The best varieties of irises. White irises: varieties, description, growing features

When choosing bearded irises for growing on your site, first of all, decide on the size. The fact is that these flowers are different in height: there are bearded irises that grow up to 70 cm, and there are those that rise no higher than 5 cm above the ground. The best varieties of bearded irises must meet certain requirements, about which you find out by reading this article.

Medium-sized, tall and miniature bearded irises

Bearded irises - the most extensive group of irises, consisting of several classes.

Tall Bearded Irises (TV)- powerful plants with a height of 71 cm with a branched peduncle, many buds and large flowers, sometimes up to 20 cm in diameter. In the Moscow region, they bloom from mid-June to early July.

Medium-sized bearded irises (MB) - from 41 to 70 cm high, are divided in turn into three groups:

• border irises (BB) with a flowering period similar to tall bearded, but with a proportionally smaller flower;
• intermedia irises (IB) with a flower size of 10-13 cm and a flowering period in the Moscow region from the beginning of June; not necessarily strongly branched, but forming profusely flowering bush;
• table, or miniature high bearded irises (MTV) - with a high thin branched peduncle and relatively small (not wider than 8 cm) flowers, used mostly for a bouquet and a table, from where their name came from.

Standard Bearded Dwarfs (SDB)- 21-40 cm high, bloom in the Moscow region from the end of May.

Miniature bearded dwarfs (MDB)- the smallest, the height of such bearded irises is 5-20 cm. These flowers bloom very early (in the Moscow region from the first half of May).

Requirements for tall bearded irises

The modern tall bearded iris is a striking flower! Any person who sees him is fascinated by his beauty and is extremely surprised when he finds out that growing luxurious irises is no more difficult than any other. garden flowers or even vegetables in the garden. Perhaps, so many erroneous opinions have not developed about any culture that many, even very sophisticated gardeners, are wary of it, usually opposing new varieties to old ones. And it’s completely in vain: among modern varieties there are plenty of those that can reliably and regularly bloom in middle lane and even have some advantage in resilience to the hardships of our harsh climate compared to historical varieties. Therefore, undoubtedly, it is worth striving to acquire new varieties. But the main advantage of the new varieties is that they are immeasurably more beautiful than the old ones.

The flower breeding progress of tall bearded irises is astonishing. The main attention is paid to the flower, because even just one flower - whether it grows in the garden or stands in a vase - is able to conquer the gardener's imagination and fall in love with him forever. There are still new color combinations, exquisite color patterns instantly gaining immense popularity. But despite all the advances in expansion colors irises, the focus is on the quality of the flower.

The quality of a flower is understood as:

• wide, sometimes closing at the bases halyards and closed standards, making the flower collected, rounded and expressive;
• the density of the texture of the petals, providing resistance to precipitation and a longer flower life;
• grace and uniformity of corrugation of shares;
• width, density and expressiveness of the beards.

An example of excellent flower quality is Keith Keppel's 'Paris Fashion'. Giant flowers also require peduncles proportional to their size - tall, strong, resistant to gusts of wind. So that the opening flowers do not interfere with each other, they must be "spaced" on sufficiently long branches, and in order to ensure a long flowering period, there must be a large number of buds in the inflorescence.

Of particular attraction are the so-called exhibition varieties, which have 3-5 simultaneously opened flowers on the peduncle.

Considerable attention is also paid to the garden attractiveness of the iris - the health of the foliage, the rapid growth of the bush and the representativeness of its flowering, when the number of peduncles on the bush is considered optimal, approximately half the number of leaf fans.

Of particular interest are such varieties, the bushes of which do not throw out flower stalks at the same time, but over a certain period of time, providing exceptionally long flowering. Have a long flowering remontant varieties.

With the right selection of varieties, the flowering of tall bearded irises stretches for 50 days.

The main requirement for iris varieties for growing in the northern regions is growth energy, which allows you to compensate for many other plant shortcomings. The next most important quality is frost resistance. The ability to withstand low temperatures in winter is related to the rhythm of plant development. Irises, whose growth ends by the end of summer and the leaves die off, winter much better and, therefore, their flower buds are not damaged in severe winters.

Tall bearded irises are a very thermophilic culture. So, in the Moscow region and to the north, only 20% of varieties from their total number successfully grow. Therefore, my advice to amateur gardeners is to be primarily interested in its frost resistance when buying.

Resistance to fungal and bacterial diseases is another important quality. Resistance to bacteriosis and heterosporiosis provides healthy foliage, decorative plantings and flowering regularity.

The standard planting unit for bearded irises is usually a one-year growth of the iris rhizome. In the middle lane, they reach an acceptable size by the beginning of August. This is the reason for the recommended planting time - the first half of August, however, good results can be obtained when planting before the beginning of September.

What rhizomes are better to take for planting: large or small, annual (short) or biennial (long)? The answer to this question depends on your goals: if by all means you want to see an iris flower the next year after planting, choose a large rhizome with a wide fan of 6-8 leaves. If flowering next year is not important for you, but the reliability of overwintering and plant survival are paramount, choose a medium-sized one-two-year-old rhizome with a diameter of 2-2.5 cm, with 3-4 leaves.

