Noble iris: cultivation, care, reproduction. Legendary flower iris (iris) Iris from a flower bed 7 letters crossword puzzle

Iris (Iris) is a genus of herbaceous perennial rhizomatous plants belonging to the iris family. There are many species (over 700), which include thousands of varieties of irises. According to the European classification, bulbous irises are also included in this genus, but Russian botanists have separated them into independent genera (Juno, Xyphium, Iridodictum), so we will not talk about them in the article.

The leaves of irises are flat, wide, sword-shaped, in some species they are narrow, most are basal and collected in a fan-shaped bunch. Their surface is glossy or matte in various shades of green. The flowers are single or collected in inflorescences, have 6 perianth lobes - 3 outer ones are turned downwards, and 3 inner ones are curved and directed upwards. The lower petals differ from the upper ones in color. According to the flowering periods, there are early, middle and late - from the end of May to August.

Classification

Considering the shape and color of the flower, the height of the plant and the width of its leaves, irises are classified into different sections, namely: bearded, beardless or limniris and section xyridion.

Bearded

Bearded - have growths (fluffy hairs) on downwardly bent pubescent petals, associated with a beard (hence the name). They are mainly obtained from crossing various wild species. This is the most large group.

Iris flowers come in all colors

Based on the height of the peduncles, they are divided into:

Low-growing or dwarf plants - plants no higher than 40-50cm:
1. Miniature dwarfs - no higher than 20cm, ideal for rock gardens;
2. Standard dwarfs - from 20 to 50 cm in height, grow well. In two years, a plant can have 10 or more flower stalks;

Medium-sized - their height ranges from 50 to 70cm:
1. interlude irises - with a flower diameter from 7 to 10-12 cm;
2. border irises have flowers measuring 7-12cm in diameter;
3. miniature tall irises - the size of the flowers of these varieties is 5-8 cm in diameter.
Tall - plants taller than 70 cm. A very popular group, including more than a hundred varieties, has another name: German iris.

Flowers can be white, blue, pink, yellow, violet and blue, single-color, bi-color or multi-color, with a border or iridescent color.

Beardless

Beardless irises have thin, short-branched rhizomes. There are no beards on the perianth petals, and the leaves are narrow-xiphoid and flat. Flowers of all types of the Limniris section are scentless. They are also classified into groups depending on their place of origin or some special characteristics.

Siberian iris, up to 1 meter high and higher, is frost-resistant and unpretentious. The flowers are mostly shades of blue and purple. The leaves are narrow and green. Little susceptible to disease.
Japanese iris (other names are xiphoid iris, Kaempfer's iris) are distinguished by large flowers from 15 to 25 cm in diameter. The flower can be either simple in shape or double (multi-petaled), in various shades of purple. Unfortunately, it does not winter well in our latitudes and cannot tolerate severe frosts.
Swamp iris (other names yellow iris, calamus iris) – up to 120 cm high. Golden-yellow flowers with brown streaks. Heat-loving species. Grows quickly, blooms in June-July. Grows exclusively in damp places

Swamp iris

Xyridion

Xyridion - section includes 20 species of irises and more than 600 varieties, a less common and little-known group in our country. Based on the name of the most common species, it is also called Iris spuria. Long lasting plants with original and unusual flowers, different colors. The flowers of these irises are almost impossible to confuse with other species; they have the narrowest petals. Tolerates both drought and frost well. Feature Spuria irises - they do not like transplanting and bloom for a long time in one place. Based on height, they are divided into short, medium and tall.

Iris spuria

Photo gallery of species

Landing

You can plant from spring to autumn. Optimal time for dividing and replanting - a couple of weeks after flowering. The soil for planting iris needs to be light and well-drained. The soil is loamy with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction. It is advisable to replant irises every 3-5 years. Siberian irises need to be replanted every 10 years to prevent them from degenerating. Bearded irises are best planted in sunny areas with good drainage. Swamp irises grow best in moist soils.

Before landing very long roots it is necessary to shorten and remove rotting sections of the rhizome. For disinfection, you can soak it in a solution of potassium permanganate for 20-25 minutes, then dry it.

Bearded irises are planted in a shallow hole on a hill of sand, the roots are straightened and covered with an earthen mixture without deepening the rhizome. When planting, beardless irises need to be slightly deepened and mulched with pine needles. Planting is carried out at a distance of 30-40 cm between dwarf irises up to 80 cm between tall irises.

Planting iris cuttings

Care

Care when growing iris mainly comes down to timely weeding and loosening, watering and fertilizing. Weeding is best done by hand, since the root system of the plant is too close to the surface of the soil and can be damaged with a hoe.

Watering. Irises are drought-resistant plants and can survive without water for a long time. But to increase the flowering period, regular watering is necessary, especially during budding and flowering. After flowering, watering should be reduced.

Feeding. Periodically, irises need to be fed. Nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer is fed during the growing season and after flowering. Complex - during the period of bud formation. It is not recommended to apply fertilizers during flowering. You can use compost and humus, but not manure.

