Siberian iris: description of varieties, planting and care in the open field with a photo

The presence of a flower bed involves the selection of plants suitable for growing. Amateur gardeners acquire crops that organically fit into the design of the garden. Often, Siberian iris appears on the plots - an unpretentious and beautiful plant. There are no special features when growing it, so the task is easy to handle.

Description and features of the Siberian iris

There are more than 200 species of iris. Conventionally, they are divided into 2 types:

bearded;
non-bearded.

The Siberian representative of the family belongs to the second type. For a long time he was in the shadow of his brothers. But gardeners turned their attention to him. And now he is a frequent visitor to the sites.

Siberian iris is a delicate and exquisite flower. The bushes are slightly smaller than other species, and the flowers themselves are small, but this is compensated by their large number.

4 year old plant produces up to 40 flower stalks.

Depending on the variety, some irises have all the flowers open at the same time, some have one at a time. This significantly extends the flowering time.

The plants are very hardy, adapted to the harsh climate, not afraid of cold winters and spring frosts.

The height of adult crops is from 0.4 to 1.6 m. Depending on the purpose of cultivation, a variety should be selected. Since some flower stalks are located above the green mass, some are on a par. There are varieties whose flowers are located inside the plants. This feature should be taken into account when choosing a landing site.

Popular varieties

During the existence of irises, summer residents have chosen for themselves species that have fallen in love and effectively got used to the interior of the garden. The white Siberian representative of the family has been familiar to gardeners for a very long time. It has a persistent fragrance and tall flowers that are visible from every corner.

Pink irises are just as popular, used in flowerbeds, borders, rock slides and more.

Harpswell Haze

The peculiarity of the variety is its unpretentiousness and ability to grow for a long time without transplanting. Iris flowers are pale lilac with a bluish tinge. Dark stripes are clearly expressed on the lower leaves.

Leader of Altai

Bred by Russian breeders. Famous for its rich blue color. On peduncles, 2 flowers bloom at the same time. Common names:

bell;
cockerel;
iris.

One stem produces 3 to 6 peduncles.

White Swirl

White flowers are slightly larger than other representatives of Siberian irises. One bush after a while grows on a plot of 1 m^{2. It does not require special care, under favorable growing conditions it blooms for a long time.}

Hubbard

Maximum height 80 cm. The color of the flower is purplish-violet. On the lower leaves at the base there is a spot of white or yellow.

Iris breeding

A common way is to divide the rhizome. Gardeners use it most often. But there are other methods as well. Siberian iris is propagated by seeds or buds.

The division of the rhizome is done with a sharp knife. It is advisable to immediately treat the cut sites with a special preparation or wood ash. In one division, from 3 to 5 leaf rosettes are left.

Reproduction by buds is carried out by annual shoots. On them there are small tubercles-growths, these are the kidneys. Future rudiments of rhizomes are carefully separated from the main root and transplanted into pre-prepared holes.

Cut points are treated to avoid rotting or viruses.

Seeds propagate irises for the longest time. Before planting, the material is placed in the refrigerator for 2 weeks, after which it is kept in a warm room for the same amount. Stratification is completed by planting seeds in the ground.

Rules for planting a plant

Compliance with planting requirements is not a whim of experienced gardeners. The correct procedure helps to get a blooming flower bed that will please the eye of the owner of the site.

When is the best time to plant

The timing of planting is determined by the gardener. It is advisable to plant in the fall. When the iris fades, the bush is divided into parts and seated in pre-prepared holes.

Some varieties are planted in spring or during the entire growing season. Most often, transplantation is done from the end of summer to the first month of autumn. The plant tolerates stress better.

How to choose planting material

Pay attention to the appearance of rhizomes, suitable for planting:

fresh, not shriveled pieces;
rhizomes with no visible damage or defects.

If the roots are dry, they are still planted in holes and watered well, rhizomes form from the buds, and the plants begin to grow.

Selecting and preparing a site

All irises love sunlight. When choosing a site, choose well-lit places where the sun shines most of the day. If necessary, coarse-grained river sand is added to the soil.

The soil preferred by flowers is light loamy. It is undesirable to plant in acidic, heavy and wet soils. Acidic soil is diluted with lime or dolomite flour. If the soil is sandy, it is diluted with clay and organic fertilizers.

Ground planting

Planting irises outdoors must be done correctly. To do this, you need to prepare the wells in advance. The distance between the bushes is 40-60 cm, depending on the variety.

Rhizomes should not be deeply deepened. Plants will get sick and will not bloom. It is advisable to cover with a layer of soil 5 cm thick. After planting, the soil around is mulched, dry leaves or plant residues are used.

Siberian irises do not tolerate drought, at first they are often and plentifully watered. But excessive moisture harms the rhizomes. It is important to observe the measure.

Flower care

After landing, you need to carry out competent care. The duration and abundance of flowering depends on how correctly the subsequent actions are performed.

Irrigation

Plants need moisture at first. After transplanting, bushes are often watered. But it is absolutely impossible to flood, the roots will rot, the plants will disappear.

In the future, watering is carried out as the top layer of soil dries out. To preserve moisture in the soil, it is recommended to loosen the earth.

Mulching

After planting, flower beds are mulched. This helps keep more moisture in the soil, and the mulch also prevents weeds from growing. Therefore, the benefits of using it are great.

Feeding

Fertilizers are applied 2 times per season. During bud formation and immediately after flowering. Often used:

ammonium nitrate;
potassium nitrate.

It is better not to fertilize with nitrogen, as an excess of the substance weakens the immunity of plants. Flowers become susceptible to diseases.

Cutting

At the end of flowering, cut off the flower stalks. Then, when the leaves begin to dry out in autumn, they are cut to a height of 15 cm.

Transfer

The optimal time is August-September. The bushes are carefully dug up, divided into divisions with a sharp knife and planted in pre-prepared holes. Deepen slightly, slightly covering the roots with earth.

During the growing season, sometimes the roots appear above the ground, you do not need to sprinkle them in the summer.

Shelter of irises for the winter

Mostly Siberian irises are winter-hardy, but for safety reasons, many gardeners cover the rhizomes with a layer of mulch. Peat, plant residues, leaves and other improvised material are used for wrapping.

Diseases and plant pests

Against diseases and insects, irises are processed in advance. In the spring, they are sprayed with chemicals. Timely action will save plants from death.

Good agricultural practices and care will also help protect plants.

Use in garden design

Siberian irises feel great next to a pond. Therefore, they are used to create an aesthetic appearance near constructed ponds or rivers. Flowering plants reflected in the water surface enhance the beauty of perception.

High varieties of irises are grown in the center of an island flower bed or to decorate the background of a mixborder.

Large rockeries combine the planting of several types of plants. Summer residents harmoniously combine color schemes and create whole compositions from Siberian irises.

Often, flowers are planted in groups, forming blooming islands on the lawn. They choose the same colors or different ones, depending on preferences and ideas.

Growing flowers won't cause much trouble for the gardener. Unpretentious representatives of culture fit into the design and complement any site.