Iris flowers have been known to man since ancient times. On the island of Crete, among the paintings of the Knossos Palace, a fresco depicts a priest surrounded by blooming irises. This fresco is about 4000 years old. Iris flowers are imprinted in the stone of Oriental and Roman galleries and balustrades. In the Middle Ages, they grew in the gardens of castles and monasteries, from where they were transferred to the gardens of townspeople. Even in ancient times, Arabs planted wild iris with white flowers on graves. And in Ancient Egypt it was bred back in the 16th-15th centuries BC, and it was a symbol of eloquence there. In Arabia, on the contrary, they were a symbol of silence and sadness.

Iris has many names: Iris, iris, cockerel, songbird (beerweed), piskulnik, killer whale, scilla, pigtails, carp, iris, flat cake, chikan, cockerels, bells, chistyak, wolf cucumber, hare cucumbers, bear cucumbers, pikulnik, songbird , magpie flowers, chamomile. Among all the names, the most common is the gentle “kasatik”, that is, dear, beloved, desired.
In total in the genus of the family Iridaceae, or Iris ( Iridaceae) has about 800 species with a rich variety of shapes and shades.

The flower “iris” received its name from the hands of the famous healer Hippocrates, who named the plant in honor of the ancient Greek goddess Iris, who proclaimed the will of the Olympian gods to people. The goddess Iris descended along a rainbow to the earth, which is why the word “Iris” translated from Greek means rainbow. Carl Linnaeus, who proposed a unified system of scientific names for plants, retained its ancient name for the iris.
But Florence was called Florence by the Romans only because irises grew in abundance around this Etruscan settlement, and the literal translation from Latin into Russian “Florence” means “blooming”. Since then, the Florentine iris has graced the city coat of arms of Florence.
This type of iris has also become famous for the fact that for a long time they learned to extract fragrant essential oil with the aroma of violets from its rhizome. That is why the rhizome of this iris is called orris root. This natural fragrance was used in royal dressing rooms as early as the 15th century. From 1 kg of rhizomes, an average of 7 g is obtained essential oil, which is used in perfumery. Fragrant substances are also extracted from flowers.

In Japan, iris protected homes from harmful influences. In any Japanese family with sons, on the traditional Boys' Day (the fifth day of the fifth moon), a magical talisman ("May pearl") is prepared from iris and orange flowers on this day, since in Japanese the same hieroglyphs indicate the names of iris and the words "warrior spirit". “May pearls,” according to legend, should instill courage in the soul of a young man: even the leaves of the plant are very similar to swords.

For Christians, the iris symbolizes purity and protection, but has also become a symbol of sorrow and pain.

In Japanese, "iris" and "warrior spirit" are represented by the same character. On May 5, Boys' Day, all the people perform hanami - ritual admiration of flowers in iris gardens, where they grow immersed in water and on this day images of irises appear on all household items. On the traditional holiday of boys, a magical talisman is prepared from iris flowers, which should instill courage in the soul of the young man. Iris leaves look like swords, and the Japanese are deeply convinced that they should awaken strength, courage and courage in a future man. Once upon a time, on Hanami Day, the Japanese prepared a drink called May pearls from iris and orange flowers. Those who used it were healed from many diseases.
As a religious symbol, the iris first appears in the paintings of the early Flemish masters, and in images of the Virgin Mary it is present both with and instead of the lily. This symbolic meaning is due to the fact that the name “iris” means “lily with a sword,” which is seen as an allusion to Mary’s grief for Christ.
For Christians, the iris symbolizes purity and protection, but it also became a symbol of sorrow and pain, the reason for which was its sharp wedge-shaped leaves, which seemed to personify the suffering and sadness of the Mother of God’s heart from the suffering of Christ. The blue iris is especially common as such a symbol in images of the Virgin. The iris can also symbolize the virgin birth.
In Russia, the word "Iris" appeared as a botanical name for plants in the second half of the 19th century, and before this period they used the popular name "Iris", the inhabitants of Ukraine called irises "Cockerel". In Bulgaria, Serbia and Croatia, the iris is called Perunika - in honor of the Slavic god Perun.
U Slavic peoples a rainbow range of colors and shades and bizarre forms of iris inflorescences were widely used. They could be seen in folk crafts, in the textile industry, as well as in decorating everyday life: painting homes, utensils, clothes (in the ornament of shirts, sundresses, towels, shawls and half-shawls).