Before the onset of cold weather, iris rhizomes emerging to the soil surface must be sprinkled with earth or peat.

Reproduction

Irises are propagated by dividing the bush. It is best to divide in the spring before active growth or after flowering. It must first be watered, dug up from all sides with a pitchfork and removed. Wash the rhizomes and divide them into 1-2 year sections with a fan of leaves called a “spatula”. The rhizome should be cut with a sharp, disinfected knife on a hard surface. Shorten the roots, cut the leaves by 2/3. Plant the “spatula” in an inclined position, without deepening it, so that the rhizome with the bud is on the surface.

You can divide without disturbing the entire bush, but by digging on one side and cutting off part of the rhizome. The separated part of the rhizome is also divided into “scapulas”. And the remaining part in the ground is disinfected with ash and sprinkled with earth. In this way, you can not only propagate the plant, but also rejuvenate it.

When propagating irises, annual links are separated

Diseases and pests

Let's talk about diseases and pests of iris. One of the most dangerous diseases is bacteriosis or rot of rhizomes. The leaves turn brown and dry out, are easily pulled out of the fan and fall off. Rot covers the rhizome, it collapses and turns into a white mass covered with a shell. The iris plant is dying. Irises affected by bacteriosis are discarded. Damaged areas of the rhizome should be cut back to healthy tissue and sprinkled charcoal..

Gray rot - fungal disease. With high humidity, the leaves turn brown and rot, and a gray coating appears. Rot also spreads to the rhizome. Fungicides should be used when symptoms appear.

Heterosporiasis. Can be recognized by brown spots with a yellow border on the leaves. Diseased leaves should be cut off and burned. The plant must be treated with a solution copper sulfate or other fungicidal drug.

Iris affected by heterosporiosis

Of the pests, the most annoying are winter cutworms. During the winter, gray caterpillars burrow into the soil, and in the spring they crawl out, pupate and turn into butterflies that lay eggs on irises. After 1-2 weeks, the caterpillars emerge from the eggs again and eat up the flower stalks and leaves. To prevent these invasions, it is necessary to spray the plant with Aktelik in early May, according to the instructions, and when the caterpillars appear with Kinmiks.

In recent years, plants have often suffered from iris flies. It overwinters in the ground, emerges in the spring and lays eggs in unopened buds. The eggs hatch into larvae and eat the bud. Spraying can be carried out with preparations recommended for combating the Colorado potato beetle.

Mole crickets that gnaw the rhizomes are also dangerous for irises. The bronze beetle loves to feast on unopened buds. Gladiolus thrips deals great damage to hot weather.

Composition with irises

Use in landscape design

In our country there are a lot of lovers and connoisseurs of irises; probably, they can be seen in every second site. Suitable for slides dwarf varieties, marsh iris is often planted along the banks of artificial reservoirs. Irises of different heights and colors planted side by side look very impressive. Irises are appropriate in any composition; they can play as main role, and secondary.

Irises are flowers with the richest palette of possible shades, the undisputed dominants of flower beds and bouquets during the fertile time of spring flowing into summer.
The main thing a gardener needs to know about irises is that the flowers of the rainbow goddess Iris love warmth and light. Moisture control is especially important during the budding period (we water regularly and abundantly), the rest of the time we focus on drying out the soil near the roots.

How to make irises “spread” around the area beautifully?
How and why should irises be planted “on sand”?
What are the risks of deep planting of iris?
How to improve iris bushes that have turned yellow after flowering?

Let's figure it out together.

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Planting and caring for irises

Landing: species plants - by sowing seeds in open ground before winter or after stratifying the seed in the spring. Varietal varieties - by dividing the rhizomes and planting the divisions in the ground every 3-4 years after flowering.
Bloom: from May to mid-summer.
Lighting: bright sunlight in the morning.
Soil: fertile, drained, cultivated to a depth of 20 cm, composition – light or medium, neutral or slightly alkaline.
Watering: regular, sufficient, during the budding period – abundant.
Feeding: mineral complex fertilizers in liquid form before flowering. Do not feed during flowering. Do not use organics.
Reproduction: seed, vegetative (division of rhizomes).
Pests: gladiolus thrips, cutworms, aphids, onion root mites, onion hoverflies, stem, strawberry and root-knot nematodes, slugs, mole crickets, wireworms, beetles.
Diseases: bacteriosis, gray rot, fusarium.

Irises flowers - description

Irises are rhizomatous plants. Cord-like or thread-like roots grow on the rhizome. Peduncles (one or more) are annual. The leaves are flat, xiphoid, thin, two-rowed, sometimes linear, with a waxy coating. They are collected in fan-shaped bunches at the base of the peduncle, stem leaves almost none. Irises have solitary flowers, sometimes in small inflorescences, large, often fragrant, distinguished by an intricate, elegant shape and can be painted in a wide variety of colors and their combinations. The flower has six petals (actually these are perianth lobes). The three outer lobes are slightly turned downwards, and they usually differ in color from the upper lobes, which, fused at the bottom, form a tube. Irises bloom from May to July, two or three flowers bloom simultaneously for one to five days. The fruit of the iris is a three-lobed capsule.

