper care, the flower can bloom in a month. It is recommended to feed the plant with a mineral mixture once every two weeks. And after flowering, it should be watered for a while, and at the end of spring it can be planted in open ground.

There is one lush indoor plant - neomarica. It belongs to the iris family. In nature it grows along the coast of Africa (western) and in South America. Externally, it is a fairly voluminous bush, covered with fragrant and delicate flowers. It has other names: devil's paw, apostolic iris. Iris-like flowers are common in the wild.

Meaning in medicine

The iris flower is of great importance in folk medicine. For medicinal purposes, its root, which has a rich chemical composition, is mainly used.

Infusions prepared from the rhizome are used internally for bronchitis, severe cough, pneumonia, diseases of the bladder and kidneys, dropsy, constipation, stomach pain and poisoning. It is also used externally - as a rinse for inflammation of the mouth and throat, for tonsillitis, sore throat, and stomatitis.

Irises in landscape design

In many Russian cities there are stores of the Iris flower salon chain with a wide variety of plants, both home and garden. You can also purchase a magnificent bouquet with these amazingly delicate flowers.

It is best to grow irises yourself if you have a garden plot. They look great both in compositions with other flowers and plants, and separately. The most important feature of these flowers is that they allow you to fill the pause period between the flowering of spring and summer plants. When creating a landscape and planting flowers, consider this unique feature. It is also necessary to remember that wilted flowers must be removed so as not to spoil the appearance of the flowerbed.

There are several wild and cultivated species that are similar to irises in the shape of their leaves and the appearance of their inflorescences.

Here are some of them:

• alstroemeria;
• aquatic killer whale;
• iridodictum;
• orchids;
• snapdragon (some selected varieties);
• cuckoo tears.

Flowers similar to irises are easily confused with them.

Irises are common wherever they can grow, as they are unpretentious and enjoy a special position among most flower lovers. The iris flower is mentioned in many legends, tales, myths and superstitions. It is a symbol of trust and hope, strong friendships and goodwill. The characteristics of varieties, planting characteristics, and plant development will be discussed below in the article.

Description of the legendary flower

The iris flower is named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow, Iris. The reason for this comparison is that these plants come in a wide variety of colors. One flower can combine many shades of one or more colors, which creates a harmonious and always unique picture.

Interesting!

Iris is also called Iris or Cockerel. In appearance, this plant looks a little like an orchid; it has very delicate, beautiful buds, fascinating in their variety of colors.

Iris is a perennial crop. The root system is located in the upper soil layer of the earth. Stems are branched or simple. They can grow in bunches or singly, depending on the variety. The leaves are xiphoid, flat, and collected at the base of the stem. The buds can be in inflorescences of several pieces or arranged one at a time. The perianth is corolla-shaped, tube-shaped with a six-part curve. The petals at the base are collected in a tube, where the nectar is located.

The flowering period of these flowers depends on the location. For example, in central Russia they bloom from late May to July. The distribution area covers almost all continents. They do not grow only where it is very cold or there is unbearable drought.

Types and varieties of irises

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The iris or iris family includes more than 800 species. In science, these plants have a very complex structure, but in the world of ordinary flower lovers they differ mostly in color and some other parameters. There are table, short (up to 35 cm), medium-sized (36-70 cm), tall (more than 70 cm), aril-like, small-flowered, bearded and non-bearded cockerels. Some popular varieties are listed below as an example.

• « Baltic Sea" - German variety. The flower is divided into sections according to color. The beard is bright blue and the petals are sky blue.
• « Draculas Kiss"or "Dracula's Kiss" is an American variety registered in 2009. The average height of the stem is 91 cm, the color of the bud is dark purple.
• « Show Queen" is the result of the work of Siberian breeders. The flowers are soft white, very beautiful, they are easy to distinguish among other types of irises. At the base of the inflorescence there is a yellow neck.

Photos of peony varieties Baltic Sea, Dracula's Kiss, Show Queen

• « Wink"- a dwarf variety with a delicate white flower framed by violet-blue petals. 2 buds ripen on each peduncle.
• « Imperial Opal» - beardless iris flower native to Siberia. It has a very large flower (up to 10 cm), the upper and lower petals are lavender-pink, lighter towards the edges, with small darker specks and veins. The peduncle itself is tall, growing about 80 cm.
• « Delavayi" - a Siberian variety with an interesting shape of petals. They are oblong and narrower than other irises. The color is blue-violet with light stripes. Peduncle 60 cm high.

Photo of irises Imperial Opal, Delavayi

How to plant irises correctly?

How to plant irises in open ground? Before you start planting, you need to make sure that the place is suitable for them. This is a very light-loving culture. She needs a lot of light, so the planting site should be in an open area, without constant natural or artificial shade.

As for soil moisture, it all depends on the variety. 'Kaempfer', 'Bristly' and 'Yellow' flower iris are grown in marshy areas, while 'Siberian' requires moderate humidity. Most bearded irises prefer well-drained soil. So this point needs to be clarified in each individual case.

Irises cannot be called picky flowers, otherwise they would not be so widespread around the world. But it’s also not worth lumping them all together. Different varieties may have their own special preferences for the amount of moisture, type of soil and other aspects of care and planting.

Planting is carried out in autumn or spring. Before the procedure, you need to fertilize the ground (with humus, phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen, or compost), remove all weeds and their roots, or treat the ground with herbicides so that weeds do not grow on the site. If the soil is too heavy or light, it needs to be balanced - peat and sand are added to clay soil, and clay soil is added to sand. You also need to regulate the acidity - the iris flower prefers soil with medium acidity.

Interesting!