Legends of the iris
A miracle flower bloomed at one edge of the forest. Forest animals and birds began to argue about who it belonged to. They argued for four days, and the dispute resolved itself. The iris seeds ripened, and the wind carried them in different directions.
According to legend, the first iris blossomed several million years ago and was so beautiful that not only animals, birds and insects came to admire it, but also water and wind, which then spread the ripened seeds throughout the earth. And when the seeds sprouted and blossomed, the iris became one of man’s favorite plants. From a distance, irises seem like small beacons showing the way to sailors.
And here is another legend about irises. One day, the rainbow fell into pieces before disappearing. Wonderful fragments of the rainbow fell to the ground and charming flowers sprouted. The rainbow crumbled into small fragments - and the irises bloomed. They sprouted, according to Pomeranian legend, from the tears of a fisherman who often mourned separation from her husband.
Another legend tells. When the titan Prometheus stole the heavenly fire on Olympus and gave it to people, a wondrous seven-colored rainbow flashed on earth - so great was the joy of all living things in the world. The sunset had already faded, and the day had faded, and the sun had gone, but the rainbow still shone over the world, giving people hope. It didn't go out until dawn. And when in the morning the sun returned to its place again, where the magical rainbow burned and shimmered with colors, irises bloomed...

Family: iris (Iridaceae).

Homeland: Europe, Asia, North America, North Africa.

Form: perennial rhizomatous plants.

Description

Iris (irris) is a perennial herbaceous rhizomatous plant. However, there is a popular misconception that irises are bulbous. The leaves of the iris (irris) are sword-shaped, flat, thin, with a waxy coating, most often collected in a fan-shaped bunch. The roots of irises are thread-like, fibrous, and improve the structure of the soil.

The flowers of the iris (iris) are solitary or in few-flowered inflorescences, fragrant in some species, distinguished by an elegant shape and a rich range of varieties. different shades, from pure white, yellow, blue to purple and almost black. The iris flower (iris) is large, consists of six (sometimes three) petal-shaped perianth lobes. The outer and inner lobes of the iris flower differ in shape, size and color. Garden irises (hybrid irises) and some others have multicellular hairs on their outer lobes - a “beard”. Iris (iris) blooms from May to June. Iris flowers bloom from one to five days.

Iris fruits are triangular ribbed long capsules. Iris seeds are large, ribbed, light or dark brown, 25-45 pcs. in a seed pod.

The varieties of irises are so diverse that you can easily create an entire iris garden.

The most common types of irises:

Bearded iris (I. barbata). It got its name because of the outer petals, the bases of which are decorated with stripes of hairs, often standing out in contrasting color against the general background of the flower. Bearded irises are divided into three groups according to the height of the peduncle: low-growing, no more than 40 cm high; medium-sized, 41-70 cm high; tall, more than 70 cm high. The color of bearded iris flowers varies depending on the variety - blue, purple, bordered.

(I. ruthenia Ker-Gawler). Grows in low, dense clumps. The flowers of the Russian iris are not large, pale lilac and violet-lilac, fragrant. Russian irises are suitable for rocky areas.

, Siberian iris (I. sibirica). Height is about 1 m. Flowers are violet-blue. Siberian iris is very hardy. The leaves of the Siberian iris are narrow-linear, light green, and remain until frost. Siberian iris and varieties of irises bred on its basis are combined into section Limniris. Irises of this group do not have beards on the outer perianth lobes.

Marsh iris, marsh iris (false calamus, yellow iris) (I. pseudacorus). Can reach 1 m in height. The flowers are golden yellow with brown streaks and bloom in May-June. Swamp iris (yellow killer whale) is thermophilic, prefers sun or partial shade. Swamp iris (yellow) is winter-hardy; spreads very quickly. Swamp iris (yellow) is used to decorate ponds (water depth up to 40 cm). Tolerates salinity.

Iris smooth (I. laevigata Fisch). Needs strong hydration. Smooth iris (smooth iris). Grows near water bodies.

Iris germanica (I. germanica) - iris with wide or narrow sword-shaped leaves that persist until autumn. The flowers of the German iris are large, on long (60-90 cm) peduncles. Flowering from May to late June. German iris (German iris) makes a good cut flower.

(I. pumila) is a miniature iris native to Southern Europe. Height up to 10 cm. Dwarf iris (dwarf iris), growing, forms small curtains. Blooms in May. The flowers are small and can have a variety of colors.

Iris ensiform , or Kaempfer's iris (I. ensata) is the most late-flowering species of irises. The leaves are narrow, 30-40cm high. The flowers of the xiphoid iris are flat with short inner and wide outer petals. The height of the peduncles is 60-70 cm.

Iris bristles (I. setosa). Very frost-resistant species. Recommended even for the far north.

Iris low , or iris low (I. humilis) - low-growing iris height 15-20 cm. Flowers yellow or purple. Low iris blooms in May-June.

Iris ostrogodny (I. acutiloba). The flowers are yellowish-white, black-brown, with a brown network of veins, strokes and dots.

Japanese iris (I. japonica). Based on the size of the flower, Japanese irises are divided into small, medium, large and very large. Based on the shape of the flower, they are divided into simple, double, and double. According to the height of the stem - very short, short, medium, tall. By flowering time - very early, early, mid-blooming, late, very late. Japanese iris flowers are purple-violet, in different shades. Reach large sizes. Weakly winter-resistant.

Growing conditions

The iris plant prefers fertile soils. Most irises do not tolerate excess moisture and shading. Large doses of nitrogen cause plant diseases. Irises will grow best on loamy soil with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction (p-H 5-6).

