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The ancient Greeks, paying tribute to the beauty and richness of shades of this aristocratic plant, named it in honor of the goddess of the rainbow they adored. There are 60 species of the Iris genus growing in Russia, among which the Siberian iris is one of the most stable and unpretentious. Find out all about planting this flower crop and caring for it in open ground. In the article you will find a description the best varieties iris and photo of a flower in different parts of a romantic garden.
Siberian iris: biological features of the plant
Siberian irises, also known as Siberian iris, are a whole group of closely related species whose natural range covers vast spaces from the foothills of the Alps to Primorye, China and Japan. All of them are distinguished by several interesting features for a gardener:
- tallness and, as a result, effectiveness in any elements of landscape design;
- resistance to lodging, which eliminates the need for tying;
- the leaves are decorative after flowering, which allows them to be left in the flowerbed throughout the growing season;
- unpretentiousness up to complete undemanding to care: they will be surrounded by weeds, but will not give up;
- convincing winter hardiness.
Siberian irises in a flowerbed
The usual places for its wild growth are drained floodplains and light birch groves.
Choosing a place for irises
The location for the iris is chosen taking into account two parameters. Firstly, this tall plant should not block other flowers, so the central part of a flower bed or the background of any decorative frame is well suited for the iris. It perfectly decorates the banks of a garden pond, rockery, and looks against the backdrop of spirea and jasmine bushes. If you wish, you can create a flower garden from only irises - an iridarium.
Secondly, you should take into account the needs of the plant:
- loamy, non-alkaline, fairly fertile soil;
- constant moisture necessary to preserve the decorative appearance of foliage and the establishment of new flower stalks;
- openwork partial shade in the hottest hours of the day.
Irises do well in partial shade
It is important to remember that the Siberian iris should receive enough light and moisture, but not in excess. Only in such conditions can you get maximum flowering annually.
Attention! Before planting irises, dig up the corner intended for them with the bayonet of a shovel and select the rhizomes of the weeds.
Iris planting technology
Irises are planted in two periods: April or August. They grow quickly and take over territory: a clump from one rhizome can cover a circle with a diameter of 2 meters in 10 years. For this reason, the distance between the holes is measured at least 60 cm.
Flower farms sell iris rhizomes in containers or with an open root system. In the first case, the contents of the container are simply placed in the hole without deepening it: the rhizome in the soil is already located at the required depth.
If the rhizome was purchased without a container or obtained by dividing a clump already existing in the garden, it is soaked in a root formation stimulator (kornevin, epin, heteroauxin) for 6-12 hours. Planted, deepening by 3-5 cm, no more.
Dividing an iris bush
The planted rhizomes are shed with water, wait until the ground settles and add soil until the surface is leveled. If leafy sections are planted, the leaves are pressed down with earth so that they do not lie down. To retain moisture, the soil is mulched with peat or pieces of bark.
Attention! Avoid mulching with hay: mice and other pests can live under it and gnaw at the rhizomes.
Caring for iris beds
Although irises are unpretentious, best flowering they give to a caring owner. In the first year or two of life, it is necessary to carefully weed. Mature plants themselves will crowd out any weeds. It is advisable to maintain a layer of mulch, since rhizomes feel better in cool soil.
Young irises need watering with a good soaking of the soil as needed. Twice a year, before the start of the growing season and before winter, they are provided with complete complex fertilizer.
Drying flower stalks are removed systematically, and complete cutting of foliage to a height of 10-15 cm is carried out just before the cold weather. IN middle lane plants winter well thanks to retractable roots, but if we are talking about latitudes closer to the Arctic Circle, then it is better to cover them with spruce branches and snow for the winter.
Siberian Iris Rikuji Sakura
Siberian irises are immune to many diseases, but mold fungi can settle at the base of the leaves. The affected areas are mercilessly cut out and burned, the sections are sprinkled with crushed coal, and the plants themselves are thinned out to improve ventilation.
Among the pests, cutworm caterpillars, which become more active in dry spring conditions, pose a threat. They can be collected manually, and if caterpillars appear en masse, they can be treated with Intavir or Zeta. If you do not want to use insecticides, you can use tinctures of garlic or wormwood.
Advice. If you want the cutworm to fly around your garden, plant more calendula in it - this plant has an unbearable smell for many insects.