Growing iris - features

Many lovers refuse to grow irises, believing that it is a very difficult process. In fact, growing irises is not at all tedious and not as labor-intensive as it seems. You just need to know some of the subtleties that distinguish caring for these beautiful flowers.

Firstly, The peculiarity of irises is that their rhizomes grow horizontally and often become bare when they reach the surface. Therefore, in winter, irises must be sprinkled with soil and peat so that they do not freeze. In spring, this covering is carefully removed.

Secondly, Irises love to move, and in one year they can shift their location to the side by several centimeters. To make the rows look straighter, irises should be planted with a fan of leaves along, rather than across, the row.

Thirdly, You need to plant bearded iris on sand: pour sand in a heap at the bottom of the hole and spread the iris root over it. If planted deeply, the iris will either disappear or not bloom.

Fourthly, Do not feed irises with organic fertilizers, they do not like them. Best view fertilizing - mineral fertilizers in liquid form.

When and where to plant irises

There is a generally accepted opinion that irises should be divided and replanted immediately after flowering so that they have time to set before winter. But if autumn is warm and long in your area, you can take your time with replanting. Actually, Irises can be planted in spring, autumn, and summer after flowering. The main thing is not to forget to replant irises every 3-4 years, and Siberian irises - at least once every ten years, otherwise they degenerate, grow and stop blooming.

In the photo: Growing irises in a flower bed

Bearded irises should be planted on well-lit slopes or hills in the first half of the day, protected from drafts, so that there is an outflow of melt water and good drainage. Swamp and Siberian irises, on the contrary, love moist soil. But both irises love rich soil, and if the soil on your site does not meet this requirement, add rich soil to the soil in the spring before planting. garden soil or compost, fertilize it with potassium-phosphorus fertilizers. If the soil is acidic, add dolomite flour, chalk or wood ash. If the area is loamy, add peat and sand; if, on the contrary, the area is sandy, add clay soil. To disinfect the area before planting, spray the area with a fungicide and treat it with herbicides against possible weeds.

Do not use manure to fertilize the area.

Planting irises in spring

Planting and caring for irises requires some knowledge, but not as much effort as it seems to novice gardeners. Planting material, if it has been stored over the winter or was purchased in a store, before planting it is better to treat it with growth stimulants such as Ecogel or Zircon. Long roots need to be carefully trimmed, rotten areas should be removed, and the root should be kept for disinfection for 20 minutes in a solution of potassium permanganate.

Irises are planted as follows: sand is poured into a shallow hole, a bearded iris rhizome is laid horizontally on top, the roots are straightened, covered with soil so that the upper part of the rhizome remains above the level, and watered well. If you bury the entire rhizome, you can cause it to rot. Beardless irises, on the contrary, you need to deepen it a few centimeters and, in addition, mulch it with fallen pine needles or peat to retain moisture. The distance between the irises should be at least half a meter.

In the photo: How to properly plant irises in open ground

Planting irises in autumn

Irises are planted in the spring in the same way as in the fall, or rather in late summer, namely after flowering. This usually occurs from August to the end of September, although the earlier you plant, seed or transplant irises, the more confident that they will take root. You need to dig up an iris bush with a pitchfork, divide it into annual links with a leaf blade, carefully shorten the cord-like roots, cut out damaged or rotten areas, disinfect it for a couple of hours in a dark pink solution of potassium permanganate, then dry it in the sun for 4-5 hours. Planting irises is carried out in a way already known to you. The distance between low-growing irises is 15 cm, medium-growing ones are 20 cm, tall ones are 50 cm.

In the photo: Planting irises in a flowerbed

Caring for irises

How to care for irises in the garden

Love of warmth and light is the main feature of irises. Regarding glaze, then it is important to strictly monitor the amount of moisture the plants receive precisely in the budding phase. At this time, watering should be regular and sufficient. In general, you need to water irises only when the soil near the roots becomes very dry.

Regarding feeding, then in most cases it will be sufficient to fertilize the soil during spring preparation of the site. But if you think that the plants need nutrition, then it is appropriate in the form of a solution of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers applied at the root during growth, but it is strictly forbidden to fertilize irises during flowering.

In the photo: Iris rhizome

You will have to fight weeds throughout the growing season. Weeding carried out manually, since the horizontally developing root system of irises is very close to the surface, and you can accidentally disturb it when working with a hoe. Occasionally, you still need to loosen the soil, but you need to do this very carefully, trying not to damage the roots. And one more thing: do not be lazy to remove wilted flowers, otherwise they can become a breeding ground for pests.