Application

Since irises are very decorative, their use is wide. Irises are often planted near the shores of water bodies. They are also used to create monobeds - iris gardens. Dwarf iris and Russian iris are planted on, in. Irises look very beautiful in combination with lupins, poppies, peons, bristly phlox, sedum and saxifrage, as well as bulbous plants. However, it must be taken into account that irises are not very competitive; well-growing perennials easily suppress them. Contrasting color combinations of irises are good, for example, it is better to plant dark irises against a background of light flowers.

Irises produce a sustainable cut.

Planting and care

Before planting irises, the soil should be dug to a depth of at least 20 cm, humus, potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen should be added. Fresh manure can be applied only a year before planting irises.

The most favorable time for planting irises is middle lane Russia - end of August - beginning of September.

Caring for irises after transplantation consists of weeding, loosening the soil, fertilizing and watering.

Irises must be replanted periodically, otherwise individual parts of the rhizomes will be squeezed out to the surface, which will reduce the feeding area and the irises may stop blooming, the leaves will become small and the decorativeness will decrease. Therefore, irises are replanted every 3-5 years - garden irises and leafless iris, 6-8 years - Siberian iris, 8-10 years - yellow iris.

Some irises are covered for the winter.

Reproduction

Irises can be propagated by seeds and vegetatively. The seed method of propagating irises is used only through hybridization, so iris seeds are difficult to find. Irises bloom when propagated by seed for 2-3 years.

More widespread vegetative propagation irises is a simpler way that allows you to get flower stalks in the first year after planting. This is how both varietal irises and wild ones are propagated.

Iris divisions are planted shallowly, superficially, slightly inclined, so that the bud is at soil level and the upper part of the rhizome is not covered with soil. If the rhizomes are too deep during planting, the irises may not bloom, and there is also a risk of disease or death of the plant. Iris is divided and replanted 2-4 weeks after flowering. Irises bloom luxuriantly in the third year after planting. Iris seeds can be purchased at garden centers, or ordered by mail or online.

Diseases and pests

The most dangerous diseases of irises include wet root rot, caused by bacteria. The first symptoms of this disease are yellowing and drying of iris leaves in late spring. Then the disease affects the young shoots of irises, they grow weakly, turn yellow, turn brown and die.

Popular varieties

Garden varieties of irises are classified according to shape, size, flower color, height and flowering time. The most common is the division of iris varieties according to the height of the peduncle.

Low-growing irises are divided into two classes:

miniature dwarf bearded irises (peduncle height up to 25 cm);

standard dwarf (peduncle height 25-37 cm).

Medium-sized irises are divided into three classes:

early blooming irises (peduncle height 37-70 cm, flower diameter 7-12 mm);

miniature bearded irises (peduncle height 37-70 cm, flower diameter 5-7 mm);

border irises (peduncle height 37-70 cm, late flowering, flower diameter 7-12 mm).

All varieties of irises with a peduncle height above 70 cm and unlimited flower sizes are classified as standard tall bearded irises.

For cultivation in central Russia, the following varieties of irises of the Limniris group are recommended:

• white irises - 'Snowcrest',‘White Suprl’;

• blue-violet irises - ‘Tikkun’, 'Caesar', 'Emperor';

• blue irises - 'Cambridge', 'Mountain Lake'.

'New Snow'- white iris with a yellow beard, large, fragrant, late flowering.

'May Hall'. Single-color, soft pink, large-flowered, fragrant, medium height.

‘Winner’s Sack’. A single-colored iris of dark purple color with a white spot under a blue beard. Blooms profusely every year.

'Irish Dream'. A single-color, light lemon-yellow variety with a bright yellow beard.

'Merion Made'. Single color light blue with a slightly purple tint with a yellow beard. Very large flowers. Looks beautiful in the garden and in a bouquet.

Irises or (iris) are perennial flowers that suit absolutely everyone. Iris is one of the hardiest perennial flowers. Iris is one of the most beautiful flowers at the moment.

If you take a closer look at these beautiful perennial flowers for the garden for just one minute, you will see all the abundance of colors, their play and combination even in simple varieties: pink and red, blue, yellow and even green. Black and red iris are also rarely found. There is also white iris. There is only gray and steel. When is it in front of you good variety flower, you will understand immediately that it is very different from the previous ones.

Bearded irises have been known in folk culture for three thousand years. They were depicted on many coats of arms of kings in Europe: Florence and France. In Egypt, this iris flower was a symbol of eloquence and was considered magical. In modern symbolism, the iris flower is a symbol of peace and tranquility.

Just their smell is mesmerizing! Each flower has its own unique scent. There are varieties that smell like lilies or like lilies of the valley, like violets.

Planting iris flowers in the ground is done practically all year round. When buying them in late autumn or winter, you do not have the risk of losing the plant, and even win. In this case, they need to be planted in a pot and placed on the windowsill.

By spring it will be very good plant. You can also buy irises and plant them in April, at this time the bulk of the plants are planted, then there will be four months left until autumn. Well, if in December, then eight months.