The best varieties of Siberian iris
The expressive iris flower resembles an exquisite orchid. Its six petals are arranged in two circles, with the upper and lower different shapes, often curved, with slight fringe. On the lower petals there is a spot of contrasting color. This is a signal, a kind of “landing strip” for an insect wanting to feast on nectar.
The best variety of Siberian irises, which received the prestigious Dykes Medal, was obtained in Great Britain. This is the Cambridge variety - a purple flower, as if dusted with frost, at the base of each petal has a mysterious pattern in the form of a wide golden-brown feather. Of the other varieties, the most attractive are:
- Baccarat – soft orange, with carnation and lilac shades;
- Bebling Brook - bluish-lilac, like the sky at dawn;
Variety Bebling Brook
- Color Kaanivel – colors Ivory, with a bright orange signal surrounded by burgundy strokes;
- The first snow is like a swan with open wings;
- The song tree is yellow, like a chicken, with a signal reminiscent of the yolk in a scrambled egg.
They often joke about the unpretentiousness of irises: “I planted it and forgot.” And although this is not entirely true - the plant still requires careful observation and timely help - it is worth planting iris near the house. Magnificent rich green foliage and spectacular fist-sized flowers will win the heart of any gardener.
From the point of view of garden classification, Siberian irises include both species of the Sibirika series and varieties obtained as a result of crossing both different species of the series and as a result of the use of chemical mutagens. Most Russian flower growers are well known bearded irises, but the Siberian ones, suitable for cultivation throughout almost all of Russia, remain, alas, in the shadows. Meanwhile, it is these that, by adjusting a set of agrotechnical measures, can be successfully cultivated in the south and, most importantly, in the north. Siberian irises are the most practical and reliable crop for cold regions of Russia that are not very favorable for floriculture. And this, by the way, is almost 70% of the country’s territory.
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"Double Standards" |
 "Imperial Opal" |
 "Indi" |
 "Rigamarole" |
 "Roaring Jelly" |
 "Shaker's Prayer" |
| Photos of Dronova Tatyana | ||
The series of Siberian irises is divided into two subseries Sibiricae And Chrysographes. The first includes three types of irises, in the nuclei of their cells 28 chromosomes .
The most common and long-used species of this subseries in landscaping is the Siberian iris ( I. sibirica).
| Siberian iris - Iris sibirica L.
The distribution area from west to east is unusually huge: from the northern regions of Italy and eastern Switzerland all the way to Lake Baikal. Its northernmost populations are found in the southern regions of the Arkhangelsk region and the Komi Republic, and the southernmost - in the Caucasus and northern Turkey. Rhizome at the top with brown remains of leaf sheaths. The stem is branched at the top, with 2-3 stem-enclosing leaves. Basal leaves are linear, up to 50-80 cm long. The involucre leaves are lanceolate and herbaceous. Flowers number 2-3, on unequal pedicels, with a short perianth tube, dark blue. Outer perianth lobes. as well as the inner ones, blue, with a pale blue nail. Capsule 2-3 cm long, obtuse. The seeds are light gray, flatly compressed. It was first grown by Grigory Demidov in the Solikamsk Garden from 1780. It was mentioned in the Imperial St. Petersburg Botanical Garden from 1857. In Moscow, in Gorenki, until 1812. Near Moscow, in Olgino, it was grown from 1909 to 1911. In the Pomological Garden of E. Regel and J. Kesselring from 1873 to 1917. live plants and seeds were offered for sale. In cultivation it is very hardy, including outside its natural range. It blooms and bears fruit in the botanical gardens of Barnaul, Vladivostok, Moscow, Novosibirsk, St. Petersburg, Ufa, Chita. In St. Petersburg it winters without shelter. Prefers rich, sufficiently moist, slightly acidic soils. It is valuable for breeding when creating winter-hardy forms. Suitable for cutting, planting groups of trees and shrubs, for mixborders and solitary plantings against the background of a lawn. There are domestic varieties (Rodionenko, St. Petersburg; Dolganova, Barnaul; Mironova, Vladivostok) and varieties of foreign selection. Numerous interspecific hybrids have been created.
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The second species of 28-chromosomal Siberian irises is the blood-red iris ( I. sanguinea) -
grows from the shores of Baikal to the shores of Okhotsk and Japanese seas. Outside Russia, blood red iris is found in northeastern China, Mongolia, the Korean Peninsula and the Japanese archipelago.
