Japanese iris: description of species, planting and care in the open field with a photo

By the second half of July, many flowers wither. But it is at this time that the Japanese iris blooms. The flower, which appeared several millennia ago, is distinguished by bizarre forms that provided the plant with wide distribution. There are more than 1000 varieties of Japanese iris, differing in appearance, flowering time, place of growth and care requirements.

Description and appearance of Japanese irises

This variety of irises grows not only in Japan, but also far beyond the borders of the Land of the Rising Sun. The plant got its name due to the fact that it has been cultivated here for more than 500 years.However, wild-growing varieties of the plant are found on the territory of the Russian Far East. Iris has Chinese roots, since it was in the Celestial Empire that the plant began to be cultivated. Later, the Japanese adopted the culture of growing a flower from their neighbors.

Despite the wide variety of varieties, all Japanese irises have one distinctive feature: a large flower of irregular shape.

Regardless of the type, each plant has the following characteristics:

• shallow root system;
• stems short or branched;
• leaves are sword-shaped and 25-60 centimeters long, grouped along the stem;
• flower diameter is 15-25 centimeters;
• flowers are single or collected in inflorescences;
• rare varieties of iris exude a scent;
• blooms in 3-5 days;
• grows with sufficient water and on the sunny side;
• tolerates diseases well and frosts poorly.

The flowers of the Japanese iris are two-tiered: the first form the perianth lobes ("waterfalls"), the second - the inner petals ("dome"). At the base is a tube that looks like an orchid. Japanese iris comes in a variety of colors, ranging from light to dark (down to black) shades.

Diversity of Japanese irises

There are more than one thousand species of Japanese iris. There are varieties that grow only in water. Others are "attracted" by areas with rare rains. There are varieties that are up to one meter long.

Good Omen

The Good Omen variety has the following characteristics:

• purple-purple leaves;
• stem length - 80-120 centimeters;
• tolerates exposure to bacteria.

The plant has poor frost resistance, therefore it requires shelter for the winter.

Queens Tiara

Queens Tiara reaches 90cm in height. The petals of this flower have a lilac-white hue and reach 15 centimeters in diameter. Unlike other varieties of Japanese iris, Queen's Tiara tolerates frost well.

Nessa no Mai

In height, the iris of this variety grows by 70-80 centimeters. The flowers of the plant are distinguished by a variety of shades: the central part is white, and purple and yellow spots are present on the petals. The plant does not require abundant watering and dies in waterlogged (marshy) areas. The variety Nessa no Mai does not tolerate frost well, so the iris must be covered before the onset of cold weather.

Frekld Geisha

The average height of Frekld Geisha iris stems is 85 centimeters. The leaves have a white color, which is "diluted" with lilac spots. Freckled Geisha irises grow in light, loamy, acid-free soils. The plant dies in waterlogged soil and frosts.

Kogesho

The variety belongs to the dwarf variety of Japanese iris. The length of the Kogesho stem reaches 60-80 centimeters. In this case, the diameter of the flower is 19 centimeters. The petals of Kogesho are white with yellow spots, and the central part is pink. The variety grows in sunny and dry areas, hidden from strong winds.

Features of agricultural technology for Japanese irises

Japanese irises rarely get sick. However, this culture makes relatively high demands in terms of care and habitat. Before planting a plant, it is recommended to decide on a variety suitable for a particular growing region.

Most irises do not tolerate frost well, but appear from under the soil in March-April. Therefore, when growing in Central Russia, it is worth purchasing high-quality covering material.

Irises do not tolerate contact with potassium, and therefore the plant is not recommended to be planted in limestone soils. The soil with a slightly acidic or neutral reaction is considered optimal for a flower. Also, the plant can be planted in a soil mixture consisting of:

• rotted organics (leaves, grass);
• loam;
• phosphorus fertilizer;
• peat.

When planting, the leaves and root system are shortened. Holes for iris are recommended to be made at a distance of 30-35 centimeters. When dividing a bush, flowers should be planted deeper than they were previously.

The plant loves rain soil, to hold which gardeners often form bumpers around the beds. It must be remembered that iris does not grow well in waterlogged soil. Therefore, when organizing the bumpers, rainwater drainage should be provided.

Irises grow in well-lit areas. When choosing a place, it is recommended to give preference to the sunny side, away from tall trees. The plant is buried no more than 3-7 centimeters. This layer of soil is sufficient for normal nutrition and protection from drying out. Pine nut shells, coniferous waste or crushed bark are used for soil mulching.

After planting, the flowers should be watered abundantly. If Japanese irises are planted on the territory of Central Russia, in the spring it is recommended to cover the plant with plastic wrap by organizing a small greenhouse.