Description of iris

About 250 species of irises are known. This is a perennial herbaceous rhizomatous plant. It has two types of shoots - generative and vegetative. Vegetative shoots of irises are perennial, underground rhizomes, completely immersed in the ground or located on the surface of the earth, consisting of different annual links with bunches of leaves.

At the lower surface of the root, thread-like or cord-like, adventitious fibrous roots develop. As well as generative shoots (aka flower stalks) - annual, single or several pieces.

The leaves are xiphoid, two-row, flat, sometimes linear, thin, with a waxy coating, collected mostly at the base of peculiar peduncles in fan-shaped bunches.

There are few or no stem leaves. The flower is large, simple, with six petal-shaped perianth lobes. The three outer lobes are slightly lowered. Iris flowers bloom from about May to July.

The flowers last from about one to five days, in the inflorescence they open from top to bottom, and from 1 to 5 flowers bloom at the same time.

Types and varieties of iris

Different varieties and species have different frost resistance. For example, Japanese irises generally prefer warmth, and if the plants are grown in northern regions, then normal iris growth and flowering will occur only in a warm room. The Siberian variety of iris is frost-resistant, and the bearded variety is intermediate.

It is necessary that the soil is mechanical in composition, well drained, moist and fertile. When observing a large amount of moisture, it is highly recommended to make a small groove to drain excess water. Before digging up heavy soils, you need to add garden soil, organic fertilizers or sand.

Fertilizer or garden soil needs about five liters per square meter. If neutralization is needed, then bone meal is best, especially since Siberian iris species do not tolerate lime well.

Propagation of perennial flowers is carried out by dividing their rhizomes, as well as parts of rhizomes that have buds. The time of plant division is somewhere in late summer or early autumn after four years of irises growing in one place.

If you do not do this procedure, the iris will stop blooming, because 4.5 years after planting, flower buds on the root stop forming. Therefore, for good flowering, you need to divide the rhizome or remove its upper part.

The easiest way to divide the rhizome is to form annual flower links with a small bunch of their leaves in the shape of a fan. Each individual annual link must be divided into pieces with buds.

Then they must be left in a dry and warm room for about two days so that the flower cuts form protective wound tissue. You can also sprinkle the cuts with crushed coal.

Rooting of pieces with buds and rhizomes occurs in winter time years in boxes that are located indoors. Rhizomes dug up in advance in the fall will need to be stored in a cool, dark place.

In the spring, as well as in the summer after the iris blooms, during strong root growth, rooted pieces with a bud and individual plant links with a blade of leaves can be planted in a permanent place.

It should be borne in mind that if the roots are planted in the spring, then they need to be cut in advance so that the root length is 8-10 cm, and when planting in autumn or summer, the roots need to be cut by about two-thirds of the size.

Since waiting 5 years seems to be quite difficult for many, seed propagation can be used for perennial irises. But each variety and type of iris has its own characteristics.

For example, Siberian and Japanese irises, which can be grown without much difficulty with seeds, while bearded irises are the most difficult, since their seeds have a dense cover, and plant seedlings begin to appear only after 2-3 years.

Scientists think that seed propagation would be better used during breeding work, because it does not produce the required growth.

Iris care

During the growing season, plants need to be fed mineral fertilizers. The composition of a complete mineral fertilizer includes potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen. Fertilizer for iris is applied in equal parts in three doses. First, fertilizing should be done when the shoots just begin to appear above the ground.

The second time, fertilizers for irises are applied a month after the first, and the third feeding is carried out after the flowers bloom. However, another option is also used. Phosphorus and nitrogen are added during the first fertilization, during the second all other elements are added, and in the third period phosphorus and potassium are added.

During the growing season, it is necessary to add 9 grams of potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus per square meter. It is necessary to take into account that fertilizing is applied only in liquid form, because the rhizomes of iris are superficial.

Growing irises

Growing perennial flowers does not cause any great difficulties for either professionals or amateurs. Irises take root well and grow in soils with a slightly acidic or neutral reaction. The best acidity of the substrate for iris is pH 6.8, but the plants are tolerant in this regard. If the soil is highly acidic, perennial irises will grow well, but will not bloom.

To change the pH of the soil in your area, you can use lime, chalk, wood ash, dolomite flour; they neutralize acidic soil. To improve the soil structure, sand and peat are usually added.

Before planting perennial irises, the area allocated for flowers must be dug up with a bayonet and the roots of existing weeds removed. Fertilizing the soil with manure when planting irises is not recommended because it can cause rotting of the roots.

When planting in the ground, the rhizomes of perennial irises should not be buried. Irises can tolerate any drought and heat. But with regular good watering during spring, the perennial iris becomes larger. To improve its decorative qualities, iris is planted in partial shade.

Iris, or iris, is a perennial plant that is considered very popular among gardeners. In terms of flower beauty and grace, the iris can easily compete with many other plants. Irises are also valued because, after blooming, they remain decorative due to their beautiful foliage. Iris plants decorate the garden almost all season. Our article will tell you about the features of growing irises in the garden.