 Blood red iris or Oriental- I. sanguinea Dorm= I. orientalis Thunb. = I.sibirica L. var. orientalis Baker
Siberian-Far Eastern species, widespread in Russia - in Eastern Siberia, Primorsky Krai, and beyond - in Northeast China, Japan, Mongolia, Korea. On floodplain damp meadows, along the edges of larch forests with dwarf birch. Included in the Red Book of the Chita Region as rare, found in a few places. One of the populations is located on the territory of the Sokhondinsky Nature Reserve. It is close to the Siberian iris, but differs in the reddish-violet color of the base of the involucre leaves, narrower leaves, almost the same height as the peduncles, and a wide rounded plate of the outer perianth lobes. A peduncle up to 70 cm tall usually ends with 2-3(5) medium-sized flowers of light or dark purple color. Blooms in June. Fruits in September. The capsule is oblong-oval. The seeds are dark brown, flatly compressed. In culture since 1792. Agricultural techniques, applications and areas of cultivation are similar to those described for I. sibirica. Easily hybridizes with the latter (there are numerous hybrids of these species in culture). It is heterogeneous in ecological terms: there are warm- and dry-loving forms that are difficult to cultivate in the regions of the North-West of the European part of Russia. It was first mentioned in culture in the Imperial St. Petersburg Botanical Garden in 1857. It has been cultivated in Olgino near Moscow since 1911. It blooms and bears fruit in the botanical gardens of Barnaul, Vladivostok, Novosibirsk, Pyatigorsk, Ufa, Yakutsk, Chita. It is unpretentious in introduction. In St. Petersburg it winters without shelter. It is valuable for breeding when creating winter-hardy forms. The red-violet color of the base of the involucre leaves is very decorative. Suitable for cutting, planting groups of trees and shrubs, for mixborders and solitary plantings against a lawn. There are varieties of foreign selection. Numerous interspecific hybrids involving this species have been created. Photo source:
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The third species of the subseries is Iris hornifolia ( I. typhifolia) -
was recently discovered in nature in northeastern China and central Mongolia. This is the least studied species with extraordinary early dates flowering like dwarf bearded irises. The color of the flowers of the named species is usually blue, blue, violet, and in the first two there are populations with white and lilac flowers. The height of the peduncles varies from 15-30 cm: in the Siberian iris " Nana" - (I. sibirica " Nana"), 25 cm (Siberian iris " Nana Alba") (I. sibirica " Nana Alba"), 25 cm (blood red iris " Nana Alba") (I. sanguinea " Nana Alba") up to 1.5 m.
 "Snow Queen" Photo EDSR |
 "Caesar Brothers" Photo by Georgy Lotkin |
 "Super Ego" Photo by Yuri Markovsky |
 "Kaboom" Photo of Vasiliev Oleg |
 "Roaring Jelly" Photo of Vasiliev Oleg |
 "Salamander Crossing" Photo of Vasiliev Oleg |
 "Silver Edge" Photo by Andrey Ganov |
 "Nothern Pink" Photo by Andrey Ganov |
 "Lady Vanessa" |
 "Lilting Laura" Photo by Andrey Ganov |
 "Moon Silk" Photo by Andrey Ganov |
 "Yellow Dreaming" Photo by Andrey Ganov |
The 40-chromosomal Siberian irises include 8 species: golden iris - I. chrysographes(flowers red-violet to black, peduncle height 35-45 cm), Clark's iris - I. clarkei(flowers blue to purple, peduncle height 60 cm), Delavaya iris - /. delavay(flowers from light to dark blue-violet colors, peduncle height 60 cm), Dykes iris - /. dykesii(flowers are very dark, violet-purple, peduncle height 90 cm), Bull's iris - /. bulleyana(dark purple flowers), peduncle height 35-40 cm), yellow Forrest iris - /. forrestii(peduncle height 15-40 cm) and Wilson's iris - /. wilsonii(peduncle height 60-75 cm), reed iris - /. phargmitetorum(blue flowers, peduncle height 50 cm) The flowers of the Wilson and Forrest irises also have a scent. The natural habitats of these species are the highlands of China. Separate populations were found in the mountains of India, Burma, and Nepal. Reed iris is found in the swampy thickets of southwest China. Irises Bull and Dykes have not yet been found in nature. So perhaps these two species are actually species hybrids from the free-pollinated 40-chromosomal Siberian irises.