Requirements for planting Japanese irises

The main requirements for the site were given earlier. When grown outdoors, irises need abundant watering (especially during the flowering period).At the same time, it is important to prevent waterlogging of the soil. For irrigation, rainwater should be used, for the collection of which separate containers are installed on the site.

In order for moisture to linger for a long time near the flowers, gardeners make small holes near the bushes.

Before planting, the bed is recommended to be cleaned of weeds and mix the soil with pre-prepared compost. Irises are allowed to plant no more than once every 5-7 years.

Dividing and planting Japanese iris bushes

Planting and division of flowers are recommended:

• in northern latitudes - in late August or early September;
• in the southern regions - in late September or early October;
• for the south and north - in the second half of May.

When dividing or planting, remove old and dead roots that do not have buds.The plant is dried for several days, and then planted in the prepared area. After purchase, the flowers are not recommended to be kept in the cold for a long time. Roots that do not receive moisture dry out and the irises die.

If necessary, the plant is first planted in a container and kept until mid-May at a temperature of 15-18 degrees.

On the site, irises are recommended to be placed at a distance of 30 centimeters. When forming beds, plants can be planted denser relative to each other. Rhizomes and leaves are shortened by 2/3. During the initial planting, the flower deepens by 3-5 centimeters, when dividing - by 5-7 centimeters.

When placing the plant on the site, the soil is first mulched with peat (needed to maintain moisture) and coniferous waste, and then watered abundantly.

Japanese iris fertilizer

Fertilizer for Japanese irises is applied twice or thrice a year, during the growing season.The first time the flower is fed after planting. For this, mineral fertilizers or a weak solution of cow manure are used (mixed with water in a ratio of 1:10). During the growth period, the plant is recommended to be regularly mulched. This contributes to an even and abundant flow of oxygen, due to which young roots develop.

In summer, Japanese irises are sprayed with iron chelate or a weak solution of manganese. This procedure is carried out in order to prevent early yellowing of the leaves.

Pests and diseases of Japanese irises

Japanese irises rarely get sick. However, the plant is susceptible to rot in waterlogged soils. Therefore, before planting a flower, it is recommended to organize a drainage layer by adding sand or fine expanded clay to the soil. This will prevent souring and waterlogging of the soil.

Irises are susceptible to thrips. If signs of infection by these insects are found, the flowers should be treated with insecticides.In autumn, affected leaves and petals should be cut and burned. This prevents re-infection of new plants the next year, as insect eggs are destroyed.

Preparing Japanese irises for winter

Irises begin to prepare for winter in mid-October. To do this, the plant is cut to 15 centimeters. If non-frost-resistant varieties are grown on the site, then the flowers are then covered with a 15-centimeter layer of mulch or spruce branches. The following option is considered the best solution for wintering: the plant is covered with dry leaves, and the top is covered with plastic wrap stretched over wire arcs.

After the onset of spring, it is recommended to mix the mulch periodically, thereby opening up access to oxygen. You can completely release the flowers from the shelter in mid-May.

Growing Japanese irises in a container

Japanese irises, due to the peculiarities of growth (rhizomes do not diverge in breadth), are suitable for growing in containers. This method of planting is used in cases where the plant is placed in water bodies. It is allowed to lower the flowers into the water by 5-8 centimeters.

Planted in water should be with the onset of summer. Irises are taken out of the water in August, when the temperature of the air (and water) begins to drop at night. After that, the container must be buried in the greenhouse and left until next year, following the previously described manipulations to prepare for winter.

When growing Japanese irises in a container, it is necessary to regularly sprinkle and mulch the soil. This is due to the fact that the plant is pulled up, thereby forming a bump around the trunk. When grown in containers, it is recommended to divide and replant the flowers more often. Otherwise, over time, the irises will not have enough space for the development of the root system, which will lead to the death of the culture.

Japanese iris disease and pest control

Common diseases affecting Japanese irises include:

1. Bacteriosis. There is no specific treatment for this disease. Leaves affected by bacteriosis are removed and burned. If necessary, the flowers are removed from the flower bed along with the roots.
2. Wet rot. To prevent infection, the roots are kept for half an hour in a weak solution of potassium permanganate before planting.
3. Fusarium (gray rot). In order to prevent infection and in the treatment, a 5% solution of bicarbonate soda or copper sulfate is used.
4. Heterosporiasis. To prevent infection, it is necessary to introduce phosphate fertilizers in doses. Fungicides are used in the treatment of heterosporiosis.
5. Botrytis. In the treatment of the disease, fungicides of the triazole class are used.
6. Sheet mosaic. Affected leaves must be removed and the plant sprayed with a 0.2% solution of copper oxychloride.

If thrips are found, flowers should be treated with a mixture obtained from 90 grams of karbofos emulsion and 10 liters of water. The plant is sprayed once a week. Kinmiks solution is used to combat the bronze beetle.

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