Iris is a miracle from the East. © mygreenhand

Botanical description of irises

Iris (Iris), or Kasatik - a genus of perennial rhizomatous plants of the family Kasatikovy, or Iris ( Iridaceae). Homeland - Japan. Irises are found on all continents. The genus includes about 800 species with a rich variety of shapes and shades. This is why it got its name (Greek ἶρῐς - rainbow).

Iris stems are single or in bunches, simple or branched. The leaves are flat, sword-shaped, collected mostly at the base of the stem. The root system is located in the upper arable layer. The flowers are solitary or in inflorescences, and in some species they are slightly fragrant.

Iris flowers are very unique: they have no sepals or petals. The shape of the flower is close to the structure of an orchid. The perianth is tubular, with a six-parted limb. The bases of the petals grow together into a tube containing nectar.

In central Russia, irises bloom from late May to July. Irises are characterized by high winter hardiness, they are unpretentious to the soil, but do not tolerate very moist soil, so it is better to plant them on slopes. Flowers are grown in one place for up to seven years.

Choosing a place and soil for irises

Irises are quite light-loving; when they fall into the shade, they stop blooming. Plant irises in a sunny place. The plants are winter-hardy and dry-loving; severe waterlogging of the soil is detrimental to them. Many tall and large-flowered irises are tied up, as they break from the wind. The soils are light, neutral, not oversaturated with organic fertilizers and without fresh manure.

The soil for irises is prepared about a week before planting. The area is dug up to the depth of a bayonet shovel, then 8-10 kg of humus is added. Mineral fertilizers include 3 tablespoons of simple superphosphate and 2 cups of wood ash. If the soils are acidic, add 1 cup of dolomite flour. Using a rake, fertilizer is planted to a depth of 10-12 cm and spilled. Planting time is immediately after dividing the bush in the second half of July, after the end of flowering of the irises.

Iris propagation

It is sometimes indicated that irises are propagated by roots. In this case, the two are completely confused various organ: roots and rhizomes. The roots of irises are unable to regenerate, that is, restore the whole plant from a part. Therefore, they are not suitable for reproduction.

Some gardening practitioners believe that irises can be propagated by leaves. This is also incorrect. An iris leaf, separated from the rhizome, even under optimal conditions for root formation (in special greenhouses), does not form roots and gradually dies.

It’s another matter when a so-called “blade” (a division of iris) is planted in the ground, which is a shortened bunch of basal leaves with part of the rhizome. Thanks to the presence of a piece of rhizome, such a blade, under suitable conditions, quickly takes root and turns into a new plant. This means that irises can be propagated vegetatively only by rhizomes, which consist of individual thickened links - shortened underground annual shoots.

Iris are best divided every three years. You can divide in early spring. Using a sharp knife, a well-developed bush is divided into several parts, each of which contains a well-developed rosette of leaves. The cut areas are sprinkled with dry charcoal. Roots and leaves are shortened by half.

Each part can be represented by one, two or three annual units. The old links are thrown away.

Iris cuttings are disinfected for 30 minutes in a Khoma solution (80 g per 10 liters of water), which kills pathogens. After this, the division is dried in the sun for 2-3 days. The sections are sprinkled with crushed coal. The “spatulas” are planted shallowly, superficially, slightly inclined, so that the bud is at soil level. The upper part of the rhizome should not be covered with soil.

If the rhizomes are too deep during planting, this may cause non-flowering, as well as disease or death of the plant. Irises bloom luxuriantly in the third year after planting.

After planting, the plants are watered. It is advisable to water irises during the flowering period. They do this in the evening, protecting the flowers from water. Periodically loosen the soil and remove weeds.

Irises that grow without replanting for 5-6 years stop blooming, as the soil becomes depleted and compacted, heavily overgrown rhizomes begin to crowd each other, intertwine, interfere normal growth neighboring ones.

Later, August-September cuttings of iris rhizomes produce a large percentage of plants that bloom in the first year after planting. During June-July cuttings, when the flower is not yet formed in the terminal buds, the percentage of flowering plants drops sharply.

The easiest way to propagate iris is by dividing the rhizomes. © Little House in the Suburbs

Bud method of reproduction

When propagating valuable varieties of irises, the “bud” method is used. In this case, the annual link is cut into 6-8 parts so that each one contains a bud. If a piece of rhizome weighing 0.5 g remains with the bud, then even such a bud, planted in a pot or picking box, under suitable conditions of temperature and humidity, will develop into an independent plant. At good care it can bloom in the second year. The largest number of cuttings is obtained from the lateral buds.

Plants developing from terminal buds also bloom in the first year of the growing season, which is undesirable, as this weakens them.

Hybrid iris can be propagated by parts of rhizomes with a bud at any time of the growing season, and if there are greenhouses and rhizomes harvested in the fall - at any time of the year.