 "Cambridge" Photo by Andrey Ganov |
 "Ruffled Velvet" Photo by Yuri Markovsky |
 "Rikugi Sakura" Photo of Natalia Konstantinova |
 "Easter C.D.M." Photo by M.Barbuhatti |
 "Flight of Butterflies" Photo by M.Barbuhatti |
 "Ewen" Photo of Natalia Alexandrova |
Currently, more than 500 varieties of Siberian irises are known. Moreover, approximately 95% of the assortment consists of 28-chromosomal irises. The first varieties appeared more than a hundred years ago, at the end XIX century, and were cultivars selected from free pollination. And the most intensive breeding work with Siberian irises was carried out in the 70-90s of the last century. By the end of the 90s, new flower forms that were not typical for Siberian irises also became a reality: double (multipetal) and Japanese six-follow in the absence of standards (double). There are diploid and tetraploid varieties. The latter have a double set of chromosomes in their cells. The first tetraploid varieties were obtained by exposing germinating seeds to colchicine, and subsequent ones were obtained by crossing tetraploid varieties with each other. Typically, tetraploid Siberian irises have tough, sword-shaped foliage with wider, thicker bluish-gray leaves. (Although many diploid varieties have very beautiful, non-falling leaf apparatus). The flowers of tetraploid Siberian irises tend to be larger, with a denser substance and floating foils. Among the varieties, the diploid "Mary Lurs Michie" impresses with its very wide foliage of bright green color - "Mary Lours Michie"(lavender-pink flowers) and the tallest foliage - tetraploid "High Standard" - "High Standards"(blue-purple flowers). Well, the most famous Siberian iris was, perhaps, the raspberry variety "Strawberry Fair" ("Strawberry Fair") with a surprisingly perfect and highly corrugated flower shape.
The most modern varieties Siberian irises:
With white flowers: 'Frosted Emerald'("Frosted Emerald") , "Gold Frosty Morning" ("Gold Frosty Morning") , "Elegance and Simplicity"("Elegance And Simplicity") , "Rolling Cloud"("Rolling Cloud") , "Narpswell Snow"("Harpswell Snow") , "White Prelude"("While Prelude")
With creamy yellow flowers: "Butter and Cream"("Butter And Cream") , "Nellow Yellow"("Hello Yellow") , "Just Cruising"("Just Cruising") , "Sunny Spells"("Sunny Spells")
With lavender- pink flowers: "Lady Lilac("Lady Lilac") , "Lavander Fair"(lavander Fair") , "Lafing Allegra"(laughing Allegra") , "Popple Sand"("Purple Sand")
With blue flowers: "Jiggles"("Jiggles") , "Pride In Blue"("Pride In Blue") , "Sea Ove Dreams"("Sea of Dreams")
With crimson flowers: 'Strawberry Fire'("Strawberry Fair") , "Strawberry Social"("Strawberry Social")
With dark blue and purple flowers: "Magnum Bordeaux"("Magnum Bordeaux") , "Spindazzle"("Spindazzle") , "Berliner Welle"("Berliner Welle") , "Free Hand Star"("Three Hand Star")
WITH double flowers: "Cablue"("Kablueu") , "Shibend Kaboom"("Shetland Kaboom") , "Tumble Bug"("Tumble Bug") , "Double Standard"("Double Standards")
There is a large group of dwarf Siberian irises: purple" Ennik" - "Annlck" (30 cm), " Baby Sister" - "Baby Sister" (15 cm), " Blue Snippet" - "Blue Snippet" (25 cm), " Sassy Kuma" - "Sassy Koota" (45 cm), white " Weiser Zwerg" - "Weiser Zwerg" and many others.
In 1950, the American Iris Society established the highest award for 28-chromosomal Siberian irises, the Morgan Award, and in 1984 it became the Morgan-Wood Medal. In 2000, the variety "Over In Gloryland" won this award. ("Over In Gloryland") with blue-purple flowers.
Elegant Siberian irises are a godsend for landscape designers. To assess the decorative parameters of these plants, an original rating system was proposed in 1995. Three parameters are assessed on a five-point scale: growth qualities, characteristics of the growth apparatus and flowers. Clean, stiff, upright foliage throughout the season receives a 5. A bush that is slightly arched but does not fall apart is awarded 4 points; those cultivars that tend to collapse the characteristic shape of the bush at the end of the season earn a score of less than 3 points. Varieties with flowers hovering above the foliage receive 5 points, and those with flowers located at the same level as the tips of the leaves receive 3 points. If the flowers are “hiding”, the cultivars earn 2 points.