Diseases and pests of irises

The more graceful and variegated the variety of iris in the flowerbed, the higher the likelihood of it being affected by diseases and pests. The main condition for the health of your plants is compliance with all the rules of agricultural technology of the species. In addition, it is necessary to monitor the “well-being” of irises throughout the growing season in order to see the problem in time and be able to eliminate it.

If the plant is affected by fusarium or another type of rot, the delay in death is similar: you must immediately remove and destroy the diseased specimen and be sure to spill the rest of the irises along the roots and under the root with a two percent solution of Fundazol. Use this drug as a preventive treatment of rhizomes before planting, then the risk of disease will be reduced.

As preventive measure against all types of spots, spraying irises with a one percent solution of Bordeaux mixture is used.

In the photo: Iris is rotting

The most common pest that affects irises is cutworm, which eats away the base of flower stalks, causing them to turn yellow and die. To avoid this problem, at the beginning of the growing season you need to spray the irises with a ten percent solution of karbofos twice at weekly intervals.

They attack irises and gladiolus thrips, which disrupt photosynthesis in plant leaves, they become brown and dry out. Iris buds affected by thrips become ugly and discolored. The risk of thrips infection is especially high during dry summers. The problem can be eliminated with the help of Karbofos, as in the case of the scoop, or by spraying the plants with a strained ten-day infusion of 400 g of shag with the addition of 40 g of grated laundry soap.

Pests of irises can be slugs. To get rid of them, place wet rags or burdock leaves between the iris bushes, which the slugs use as shelter, then collect them together with the slugs and destroy them. There is another way to combat slugs: in dry weather, early in the morning or evening, scatter granular metaldehyde over the area at the rate of 30-40 g per 10 m2.

If you are not going to plant your irises this year, then it is best to cut off the flower stalks after flowering. If the leaves begin to turn yellow, you can cut off the yellowness by making the tip of the leaf semicircular - it looks very pretty, and your iris will still decorate the flowerbed, and its rhizome will grow nutrients for growth and flowering next year.

If the autumn is warm, irises may bloom a second time.

When the leaves finally wither, cut them at a height of 10-15 cm and burn them to destroy possible pest eggs or pathogens.

In the photo: Reproduction of irises by division

Before the onset of cold weather, sprinkle the bare roots of irises with soil, mulch the area with a layer of sand or peat 8-10 cm thick. If there is a possibility of severe or prolonged frosts, cover the area with dry leaves or spruce branches. If the winter is snowy, the irises will not need shelter.

If you bought or dug up bearded iris rhizomes in the fall and want to save them until spring, the most best place for their storage - cold dry room. Place the well-dried roots in a box and take them out to the balcony or loggia. You just need to first wrap each root in paper, cloth, or sprinkle them in a box with dry sawdust or dry peat.

In the photo: Preparing irises for storage

All other types of irises are moisture-loving, so the best way to preserve the iris root until spring is to plant it in a flowerpot, first cutting off the long roots, disinfecting it in a weak solution of potassium permanganate and drying it after that. The root is not immersed deeply in the ground, lightly sprinkled with earth on top. In the spring, the sprouted root, together with a lump of earth, is planted in the ground.

Types and varieties of irises

Bearded irises

Based on the shape of the flower, botanists divide root irises into bearded and non-bearded. Bearded irises, so called because of the shaggy hairs on the petals, have their own classification (tall, medium-sized, border, standard medium-sized, small-flowered medium-sized, linking medium-sized, standard dwarf, miniature dwarf, table, arylbred, aryl and arylbred, non-aryl-like arylbred, aryl and aryl-like arylbreds). But this classification is for scientists; for amateur flower growers, they are all just bearded irises of different sizes.

In the photo: Bearded irises

In cultivation, there are hundreds of varieties of tall bearded iris, which also exists under the name German iris. German iris is the most common type of bearded iris. Here are some popular varieties that will decorate any garden:

Baltic Sea– highly corrugated irises of deep blue color with blue beards;
Bewilderbest– corrugated cream-burgundy-red with stripes and strokes of yellow and white;
Acoma– sky blue-ivory with lavender border, very popular among Americans.

German iris (Iris germanica)

Non-bearded irises

The generic name is conditional, include the following types: Siberian iris, Japanese iris, iris spuria, Louisiana iris, Californian iris, marsh iris and other irises (specific and interspecific). We will tell you about the most popular species in our latitudes:

Siberian iris (Iris sibirica)

Whose natural color varies from blue to dark purple, although today about 1000 varieties with different colors have already been bred, for example:

white irises Snow Queen;
Imperial Opal 80 cm high, pink lavender color, flowers up to 10 cm in diameter;
yellow iris with white border Batts and Suga.

There is only one drawback - Siberian iris lacks aroma.

In the photo: Siberian iris (Iris sibirica)

Iris – ornamental plant, representative of the Kasatikov family. Scientists consider Asia to be the birthplace of this flower. Iris is also found in Europe and North America.