However, for most hybrid iris varieties best time For transplanting and dividing bushes, the second half of summer is the beginning of autumn. Late planting is dangerous on heavy, poorly structured soils, since in early spring, insufficiently rooted plants are squeezed onto its surface when the soil freezes and thaws.

It should be remembered that the method of bud propagation justifies itself in cases where in the shortest possible time it is necessary to obtain more plants from a small number of mother bushes. In all other cases, it is better to propagate iris by dividing the bush.

Under production conditions, pieces of iris rhizomes with buds are planted to a depth of 3-5 cm in the furrows of the ridges. For transplanted plants, the foliage and roots are shortened by at least a third of their length.

The optimal depth for planting iris rhizomes should be 1.5-2 times their diameter. 25-30 cm are left between plants in a row, and 45-50 cm between rows. With this planting, the plants in the row quickly close together and form continuous lines, separated from each other by row spacing. This makes it easier to care for the soil, apply fertilizers and reduce shading of plants. After planting, the plants are watered abundantly, for which a small depression is made around them. When the water is absorbed into the soil and its surface dries out slightly, the hole is loosened and mulched to make the bed look tidier; the leaves of the plants are turned in one direction when planting. In this case, the plane is directed across the ridges.

When dividing the bushes and transplanting them to a new place, hybrid iris varieties gain strength in the first year, bloom profusely in the second and third years, and then, as they thicken, they gradually reduce their decorative value.

Caring for irises

The plants are fed with mineral fertilizers 2-3 times per season. The first feeding is carried out at the beginning of growth: dilute 1 tbsp in 10 liters of water. spoon and potassium sulfate, consuming 5 liters of solution per 1 m2.

The second feeding of irises is carried out at the beginning of budding: dilute 1 tbsp in 10 liters of water. spoon of Agri-Cola for flowering plants, potassium sulfate. Before feeding irises, add up to 1 cup.

The third feeding of irises is carried out 10-15 days after flowering: dilute 1 tbsp in 10 liters of water. spoon, Agricola-7, organic fertilizer Effekton-DC. Use up to 5 liters of solution per 1 m2.

Fertilizing is carried out on moist soil with loosening and only in the first half of summer.

With the onset of the first frost, the foliage of irises is cut in half, as when planting. When yellow leaves they are cut off. After flowering, the peduncle is broken off at the base. Before winter, when the first frost occurs, the plantings are covered with a 10 cm layer of peat; in the spring it must be raked.

Diseases and pests of irises

Iris and winter cutworms

These are dangerous pests of bearded and especially Siberian irises. At the beginning of the growing season, cutworm caterpillars (Hydraecia micacea) eat away the bases of flower stalks, which turn yellow and die. They are not able to “cut off” the powerful peduncles of tall bearded irises, but the damage they cause is sufficient for the peduncles to be blown over by the wind.

In addition, the caterpillars can also damage rhizomes (the cutworm (Helotropha leucostigma) and the fall armyworm (Agrotis segetum)), which are then easily affected by bacterial rot. In dry summers, iris plantings are more affected by armyworms.

Control measures: At the beginning of the growing season, spray twice (with an interval of 7 days) with a 10% solution of karbofos.

Gladiolus thrips

This insect, barely visible to the naked eye, causes significant harm. The length of its tiny body is 1-1.5 mm. Thrips settles in tightly compressed leaf sheaths of irises. The affected leaf turns brown, dries, and becomes covered with brown crusts. In such leaves, photosynthesis is disrupted, which has a detrimental effect on the development of the entire plant, the formation of peduncles and flowers.

Control measures: Affected plants are sprayed twice with a 10% solution of karbofos with an interval of 7 days. You can use tobacco infusion for spraying: leave 400 g of shag in 10 liters of water for two days, strain, add 40 g of laundry or green soap.

Medvedka

The mole cricket in southern Russia poses a serious threat to irises. Adult insect it reaches 3.5-5 cm in length. It has wings, strong movable horny jaws, strong front claws equipped with a toothed file, with which the mole cricket cuts the soil, and with it rhizomes, roots, and bulbs. The pest easily travels underground, swims quickly in water and even flies through the air. Crawling out to the surface of the ground, it moves quite quickly. The insect’s “uniform” is durable and waterproof. The pest is endowed with a very subtle sense of smell.

Control measures:

1. Collect more eggshells over the winter and grind them into powder. In the spring, when planting, moisten the powder with vegetable oil for scent and place one teaspoon into the holes. The mole cricket, having tasted the bait, dies.
2. Fill the pest's excavations with soapy water (4 tablespoons of washing powder per bucket of water). The mole cricket either dies underground or comes to the surface, where it is easy to collect and destroy.
3. If you plant marigolds along the borders of the plot, this will block the mole cricket’s access to your garden from the neighboring territory.
4. You can get rid of mole crickets using an infusion of chicken droppings, watering the ground with it in dry weather.