Some varieties bloom in the first year after planting, but may “skip” the second. Some cultivars can bloom in the 3rd or even 4th year. Flowering time may vary for different varieties. In the first year after planting, the color and shape of the flower may not meet the standards. This especially applies to terry cultivars. Sometimes they form semi-double or even simple flowers.
The agricultural technology of Siberian irises is simple. These plants can be called a crop for the lazy. You don’t need to care for Siberian irises at all, but if you pay attention to them, they will delight you with abundant flowering and beautiful leaves.
"Belissima"
Photo of Shakhmanova Tatyana
Location: in the southern regions, irises are planted so that they are not exposed to the sun during the daytime, in the northern regions - in open places. Siberian irises are moisture-loving, but cannot tolerate constant waterlogging.
The soil: Siberian irises prefer dense, well-retaining soil with a pH of 5.5-6.9.
Landing: if you plan to grow irises in one place for 6-10 years, then the distance when planting should be 60-100 cm. However, it must be borne in mind that some varieties grow very quickly, for example, "Fo Winds" ("Four Winds") Others are much slower: "Liberty Hills" ("Liberty Hills")"Pa-De-De" ("Pas-De-Deux").
Care: Feed irises with fertilizers that can acidify the soil (for example, potassium and ammonium nitrate) twice a season: the first feeding is in early spring, after the snow melts, the second is at the time of flower stalk formation or immediately after flowering.
"Butter and Sugar"
Photo by Mandriko Natalia
Reproduction: It is advisable to divide Siberian irises one to one and a half months after flowering, from mid-August to the end of October (depending on weather conditions). Before digging, shorten the leaves by 2/3 . The division should consist of 3-5, maximum 8 fans. If the planting material is too dry, it should be soaked in water for two to four days. It is almost impossible to save a rotted section. Dividing Siberian irises in spring is not advisable.
Landscape design value: plants are not afraid of severe frosts without a sufficient amount of snow, they feel good in damp, low places, successfully withstand spring floods and at the same time can grow magnificently in ordinary mixborders. Landscape architects around the world have long appreciated the plasticity of Siberian irises, as well as the beautiful shape of the bush, magnificent leaves and abundance of flowering. The number of peduncles in some varieties at the age of seven can be close to 200! In addition, these plants do not require frequent replanting. Over time, they grow into huge clumps with a diameter of 1.8 to 2.5 m and, with proper care, can bloom even at 25 years of age.
Based on materials from the article “Siberian Irises” by Andrey Treshchenkov, member of the “Gardeners of Moscow” club. Photo by A. Kurlovich. // "In the world of plants" - 2002 - No. 2.
Choosing horticultural crops For his plot, any gardener dreams of a well-groomed and aesthetically pleasing corner of nature that will delight the eye throughout the season. Some are delighted with the rather whimsical but original hybrid species of roses, while others like asters that do not require special care. However, there are crops that, by planting them in your garden, you can make it original, unusually bright and beautiful, without bothering with special care after them. The clearest example of such plants is the Siberian iris, which is the favorite of most gardeners not only in the vastness of our country, but throughout the entire continent and even beyond its borders.
Features of Siberian iris and its description
Siberian iris is a perennial plant and can bloom for decades. It is a family of garden irises, successfully grown even in northern Russia. Even under these conditions, this plant pleases with regular flowering and is resistant to diseases. Siberian iris, of which there are hundreds of varieties, can differ in color and height of the planting, in the shape of flowers and their size.
Bright, aesthetic, reliable, resistant to any weather and durable - these are the most accurate descriptions of the Siberian iris. This plant needs minimal care and can survive even without it. Plantings of Siberian irises create spectacular landscapes and inspire with a wide range of colors: from soft blue and lilac to violet and dark blue. There are also white, cream, milk and even pink irises.
Very elegant and refined, suitable for decorating any garden, Siberian irises amaze with the ease of planting and caring for them. They are a unique find for group plantings, alpine slides and decoration of coastal parts of reservoirs.
The name “Siberian iris” fully justifies itself: this plant bravely endures cold winters, including without snow, and is able to withstand wind and heat, even if it was planted in not very fertile soil. Lovers of flowers with a characteristic aroma may be disappointed by the lack of scent in Siberian irises. However, they more than compensate for this disadvantage with their bright and abundant flowering.