Irises are considered one of the most beautiful and common flowers. They can be found in flower beds, city parks, and summer cottages. The plant is an erect stem with green flat leaves and big flowers different shades (see photo). Iris flowers will not only decorate any flower bed, but will also help fight certain diseases. This plant is also used in cooking to create amazingly delicious dessert dishes.

The flower got its name thanks to its variegated flowers, because iris is translated as “rainbow”. The plant was named by Hippocrates in honor of the goddess of the rainbow, Iris. According to one legend, when Prometheus gave fire to people, a rainbow appeared: nature was so happy about this event. The rainbow could be observed all day, and when it disappeared in the morning, people noticed that amazing flowers bloomed all over the earth, which resembled a rainbow in their appearance. There is also an ancient belief that millions of years ago, when the iris first bloomed, the plant turned out to be so amazing that not only animals and birds, but also natural elements came to see this beauty. Having admired the flower, the wind carried its seeds throughout the earth so that the iris could be admired everywhere. The Romans also named Florence after irises, because in translation its name means “blooming” (in those days there were a lot of irises growing in this Etruscan settlement).

Our ancestors considered iris a powerful aphrodisiac: the powder from its rhizome allegedly caused sexual desire in both men and women. People found the aroma of iris very exciting and motivating for a loving pastime.

Growing irises

You can grow irises in your summer cottage. This plant does not require special care. The flower prefers sunny areas and fertile soil.

Irises have some growing characteristics. One of them is that the rhizomes of the plant grow horizontally and may end up on the surface during the growth process. Due to this It is recommended to sprinkle the roots with peat or soil in the winter so that they do not freeze. At the same time Do not plant the plant too deep. Of course, this will not kill the iris, but it will not bloom either.

Flower care consists of regular watering and fertilizing (mineral fertilizers are suitable for the latter).

Collection and storage

The collection of irises is carried out in the second year of the plant's life. The rhizome is dug up in August. To begin with, it is thoroughly washed and dried under sun rays or in dryers. The collected raw materials should be stored in a cool place. The root contains 0.2-0.7% iris essential oil. To obtain the oil, the flowers of the plant are also collected, which are then processed by extraction.

Medicinal properties

The healing properties of irises are determined by the chemical composition of the plants. Their rhizomes contain valuable essential oil, which is used in perfumery, cosmetology, and medicine. They also found in the composition ascorbic acid, sugar, essential oil, flavonoids, carotenoids, fatty oils, tannins and glycosides. Iris leaves contain a large dose of vitamin C, which protects cells from premature aging, acting as an antioxidant, and also improves the body's defenses.

In cosmetology, iris extract is used to care for the skin of the face and head. The plant has powerful regenerating properties, which allows it to be used as an active ingredient in cosmetics care for sensitive skin. Iris essential oil has a delicate, slightly sweet aroma and yellowish-brown color. In aromatherapy, essential oil is used externally to relax, relieve tension, and relieve pain. Iris oil is widely used in the production of perfumes and colognes. The crushed rhizome can be used instead of cosmetic powder. It is also added to tooth powders.

Iris is used for cooking eye drops. Drops have a pronounced bactericidal effect, kill bacteria(even Pseudomonas aeruginosa). They can be used for conjunctivitis and corneal lesions. The product is widely used to treat keratitis, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and iridocyclitis in domestic animals - dogs and cats.

Iris seeds have found their use in flavoring some alcoholic beverages. They are also used instead of coffee beans.

In India, this plant is known as an astringent.

Iris can be given to small children to chew when they are teething.

Use in cooking

In cooking, iris has found application in the preparation of certain dishes. The flower is a great spice to add to your recipe. confectionery. The crushed root is used as a natural flavoring.

In Armenia you can often find jam made from iris petals. In order to get this tasty and original dish, you need to collect a sufficient number of white iris petals. Only fresh, untreated irises, which are cut early in the morning, are suitable for jam. Flowers are carefully sorted and washed in cold water to wash away all the dust. Then the petals are placed in an enamel bowl and sprinkled with sugar. When they give juice, the petals are poured with water and cooked until tender. The finished jam is poured into jars. For one serving, 100 grams of flowers will be enough.

Orris root is also called orris root. It is used for making baked goods and alcoholic drinks. It is well known for African cuisine. In Morocco, iris is combined with other popular scents, such as rose. The root has a bittersweet taste. It is often used together with other spices. IN Moroccan cuisine iris is placed in national dish"tagine". It is also part of a spicy mixture called ras el hanout. This seasoning is widely known in North Africa.

Benefits of iris and treatment

The benefits of the plant are known in folk medicine. For medicinal purposes, varieties such as Florentine and German iris are used. Most of the active ingredients are concentrated in the rhizomes of the plant., which is why they are used most often.

Iris infusions are used for toothache. Due to high content Vitamin C plant is effective against scurvy.

Homeopaths prepare remedies based on iris for the treatment of the pancreas.