Slugs

Slugs primarily damage the more delicate central leaves of the leaf bunch. When pests accumulate in large numbers, they also damage other leaves. Of all types of irises, bearded ones are preferred. Slugs can contribute to the spread of bacteriosis. Slugs eagerly eat leaf bunches that have fallen to the ground and are affected by bacteriosis. Then crawling onto healthy plants, the slugs spread the causative agent of this disease.

Control measures: Burdock leaves or wet rags are placed between the plants to serve as shelter. The pests are then collected and destroyed. You can use tobacco (shag) dust (4 g/m2), superphosphate (35 g/m2). Granular metaldehyde is a very good way to combat slugs. Granules are scattered in dry, warm weather in the evening or early in the morning between plants (30-40 g per 10 m2).

May Khrushchev

Khrushchev larvae gnaw the roots and rhizomes of irises. The larvae grow for several years in the soil. They can be found in large quantities in organic residues and manure. Before applying manure to the soil, it must be sifted through a sieve with a selection of larvae and their subsequent destruction.

Wireworm (click beetle)

The beetle larvae damage the rhizomes of irises, eating holes and passages in them, in which bacteria and fungi settle, and the plant may die over time. The click beetle has a small, elongated black body; striped specimens are also found. The larvae are narrow, long, consisting of segments, with a very dense shell of yellow or Brown. During the winter they penetrate deep into the soil, and in the spring, as the soil warms up, they rise upward. Deep digging of the soil helps destroy the larvae and the beetles themselves.

To combat insect pests, you can also use infusions of insecticidal plants:

• Red hot peppers (100 g of cut fresh pods or 50 g of dry ones) are poured into 1 liter of water and boiled for 1 hour, then kept for two days, after which the broth is filtered and sprayed on the plants at the rate of 100 g of infusion per 10 liters of water with the addition of 40 g of green soap
• You can also use pyrethrum - pollinate the plants with powder or leave 100-200 g of powder in 10 liters of water for 10 hours and spray with this solution.

When using insecticidal plants, just as when working with pesticides, you must follow the rules of personal hygiene: protect your mouth and nose with a respirator, wash your hands thoroughly after handling.

Bacteriosis, or soft rot of rhizomes

The most dangerous disease irises - bacteriosis, or soft rot of rhizomes. The causative agent of the disease is the bacterium Erwinia aroidea, or Pseudomonas iridis. Sick plants are stunted during the growing season. Their leaves turn brown and, starting from the tips, dry out. The affected fan of leaves tilts, the leaves are easily pulled out of it, and it eventually falls to the ground. The affected stem bases produce bad smell. Rot spreads to the inside of the rhizome, which is completely destroyed, turning into a white, mushy, foul-smelling mass. The plant dies. The rhizome shell remains intact.

Control measures: In the fight against bacterial rot, diseased plants are discarded. When transplanting, the affected areas of the rhizomes are cut out with a sharp knife to healthy tissue and sprinkled with crushed coal. Before planting, rhizomes are pickled in a 0.5% solution of potassium permanganate for 30 minutes or in suspensions of captap (0.2-0.5%) for an hour. Rhizomes should be protected from freezing and mechanical damage. It is important to destroy insects that carry the disease. It is important to observe cultural rotation with the irises returning to their original place after 4-5 years.

We are waiting for your advice on growing this wonderful flower, as well as on controlling iris pests!

These exquisite flowers, which people affectionately call iris or cockerels, have been known since ancient times and are widely distributed throughout the world. In appearance, they look a little like orchids and can be painted in a variety of colors.

Currently, there are more than eight hundred varieties of this flower. All of them differ in the size and shades of satin petals, the grace of inflorescences, sharp leaves and buds. Irises never leave the flower Olympus; florists widely use them to create original floral gifts.

Surely our readers have received such bouquets. However, not everyone knows Irises are shrouded in many legends, some of which we will tell you today.

Legends about irises

As legend has it, the iris bloomed for the first time on Earth. several million years ago. The flower was so beautiful that not only birds, insects and animals came to admire its beauty, but also the wind and water, which spread the ripened iris seeds throughout the earth. And when the sprouted seeds bloomed, the iris became man's favorite plant.

There is a version that Florence was named this way by the Romans because a huge number of irises grew around this ancient settlement. city ​​names with Latin language in Russian it sounds like “blooming”. Today, the Florentine iris adorns the city's coat of arms.

Since ancient times, people have been interested in the meaning of flowers. Irises in Ancient Greece are associated with the legend that has survived to this day that these flowers owe their name to Hippocrates himself. The great Aesculapius gave the name to the plant in honor of the goddess Iris. She brought the will of the gods to people, descending from Olympus to earth along the rainbow. "Iris" is translated from ancient Greek language like "rainbow".

Interestingly, in Japanese the words “warrior spirit” and “iris” are denoted by the same hieroglyph. On Boys' Day, which is celebrated annually on May 5, the people of Japan ritually admire these amazing flowers in iris gardens (hanami), where they are grown in water. On this day you can see iris on all household items. The meaning of the flower here is associated with courage and bravery.