Just a little care and attention - and every summer for 12-15 days the Siberian iris will delight you with spectacular, bright and lush flowers. Each peduncle has about 7 flowers, which bloom within 5-6 days. And even after the Siberian iris plant fades, it does not lose its aesthetics and can decorate your garden right up to the autumn bad weather. But the holiday of beauty that irises create can be extended: you just need to plant different varieties of this plant in your garden that bloom earlier or later.
Planting Siberian iris: technique and secrets
Siberian iris, which can be planted not only in temperate climatic conditions, but also in northern latitudes, is considered a phenomenal crop, extremely resistant to external environment. They are equally graceful and bloom very beautifully both in the south and in northern regions– where summers are quite short and winters are very harsh.
Choosing the right lighting
The only thing that is important for planting iris, regardless of the region, is proper lighting. Siberian iris is a light-loving plant, so it needs to be planted in the open and most sunny part garden plot. However, if this crop is planted in the southern regions, it may suffer from too aggressive daytime sunlight. It is better to choose a place for irises where they can enjoy light in the morning and evening, or plant them in an area with diffused lighting. Even in dense shade, the Siberian iris will not die, but you can enjoy its beautiful flowering only by planting it in a bright area.
The worse the illumination of the garden area, the later and much less often Siberian flowers will delight with their blooming.
Soil for Siberian iris
Planting Siberian iris is possible in any soil, and the presence of any unsuitable conditions can be easily compensated for by slightly adjusting the care of the plant. Only soil that is too poor or acidic should be avoided. If the soil on your site is dry or marshy, its characteristics can be improved by choosing the right fertilizer. Most lush flowering irises grow on well-drained soil with a comfortable alkaline environment.
Although iris is not a fancy crop, it is not worth planting it in a bud that is constantly flooded. Ideal option where to plant Siberian irises is:
- moderately alkaline environment with optimal content of humus and moisture;
- high ground;
- the absence of trees and shrubs near the planting - sources of excess shade with a powerful root system that will inhibit the development of irises.
How to adjust the soil for planting iris?
- swampy soil saturated with moisture requires constant, high-quality drainage;
- if the soil is dry, the plant will need regular watering;
- the poverty of sandy soil is compensated by adding organic fertilizers and clay;
- if the soil is too heavy or acidic, you need to dilute it a little with limestone or sand;
- Excessive alkaline environment is corrected by adding peat.
Siberian irises, by their nature, act as soil correctors, actively improving its quality characteristics and eliminating bacteria.
Instructions for planting Siberian irises
- before planting flowers, you must first dig up the soil and remove weed roots from it;
- the optimal distance between holes for irises is from 50 cm to 1 m. Every year the iris bushes grow and become more magnificent, this must be taken into account when planting them;
- immediately before the planting process, you need to cut off the roots and leaves of the plant by about 1/3;
- the roots of Siberian irises must be deepened into the ground, and the height of the hole should be from 3 to 5 cm; the roots of the plant should not bend;
- the hole with the seedling buried in the ground is carefully filled with earth, compacted, if necessary, mulched with peat, compost or grass, and watered.
As for the period that will be more favorable for planting Siberian iris seedlings, it can be either early spring, before the period of active plant growth begins, or autumn. The main thing is that the air temperature does not fall below 0°C. The establishment period of plants is quite long, so it is very undesirable to replant them every year: it is better to do this no more than once every 3-4 years.
Nuances of caring for Siberian iris
Caring for the Siberian iris is just as important as strictly observing all its conditions. correct landing. This plant will decorate the garden with magnificent dense and bright flowering even with the minimum, most modest care for it.
- Watering: its importance even for such unpretentious flower, like the Siberian iris, is undeniable. It is important to control the acidity of the water used for irrigation. When acidity is above 7 units, water significantly affects the overall acidity of the entire soil. Therefore, before watering the plants with water, it is better to sprinkle their base with a solution of sulfur or iron sulfate in low concentration. Although the Siberian iris flower loves wet soil, it’s not worth watering it every day.
A good technique for caring for “Siberians” would be to mulch the soil with fresh grass or pine needles: this move will slow down the appearance of weeds on the site. The best time for watering is early morning or evening, when Sun rays are no longer so persistent.
Important: when watering Siberian irises, do not allow streams of water to come into contact with the flowers themselves: this can cause them to lose their decorative appearance.