The iris rhizome has expectorant properties. In addition, its infusion perfectly cleanses the blood. It is prepared from 15 grams of crushed rhizomes and a glass of boiling water. Take the infusion orally 5-6 times a day, a tablespoon.

Iris has diuretic effect, which allows it to be used for bladder diseases.

To treat sore throats and stomatitis, iris decoction is prepared and used to rinse the mouth or sore throat. A decoction is prepared from a teaspoon of rhizomes and a glass of water. Non-healing wounds and ulcers are washed with the same decoction.

For coughs, gastrointestinal diseases, and colds, prepare an iris decoction, which is taken in 0.5 cups. This infusion is also indicated for bladder cancer.

You can prepare it at home alcohol tincture . To do this, take 1 part of the rhizome and pour 10 parts of alcohol. The tincture is taken 10-20 drops three times a day for pain and stomach cramps. Before use, dilute the tincture in a glass of boiled water. The product is effective for chronic diseases lungs. Iris tincture stops the growth of tubercle bacilli.

Harm of iris and contraindications

The plant can cause harm to the body due to individual intolerance.

A plant such as iris (Iris) is also called cockerel or iris. This perennial belongs to the rhizomatous genus, to the iris or iris family (Iridaceae). You can find such flowers in almost every corner of the planet. This genus includes approximately 700 different species. The name of this flower is translated as “rainbow”. This plant was named by Hippocrates himself in honor of the goddess of the rainbow, Iris. The legend says that at the moment when Prometheus gave fire to people, a rainbow began to shine - this was the jubilation of nature. This rainbow shone throughout the day and night, and after the sunlight illuminated the earth, people were amazed at the sight of the extraordinary beautiful flowers called irises. They looked so much like a rainbow. Florence (which means “blooming”) received its name from the Romans because a lot of irises grew in the fields located near the city. This amazing plant has been grown for about 2 thousand years. It is a wonderful decoration for any garden, and valuable raw materials are extracted from irises, from which essences are made for the perfume industry.

Irises have rhizomes on which roots grow that have a cord-like or thread-like shape. There are either one or several annual flower stalks. Flat thin two-row leaf plates have a sword-shaped shape; linear ones are rarely found. On their surface there is a thin layer of wax. They are collected at the base of the peduncle in a fan-shaped bunch, while the stem leaves are practically absent. As a rule, the flowers are solitary, but small inflorescences are also found on such plants. They are usually fragrant and have large size, they are distinguished by a very unusual shape, as well as a bizarre coloring. So, the color can be of various color shades, as well as their very bizarre combinations. The flower has 6 petals, which are perianth lobes. The outer lobes, 3 in number, are slightly turned downwards and have a different color from the upper lobes. The fused upper lobes are shaped like a tube. Flowering lasts from May to July. 2 or 3 flowers bloom at the same time, and they do not fade within 1–5 days. The fruit is a three-lobed capsule.

Main types and varieties with photos

Bearded irises

Based on the shape of the flower, root irises are divided into non-bearded and bearded. Bearded plants received this name due to the presence of shaggy hairs on the surface of the petals. They have their own classification (medium-sized, standard medium-sized, connecting medium-sized, tall, border, small-flowered, medium-sized, miniature dwarf, standard dwarf, arylbred, table, arylbred and aryl, aryl-like arylbred and aryl, non-aryl-like arylbred). However, only scientists use this classification, and ordinary gardeners know these plants as bearded irises of various sizes.

Iris germanica

The tall bearded iris is also called Germanic. This plant has several hundred different varieties and is the most popular of all bearded irises. The most popular varieties are: Baltic Sea - a highly corrugated flower with an intense blue color and blue beards; Bewilderbest - corrugated flowers are painted in burgundy-reddish-cream color, and on the surface there are streaks and stripes of whitish and yellow color; Acoma - sky blue color combined with ivory, and also has a lavender border. It is very popular in America.

Non-bearded irises

These irises include: Japanese, spuria, Californian, Siberian, Louisiana, marsh, as well as other irises (interspecific and specific). The most popular in mid-latitudes are:

Siberian iris

It can be painted in various color shades from dark purple to blue. However, on at the moment There are approximately 1 thousand different varieties, the color of which can be very different. For example, white Snow Queen; Batts and Sugars are yellow in color and have a whitish border; The Imperial Opal bush reaches a height of 80 centimeters, and its lavender-pink flowers have a diameter of about 10 centimeters. The flowers of this plant are very beautiful, but have no smell.

Japanese iris (Kempfler's, xiphoid)

Orchid-shaped flowers are very large in size (up to 25 centimeters in diameter), and they are fragrant. Thanks to breeders in Japan, the double (also called hana-shobu) and multi-petaled Japanese iris were born. But these species are not frost-resistant. For middle latitudes, it is recommended to choose: “Nessa-No-Mai” - the diameter of the whitish-purple flowers can reach 23 centimeters; "Solveig" - flowers are colored pale lilac color; “Vasily Alferov” - non-double flowers have an inky color.

