Marsh iris: description, planting, cultivation and care in the open field with a photo

In nature, plants with yellow flowers, similar to garden irises, can be found along the banks of reservoirs. This variety of marsh iris is called for its ability to develop and multiply in water. Now the plant is cultivated in their gardens by summer residents, using the beneficial properties of a representative of the Kasatikov family.

Marsh iris: description and characteristics of the plant

Herbaceous perennial grows successfully in water. Its rhizomes develop well in the aquatic environment, accumulating nutrients. The growth point is located at the roots on the side, so the side shoots are deflected in different directions.They grow horizontally, filling the free space. Leaves and flowers form from the buds on the rhizome.

The xiphoid leaves of the iris are light green or variegated. Together with the stem, they can be 2 meters long.

Buds are located on high peduncles. They can be up to 12-15 on branched stems. There are 3 petals in the outer and inner circle. In addition to the yellow color with an orange spot in the middle, they have blue, white.

After the flowers fall in mid-July, their seed box is formed in place. As the fruit ripens, the seeds are released into the water. This is how the aquatic iris breeds in nature.

Outwardly resembles a plant marsh calamus, hence the second name of its iris calamus.

In addition, the flower belongs to medicinal plants. Its rhizomes are used for coughs, migraines, tonsillitis, gastritis. Iris leaves are rich in ascorbic acid, amino acids.

Nuances of outdoor cultivation

For summer residents with swampy soil in the areas, marsh iris will be a real find. It settles quickly and is easy to care for. By selecting the desired varieties of the species, you can decorate the pond with them.

Selecting planting material

It is better to plant an iris with seeds. To do this, it is only necessary to deepen the seeds floating on the surface of the water from a cultivated plant. It is not necessary to process the seed, it takes root well and sprouts.

The rhizome for planting is chosen with a kidney. Runaways will come from her. Before planting, inspect the roots, freeing them from damaged and rotten parts. You can treat the rhizomes with a solution of potassium permanganate.

Soil preparation

For the growth of marsh iris, you need an open sunny place, protected from the winds. It grows well in the shade.Pay attention to the fact that the soil is very moist. On dry sandy plants will die. You can pick up a site in a pond, where it is shallow. The acidity of the soil for flowers should be within 7.0. Do not forget about the nutritional value of the soil, fertilizing it with organic matter.

Plant pattern

Plants planted in August-September take root best of all. Prepare a hole for planting flowers with a depth and width of 40-60 centimeters. It is necessary not to plant irises close to each other. Growing up, they can crush neighbors. The gap is 80-100 centimeters. Plants form beautiful decorative groups over time.

To make irises bloom brightly and for a long time, plantings are mulched with peat or humus.

Specific plant care

Marsh iris care is standard. For him, moisture and nutrition are important. Otherwise, there are no special care requirements.

Lighting

For marsh iris, unlike other congeners, the sun is not needed so much. In illuminated places, the flowering of ornamental culture will be brighter. But the flower also withstands partial shade well. Therefore, it can be planted on the banks of the pond near the trees.

Feeding

If the rhizomes are planted in soil rich in organic matter, then at first it is not necessary to feed the flowers. Before flowering, when the buds appear in May, it is necessary to apply phosphate and potash fertilizers. You can replace them with wood ash. It is buried in moist soil next to the stems of plants. 500 grams of fertilizer are taken per square meter.

Irrigation

If irises grow in water or next to a pond, then watering them is not necessary. But plants planted on the site require abundant moisture. They constantly make sure that the earth does not dry out.

Preparing for winter

The horizontal arrangement of the root system of irises needs shelter for the winter. It is necessary to sprinkle the planting with a layer of peat, humus of 10 centimeters. You can cover the top with straw. Don't forget to feed the plants in the fall so that they survive the winter well.

How to deal with diseases and pests

Diseases are rare in iris calamus. There may be mold on the roots. But then you need to transplant the plants to another place, and disinfect the soil.

Of the pests, gladiolus thrips affects flowers. Brown-colored insects measuring 1.5 centimeters fly from plant to plant. Climbing into the buds, insects and their larvae damage the flower stalks. The buds look burnt, do not open, dry out. Suffer from thrips and corms.

To combat thrips, iris bulbs are rejected before planting. He althy ones are pickled in a solution of Karbofos. Insects are fought by spraying plantings with insecticidal preparations in dry weather.

Reproduction

You can choose both seed and vegetative methods for propagation of irises. Seeds are collected at the end of summer, dried. You can sow them in winter or spring. Seedlings will appear quickly. But the plant will bloom only in the 3-4th year.

Rhizome division is the most common way to propagate marsh irises. They are harvested after the plants have faded. It is necessary to cut the material with kidneys. It is washed, damaged parts are removed. You can store in the refrigerator or cellar. Planted in the spring on the chosen and prepared place.

Landscape use

Yellow and blue irises are loved by designers for their unpretentiousness and decorative effect. Where garden flower species do not grow well, marsh iris will take root. It is planted in flowerbeds, decorated in the lowlands. It pairs well with annuals.By color matching flowers, you can revive them with blue and yellow crop options.

Air-shaped irises look good in water, near an artificial or natural pond. Their tall stems can be combined with thickets of bergenia, juniper.

The bright inflorescences of the plant in the form of a hedge are pleasing to the eye, on the border of the zones of the plot.

Recommended