- Fertilizing the soil: it is very important to produce it, and perfect amount fertilizing for this type of plant is 3 times a year. The first time you need to add nutrients is in early spring (use only mineral fertilizers). It is very important to treat the plant with insecticides that have the property of preventing the appearance of pests. It is necessary to fertilize the flowers a second time immediately before they bloom: this will directly affect the number and splendor of flowers in each bush. Both mineral fertilizers and manure are suitable for these purposes.
After the irises have completely bloomed, they are fed again with fertilizers saturated with potassium and phosphorus with lowest content nitrogen. - Pruning: necessary to prolong the life of the Siberian iris and promote the emergence of young shoots as quickly as possible. It needs to be arranged at the very end of autumn, since cutting off the leaves of a plant too early is fraught with its poor flowering in the future. Pruning can be done in early spring, but before that, young leaves will appear. All leaves should be cut at a level of 10-15 cm from the ground. Over time, the iris rhizome may show on the surface of the soil: this can be avoided by adding soil to its very base in advance.
Dividing Siberian irises and replanting them
The best way to propagate irises is by dividing the bush. When is the best time to perform this procedure? It depends on the weather in the region and climatic conditions. In the northern regions, irises are transplanted in early spring, immediately after the snow melts. IN temperate latitudes for dividing irises, the optimal period is 1-1.5 months after they bloom. Irises can be replanted from August until mid-October.
Before dividing the rhizome, the stems and leaves of the iris need to be cut by 2/3: this technique will significantly reduce the evaporation of moisture and help the plant grow longer. a short time adapt to a new area. Next, we dig up the bush, preserving a rich earthen clod. We divide the rhizome so that 1-2 sprouts remain on each of the separated pieces of root. The “operation” must be carried out with a clean knife or a special garden tool. The cuts are treated with charcoal to avoid infection and dried for 1-2 hours.
The separated parts of the roots need to be planted in previously prepared, not too deep holes, which are sprinkled with earth and slightly compacted.
Important: the soil for new plants should always be slightly moist. Therefore, at first it is important to water the Siberian irises little by little, but every day.
In reproduction of this plant there is one problem: the seeds of the Siberian iris germinate extremely quickly and, if left to chance, begin to “self-sow”. And if for the multitude garden plants- this is a positive point, then irises that grew from seeds are not particularly decorative and luxuriant in flowering. In such plants that have grown “by themselves” it is difficult to recognize the original variety. This is why iris varieties are not propagated by seeds: only by vegetative means. In order to prevent the Siberian iris from “degenerating” ahead of schedule, seed bags should be promptly removed from these plants during the process of caring for them.
Siberian iris is one of the most persistent and perennial representatives of its family. Even over decades, it does not lose its aesthetics and decorativeness, and does not require frequent transplants or rejuvenation.
And finally, we invite you to admire the numerous varieties of Siberian iris, photos of which are presented below:
Double Standard
Rigamarole;
Rose Quest;
Imperial Opal;
Butter and Sugar;
— Contrast in Styles;
Lady Vanessa;
Ruffled Velvet
The Siberian iris is perennial with a powerful root system that can improve the soil structure. Its height can reach up to 1 meter. The leaves of this plant are xiphoid, thin, flat, with a waxy coating, most often collected in a fan. Bright flowers Irises bloom for about 5 days in May-June.
The flower has a large peduncle of 6 petals and is distinguished by an elegant shape and a variety of rich shades. The outer and inner parts of the flower have different size, shape and color. Most often they are blue or purple. The fruits of the plant are long triangular boxes, the seeds are large, ribbed, Brown. Varieties obtained from the Siberian iris are usually combined into the section of beardless irises Limniris.
Growing conditions
Siberian iris grows well on fertile soils, does not tolerate excessive dampness and strong darkening. An excess of nitrogen fertilizers can cause various diseases in this plant. The most intensive growth is observed on loamy soil with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction. The ground is first dug up to a depth of about 20 cm, then humus, potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen are added to the planting site; fresh manure can only be added in advance, preferably a year in advance. The most optimal time for planting is the end of August or the beginning of September.
Subsequent care for irises consists of constant weeding, loosening, watering and fertilizing. The plants are replanted periodically, otherwise individual parts of the rhizomes are pushed to the soil surface. This, in turn, leads to a decrease in the feeding area, irises stop blooming, the leaves become small, and the overall decorativeness of the bushes decreases. Therefore, plants must be replanted every 6-8 years. In winters with little snow, irises can be covered with a layer of peat, humus or spruce branches.