Iris spuria

A very graceful plant similar to bulbous iris xyphium, but stands out for its large size. Not afraid of drought and frost. Most spectacular varieties: Lemon Touch - lace lemon- yellow flowers have a dark golden color, the height of the bush is up to 100 centimeters; Transfiguration - the bush can also reach 100 centimeters in height, the color of the flowers varies from blue-violet to dark purple, the signal is bronze; Stella Irene - the bush reaches 90 centimeters in height, black-purple flowers have a small golden signal.

Swamp iris (false calamus)

This species, unlike others, prefers to grow only in moist soil. Flowers can be colored various shades yellow, and it is most often used to decorate artificial reservoirs. The most popular varieties are: “Golden Queen” - yellow flowers; "Flore Pleno" - has double flowers; "Umkirch" - pink color.

Depending on the color of the flowers, varieties are divided into:

monochromatic - all lobes have the same color;
two-tone - the lobes located at the bottom and top are painted in different shades of the same color;
two-color - the color of the lower and upper lobes differs;
variegata - the lobes are yellow above and reddish-brown below;
amena - the upper lobes are white;
bordered or plicata - there is a border of contrasting color either on all lobes or only on the lower ones;
iridescent - transition from one color shade in another it is very smooth.

Most inexperienced gardeners believe that growing irises is very difficult. However, in reality this is far from the case. Simply, in order for these plants to grow and develop normally, you should not forget a few simple rules caring for them:

The rhizomes of such flowers grow in a horizontal direction, and at the same time part of it is exposed, as it comes to the surface. Before winter, it is recommended to cover these plants with peat or soil in order to protect them from freezing. IN spring time this layer must be removed carefully.
The peculiarity of such plants is that they are able to move. So, during the season they can move to the side by several centimeters. Therefore, it is recommended to plant them with a fan of leaf blades along the row. In this case, the rows will be more even.
Bearded iris is planted using sand. Sand is poured into the bottom of the prepared hole in a heap, and the roots are straightened along it. It should be taken into account that if the plant is deeply buried, it may die or may not bloom.
Organic fertilizers cannot be used for fertilizing. Liquid mineral fertilizer is best suited.

When to plant irises? Selecting a location

Most gardeners believe that immediately after the irises finish blooming, they should be dug up, divided and planted in a permanent place. Because otherwise they may not have time to be accepted before the onset of winter. However, if your area has a long and fairly warm autumn, then you don’t have to be in a big hurry to replant irises. Such flowers can actually be replanted from spring to autumn, but only after their flowering period has ended. Remember that irises should be replanted at least once every 3 or 4 years. However, Siberian irises can grow in one place for about 10 years. If you do not replant, the overgrown bushes stop blooming.

For bearded irises you should choose sunny place away from drafts, which should be located on a hill or slope, since it is very important that the place is well drained and there is also an outflow of melt water. It is recommended to plant from morning to afternoon. For the Siberian and marsh species, you need to choose places with moist soil. Absolutely all irises need nutrient-rich soil. To fix poor soil Before planting irises in the spring, you need to add compost or rich garden soil, as well as phosphorus-potassium fertilizer. It is recommended to add chalk, dolomite flour or wood ash to acidic soil. It is recommended to add sand and peat to loam, and clay soil to sandy soil. Before planting irises, it is recommended to disinfect the soil. To do this, it must be watered with a fungicide, and also treated with herbicides against weeds. Manure cannot be applied to the ground.

Bought planting material, as well as the one that was stored all winter period, it is necessary to treat it with a growth stimulating agent (Zircon or Ecogel). If the roots are long, then they need to be trimmed; places where there are signs of rotting must be carefully cut out. The root should be immersed in a solution of potassium manganese for a third of an hour for disinfection. Make a not very deep hole and pour sand into it in a mound. The rhizome of the bearded iris should be laid so that it is located horizontally. Spread the roots and sprinkle the hole so that only the upper part of the rhizome remains above the soil surface. Then the iris should be watered generously. If the entire rhizome is underground, this usually leads to rot. Beardless species, on the other hand, need to be buried several centimeters into the ground. A layer of mulch (peat or fallen pine needles) should be poured on top, which will help retain moisture. The holes must be spaced from each other at a distance of at least 50 centimeters.

Autumn planting is not much different from spring planting. It is recommended to carry it out at the end of the summer season, when the flowering period ends. As a rule, it is recommended to replant from August to the last days of September, but it must be taken into account that earlier replanting will allow the plants to take root better and get stronger. Dig the bush with a fork, then divide it into annual links with a leaf blade. The cord-shaped roots must be carefully shortened, removing those places where there is damage or signs of rotting. Then the divisions should be placed in a dark pink solution of potassium manganese for 2 hours for disinfection. After this, they need to be placed in a sunny place for 4–5 hours. The divisions should be planted in the same way as in the spring. Between holes high grades You should leave a distance of about 50 centimeters, between medium-sized ones - 20 centimeters, between short ones - 15 centimeters.