Herbicides, which gardeners actively fight against, are very popular when growing flowers. After all, flowers are not used for food and therefore such chemicals will not cause harm in the flowerbed.

To plant irises, you need to make holes or a trench at double the height of the root. Then moisten the soil and plant the roots. After this, they are sprinkled with earth, the soil is slightly compacted and left to germinate. If the ground part is very high, it should be cut by half immediately after planting.

Divided roots are always planted superficially. They should be covered with only a thin layer of soil on top. If planting was carried out in the fall, the plantings should be covered with spruce branches for the winter and mulched with sawdust or some similar raw material.

How to care for irises?

Caring for indoor plants at home and caring for irises that are grown in open soil are two different things. The main thing you need to understand is that it is much easier to control indoor conditions than to grow flowers in flower beds and garden areas. Sudden changes in weather and excessive rainfall can completely destroy the plant, so you need to provide the most comfortable conditions for growth so that the crop grows strong and resilient.

• Watering is carried out as needed. Do not forget that the top layer of soil should not dry out. It is especially important to ensure timely watering during flowering. Irrigation is carried out with warm water heated in the sun in the evening or morning.
• In order for the plant to grow and develop luxuriantly, you need to ensure that weeds do not grow among the irises. They need to be removed promptly as soon as they appear. As you remove weeds, you also need to loosen the soil.
• It is advisable to replant irises every 3-4 years. This is the only way to get them to bloom lushly. If you do not replant irises for more than 5-6 years in a row, the soil is greatly depleted and the plant may stop blooming altogether.

Unlike all other species, “Siberian” irises are replanted once every 10 years, not more often!

• The iris flower is fed with potassium-phosphorus fertilizers 2-3 times throughout the entire season: at the beginning of growth, at the beginning of budding, and 10-15 days after flowering.
• With the onset of frost, you need to cut off the tops by half. Before winter, the plantings should be covered with peat or sawdust to a depth of 10 cm so that the roots do not freeze, and in the spring the mulch must be removed!

Photos of iris flower colors

Diseases and pests

Unfortunately, not only people love irises, but also pests. True, they do not admire them, but eat and destroy them. To prevent these unique plants from suffering from pests and diseases, you need to know how to protect the iris flower and prevent any disease.

• Thrips are especially dangerous during drought periods. They spoil the appearance of the plant, disrupt the processes of photosynthesis in the leaves, which is why the latter become brown spots and dry out. To combat this pest, you can use Karbofos or make a homemade infusion. For 400 g of shag, take 40 grams of grated laundry soap. All this is filled with water and infused for 10 days. After the infusion is ready, it is filtered and used for spraying.
• The cutworm eats the base of the peduncle, causing the plant to turn yellow and slowly die. To combat them, Karbofos is most often used. The plant is treated with it 2 times per season (during the period before and after flowering).

To prevent diseases and pests from attacking irises, it is worth spraying them with complex insecticides and fungicides several times a season.

• The grinder caterpillar causes the buds to dry out. You can use a 20% solution of Confieldor, a common insecticide, against it.
• Ascochyta blight and cercosporiosis lead to leaf curling and death. As a rule, this problem is observed during the period of active development. This is not very dangerous, since the leaves then grow back, but the problem is a lot of stress for the plant, so the buds produced by a diseased plant are usually smaller in size and not as lush. To combat diseases of this type you need to use a solution of copper oxychloride. For 10 liters of water, take 30 g of oxide.

How are irises propagated?

The iris flower reproduces by dividing its rhizomes. Once every 4-5 years, after the end of flowering (July - early August), a 1-2 year old piece with a renewal bud and a bunch of leaves is separated from the mother root. But before separating the bud, you need to warm the mother root in the sun for 5-6 days.

After dividing, the divisions need to be disinfected for 30 minutes in the Khoma solution to kill all pathogenic bacteria. After this, the young roots are dried for 2-3 days in the sun, all the cuts are sprinkled with crushed coal, and only then used for planting.

Legends and tales about irises

Irises are credited with a special energy. They are not only elevated to the rank of symbols, but also endowed with magical properties. This is one of the reasons why the cockerel is so often mentioned in legends and mythologies of different cultures.

• According to one legend, the first iris flower bloomed on earth more than 1 million years ago. In those days, animals, birds, insects, as well as wind and water gathered to admire its beauty. They loved the flower so much that they spread it all over the earth, and when the flowers bloomed, they fell in love with people.

Interesting!

Caring for irises at home that have been cut from the garden is quite simple. They just need to be placed in a vase with settled water (room temperature) and placed in a bright place. Sometimes a couple of aspirin tablets or a teaspoon of sugar are thrown into the vase to make the flowers last a long time.

• Another legend says that a long time ago, a beautiful rainbow lit up the sky. But it did not dissolve like all the others, but crumbled into small particles that fell to the ground. After some time, flowers grew in the places where parts of the rainbow fell, which were called irises.
• It was the ancient Greeks who first compared this plant with the greatness of the goddess Iris. From the ancient Greek language the word “Iris” is translated as rainbow. It is believed that the flower received its name thanks to Hippocrates, who named it.

Interesting!

In Feng Shui, the iris flower symbolizes life, eternal youth, hope and faith. Therefore, it is recommended to place it in the living room or any other room where the whole family gathers.

• In Japan, the word "iris" and "warrior spirit" are written with the same hieroglyph. In this country, irises are compared to the courage and bravery of warriors. On Boys' Day (a Japanese holiday), the Japanese love to come to iris gardens and admire these flowers. This custom has existed for a very long time and is strictly maintained from year to year.
• In Christianity, irises are associated with the suffering of Christ. For this reason, these flowers have been cultivated in monasteries and temples for many centuries.