Application
Due to their decorative properties, irises are widely used in creating various flower beds. They are often placed near bodies of water or used to create monoflower beds. Alpine coaster may also be a suitable location for these plants. They look beautiful in composition with poppies, lupins, phlox, peonies, sedum, saxifrage and various bulbous plants.
However, we should not forget that irises are not very competitive; other well-growing perennials easily suppress them. Also keep in mind that contrasting color combinations look most advantageous; for example, dark irises will look better against the background light colors. In addition, these flowers provide a sustainable cut.
Irises are a real decoration for any flower bed and flower garden. Siberian iris is distinguished by its unpretentiousness and resistance to cold, its rapid growth rate and abundant flowering. Dense plantings of dwarf irises look beautiful along borders. Tall varieties grow well along fences and hedges. There are several hundred varieties of Siberian irises known, differing in height and flower shape, flowering time and leaf structure.
Siberian iris - description and features
The advantages of the Siberian iris are obvious - it is endurance to harsh conditions environment, disease resistance, easy care, color variety and the ability to grow quickly.
All irises in nature are divided into two groups:
- Irises that have a beard along the lower petals, that is, bearded.
- Irises that do not have a beard are non-bearded.
The Siberian iris Iris Sibirica does not have a beard, it has smooth silky petals, a bizarrely shaped bud, quite large. Several flower stalks are formed on one stem at once - 2 and 3. The natural shade of the plant is blue-blue. Hybrid varieties have a wide variety of colors - white, pink, yellow, red, burgundy, lilac. The petals of the Siberian iris can combine two shades at once.
Thanks to successful work Breeders developed about 800 cultivated varieties. Beautiful viable flowers decorate best gardens Europe, the Caucasus and Turkey.
Iris Siberian photo and description:
- The classic flower consists of six petals, three narrow, directed upward, and three lower, wider and curved towards the bottom.
- Near the base of the petals there is an eye - a contrasting spot of color; a border may run along the petals.
- Hybrid varieties may have only wide or only narrow petals, and their stems may branch.
- The difference between varieties is manifested not only in the color of the peduncles, but also in their texture. There are Siberian irises with double and smooth petals, with a corrugated and smooth edge.
main feature Siberian iris is the strength of the stem. Even reaching 100 and 120 cm in height, the plant does not need additional support. There are medium-sized, stunted and dwarf varieties with different numbers peduncles. The majority of varieties bloom in June; there are varieties with a late flowering period, occurring in July and August. Also distinguished remontant varieties, which manage to bloom twice during the warm season - in spring and autumn.
Siberian iris - varietal diversity
Siberian irises photos of varieties and their descriptions:
Siberian iris - planting and care rules
Planting and caring for Siberian iris is not very difficult; the plants bloom generously and beautifully in open areas. The duration of flowering depends on the variety; it can take from 2 weeks to a month. Moderate humidity is the key to rapid spread and lush bushiness. A neutral soil environment is preferred for the crop.
Iris Siberian landing:
- spring – March and May;
- autumn – August and September.
Rules for autumn planting of irises - a month before the onset of stable cold weather, so that the plants can take root well in the open ground. Transplantation and planting of Siberian irises in the spring should be carried out after frosts and in well-warmed soil.
Irises love nutritious and loose soil; they require systematic feeding - after transplantation, at the time of bud formation and after flowering.
Rhizomes and bulbs are usually not buried; the central bud always remains on the surface. Plants require careful loosening so as not to touch the delicate roots, watering when the soil dries out, removing dead parts and weeds. With age, the flowering of the bush weakens, so it is necessary to plant the crop in new places.
Siberian iris in landscape design
The variety of varieties of Siberian iris, with a wide variety of flower shades, stem heights and bush size, allows it to be widely used to decorate any landscape:
Experienced gardeners recommend dividing and replanting irises frequently. These measures do not allow old plants to grow, help to increase their decorative qualities and extend the flowering period. Without replanting, bushes can grow in one place for 5 or 10 years in a row.
Siberian irises are popular and multifunctional flowers. They are beautiful, unpretentious and fragrant. These plants are sung by poets, depicted by artists and adored by gardeners. There's something for every garden suitable variety. Living beauty can be brought into the house - irises last a long time when cut.
Unpretentious Siberian irises - video