Caring for irises

This is a warm and light-loving plant. It is especially important to water irises regularly and relatively abundantly during the formation of buds. The rest of the time, watering should be done only when the surface of the soil near the rhizome is very dry.

If in the spring, before planting the iris, you add fertilizer to the soil, then throughout the season, as a rule, the plant will not need fertilizing. If you decide to fertilize the soil, you should use potassium-phosphorus fertilizer in liquid form. It should be applied directly to the root during the period of intensive growth. Feeding irises during the flowering period is prohibited.

Throughout the season it will be necessary to remove weeds in a timely manner. You will have to get rid of weeds manually. The fact is that the root system is located horizontally and very close to the soil surface. In this regard, when weeding with a hoe, you can accidentally damage it. Although rare, the soil should be loosened. This procedure must be carried out with extreme caution, trying not to damage the roots. Experienced gardeners It is advised to remove wilted flowers, as they can cause pests to settle on the plant.

The most spectacular and variegated varieties are most susceptible to various pests and diseases. In order to protect irises from diseases, you need to mandatory adhere to all rules of agricultural technology of the species. Also be sure to monitor how the plants are doing throughout the season. As soon as you notice that something is wrong with your irises, you should take appropriate action. When a bush is infected with fusarium or other rots, you need to act very quickly. The infected plant must be dug up and destroyed. For preventive purposes, other bushes must be watered at the roots and along the roots with a foundation solution, which should be two percent. It is also recommended to treat rhizomes with this product before planting them in the soil. In this case, the risk of rot will be significantly lower. A solution of Bordeaux mixture (1%), which should be sprayed on the foliage, can protect plants from various spots.

Cutworms often settle on plants. They eat the bases of flower stalks. After this, the flower stalks turn yellow and dry out. Preventive measures should be taken at the very beginning of the growing season. To do this, you need to treat the plants 2 times with a solution of karbofos (10%), with an interval of 7 days between treatments. Gladiolus thrips can also settle in. They lead to disruption of photosynthesis in the foliage, causing it to turn brown and die. If the plant is infected with thrips, its buds will be ugly and discolored. Thrips feel best during the dry summer period. Such insects can be fought in the same way as cutworms using karbofos, also high efficiency has an infusion prepared from 400 g of shag, which should be kept for one and a half weeks. Also added to it is 40 g of laundry soap, crushed using a grater. Slugs can harm such plants. To get rid of them, you need to place fresh burdock leaves or moistened rags between the rows. When the slugs take refuge under them, all you have to do is collect them together with rags and destroy them. If there are a lot of slugs, then in sunny weather early in the morning or in the evening, metaldehyde, produced in granules, should be distributed over the area by simply scattering it. At the same time, by 1 square meter 30 to 40 g of substance should be used.

If seeding is not expected this year, it is recommended to remove the flower stalks after the plant has flowered. If the leaf blades begin to yellow, it is recommended to trim them, making a semicircular tip shape. So, irises will also remain a good decoration for the garden and will have time to gain the necessary nutrients and strength before winter. During the warm autumn period, secondary flowering often occurs. After the leaf blades become withered, they need to be trimmed, leaving only 10–15 centimeters. The cuttings must be destroyed (burned), since their surface may contain pathogenic microorganisms, as well as eggs of harmful insects.

Before winter cold, bare rhizomes should be covered with soil, as well as a thick (8–10 centimeters) layer of mulch (peat or sand). In the event that a strong drop in temperature is expected in autumn or winter, you need to cover the irises with spruce branches or dried leaves. If there is a lot of snow in winter, there is no need to cover the plants.

The rhizomes of bearded irises, dug up or acquired in the autumn, can be preserved until the onset of spring by placing them in a non-humid and cool place. Dry the rhizomes thoroughly and place them in a cardboard box, which must be tightly closed. It should be placed on a loggia or balcony. It is recommended to wrap each rhizome with a cloth or a sheet of paper, and you can also sprinkle them in a box with dry peat or the same sawdust.

Some irises prefer a humid environment, so to preserve them it is necessary to plant them in a flowerpot. Before planting, you need to remove long roots, and the rhizome itself should be lowered and kept in a not very strong solution of potassium manganese for disinfection. Then it must be dried. There is no need to bury the rhizome; it is only sprinkled with a little soil. In spring, the sprouted rhizome should be taken with a lump of earth and planted in open soil.

These exquisite flowers, which people affectionately call iris or cockerels, have been known since ancient times and are widespread 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 as “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 old times 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 one more beautiful legend about 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?

IN natural conditions Iris grows in clearings and forest edges, in well-lit areas. In the garden, it is better to plant it on the 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 without 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. Blue 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 : “Why are irises given as gifts?” Meaning of colors allows you to use these in men's and children's bouquets, as well as as a complement and bright accentin women's compositions. Bouquet of irises will become a wonderful gift to 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, which can be selected for any celebration.