On the boys' holiday, a “magic” talisman is prepared from these flowers, which instills courage in the soul of the young man. According to the Japanese, iris leaves, similar in shape to swords, should awaken strength and courage in a boy. In the old days, on Hanami Day, the Japanese made a drink from orange and iris flowers, which they called May pearls. Everyone who used it got rid of many serious diseases.

Nevertheless, this flower represents a completely peaceful iris family, which belongs to the asparagus family from the class of monocots, and behind the feigned restraint and even severity hides a tranquility that is so attractive to many. This explains another meaning of flowers. In Christianity, irises are associated with the suffering of Christ, which became the reason for their cultivation in cathedrals and monasteries.

And another beautiful legend about the iris. Once upon a time, after a heavy rainfall, the sky was painted with a rainbow. But, to the surprise of people, it did not disappear, as always happened, but crumbled into tiny particles that fell to the ground. Very soon, in the places where the fragments of the rainbow fell, luxurious flowers, previously unseen on Earth, grew. These were irises, which even today give us their unearthly beauty, grace and delicate aroma.

Types of irises

The genus Iris consists of 800 species known today. In floriculture, bearded specimens are especially popular, valued by gardeners for their variety of colors and original shape. They look great in independent bouquets, as well as in compositions with other plants.

In the scientific world, these flowers have a complex classification, which consists of several levels, but for the average amateur gardener, the decisive argument when choosing a variety is the flower shape and color scheme. Miniature and table, aryle-like and non-aryle-like, small-flowered and dwarf, tall and short - it is really difficult to understand all this variety of species. Therefore, in this article we will focus on bearded irises, which are especially popular among gardeners.

Iris: description, meaning of the flower

This plant belongs to the group of rhizomes. Annual flower stalks have six petals. Three of them are located outside and three more are located inside. The first ones are turned down and located horizontally, the second ones are vertically located and rolled into a tube. Most varieties resemble orchids. The color of the outer and inner flowers can be different. This gives the plant charm.

The leaves resemble those of gladioli: sword-shaped, flat, collected at the base of the stem. Their color can vary from lemon yellow to blue-green. Irises can have single or grouped peduncles. The height of the plants ranges from 20 cm to 120 cm, on which up to seven buds bloom.

Where do irises grow?

Under natural conditions, iris grows in clearings and forest edges, in well-lit areas. In the garden it is better to plant it on sunny side, away from trees: iris does not tolerate close contact with the roots of powerful plants.

Iris flowers

Irises do not bloom for long. The flower sizes vary - from 8 to 15 cm in diameter. The original shape of the flowers is almost as beautiful as exquisite orchids.

In reality, the iris has no petals. What many think of as the petals is actually a perianth divided into six lobes. Alternately concave and concave lobes can be of different colors: from white to velvety black, bordered or with contrasting central lobes, plain. The perianth edges range from straight to semi-double.

The meaning of iris is interesting. This amazing language originated in the East. Women, raised in the strictest Muslim traditions, often could not speak when they wanted to. For this reason, they began to use flowers to convey their mood.

For example, in Ancient Egypt, the flower became a symbol of eloquence, in Babylon - the strength and power of royal power. Today in our country, the iris is associated with wisdom and trust, hope and faith, as well as fearlessness. The flower located at the top of the bouquet means work, at the bottom - the kingdom.

Irises: the meaning of the flower (Feng Shui)

The meaning of irises according to the teachings of Feng Shui is quite diverse. The main thing is life that knows no old age, eternal youth. In addition, they are a symbol of hope and faith. That is why these flowers perfectly harmonize the space in the living room where the family gathers.

The iris is the favorite flower of French monarchs. Louis XIV was the first European ruler to introduce the art of feng shui into the country's palaces and parks. The blue color of the iris is the color of concentration. It helps in achieving high goals and aspirations. If you dream of doing great things, then you should have a blue iris. In addition, it helps you to be more collected and focused.

To whom and when should I give irises?

Since today many are interested in floristry, the question often arises : “What are irises given for?” Meaning of colors allows you to use these in men's and children's bouquets, as well as as a complement and bright accent in women's compositions. Bouquet of irises will be a wonderful gift for a friend.

According to the flower horoscope, iris patronizes those born in February. These flowers will be appropriate as a gift to loved ones and friends. They will convey warmth and kind attitude to people close and dear to you. The color of the iris also matters. For example, it means purity. Orange is fun and joyful and can lift your spirits. Pink is perceived as a symbol of tenderness and love.

In some cases, the iris symbolizes innocence. There are many positive comparisons and associations associated with this flower, so it is suitable as a gift for any occasion - a birthday, wedding anniversary or simply as a token of attention on a nice clear day.

What flowers go with irises?

The following compositions are very popular today:

• field flowers - bouquet with iris, chamomile;
• springtime - iris with lisianthus, alstroemeria and birch branches;
• VIP bouquet - iris, longi lily, hydrangea, lisianthus and delphinium;
• classic - irises, santini and alstroemeria.

In this article we tried to briefly describe to you the meaning of flowers. Irises are truly unique plants that can be chosen for any occasion.