Agricultural technology for growing bearded irises: planting and care

Agrotechnics for growing bearded irises depends on the purpose of their cultivation, so it is impossible to give any universal scheme. Some grow irises, planting and digging up planting material annually, usually for sale. Others plant irises to decorate the garden in a border, mixborder, rockery or on a rocky hill, where it is advisable not to touch them for several years.

The most important factors for successful cultivation are light and drainage. Do not forget also that irises are heat-loving plants. The more sun the irises get in the garden, the better they bloom. A slight shade in the morning or evening is certainly acceptable, but only some varieties of irises, such as the intermedia ‘In a Flash’, will withstand a more serious shade. The southern slopes are preferable to the northern ones, and a place near the southern wall of the building will also be good. It is good if the landing site is cleared from the prevailing cold winds.

With excessive soil moisture, the respiration of the roots is disturbed, and they partially die off, which leads to a slowdown in plant development.

In similar conditions, bacterial rot also develops on the rhizomes of irises.

If the soil is sufficiently drained, irises can be planted on a flat surface, if the soil is heavy, clayey, then it is better to plant them on a hill or on ridges. Ridges are also more convenient in terms of winter shelter.

High soil fertility is the key to successful cultivation and productivity of tall bearded irises in central Russia.

Bearded irises do best in light, sandy soils. Loams are also acceptable, but the addition of sand and organic materials (peat, composted sawdust, humus) greatly improves the structure and permeability of the soil, leading to excellent results. It is only necessary to take into account that in order to improve the soil to a depth of 20 cm, it will be necessary to add about 100 liters of sand per 1 m2 of soil.

The optimal level of reaction of the soil environment (pH) is 6.8.

If you intend to grow irises on the ridges, then their preparation consists of the following operations:

• freeing the site from the roots of perennial weeds;
• bringing compost or other available organic material to the site;
• leveling organics over the site with the simultaneous introduction of wood ash or dolomite flour and mixing them with the soil with a pitchfork or shovel.
• application of mineral fertilizers under the rake: potassium sulfate and superphosphate, as well as ground or colloidal sulfur in the amount of 5-7 g / m2;
• shaping the ridge profile and compacting the soil to avoid further subsidence and bulging of newly planted plants. The height of the bed profile after compaction is approximately 7-8 cm;
• delivery of coarse-grained river or washed quarry sand to the ridges in such an amount as to form a layer of about 5-7 cm, and its leveling;
• the ridge is ready for planting. In order to preserve the structure of the ridge, it is convenient to plant bearded irises as follows: slightly push the sand, sticking a shovel bayonet into it, place the roots of the iris division into the gap formed, compact the soil around the roots and water the substrate, move it to the planted division of the iris so that it is in the layer sand.

On the ridge, delenki are planted in such a way that the cut part of the rhizome is directed to the edge of the ridge, and the fan of leaves is directed to the middle. In this case, the growing roots will be directed towards the center of the ridge, which will make it easier to water the plants in the groove in the center of the ridge in the future.

Irises can be transplanted at any time during the growing season. However, replanting in the spring may result in poor flowering in the current year. In the middle lane, optimal results are obtained when planting and transplanting irises in August: the plants have enough time to take root and gain sufficient mass to fully bloom next year. Irises planted later, that is, in autumn, usually remain healthy, but do not have time to take root before the onset of cold weather. This can lead to rhizomes sticking out of the ground when the soil freezes. To avoid bulging of the rhizome, additional mulching for the winter is required, or simply fixing the rhizome with a suitable improvised object.

A common mistake when planting and caring for bearded irises is to overburden the rhizome. Irises are recommended to be planted so that the back of the rhizome is at the surface of the soil. For the winter, it is better to sprinkle the open rhizome with soil, and in the spring it needs to be raked.

When caring for bearded irises, it is mandatory in the first weeks after planting irises for successful rooting. For abundant flowering, adult specimens of bearded irises need watering only with a lack of precipitation, especially in May, when hot, dry weather is often, sometimes in June-July. However, in August, and even more so in September-October, adult bushes no longer need watering. At this time, the plant is preparing for winter, and its growth should not be stimulated.

Irises should be fed both in early spring and 3-4 weeks after flowering. Fertilizing with soluble fertilizers gives a quick effect: in spring - complex with microelements, in July-August - with potassium phosphate.

For the successful cultivation of bearded irises, phosphorus is the most important of the main nutrients, therefore it is advisable to fill the soil with superphosphate (100 g / m2) or bone meal (200-300 g / m2) when preparing the site for irises. For spring-summer top dressing, you can use a complex fertilizer with a low nitrogen content, for example, NPK=6:10:10. The autumn mixture has a ratio of NPK = 0:13:18, it also contains magnesium and elemental sulfur, the latter is 5%. Spring fertilizer mix has the formula NPK=8:37:11.

The best organic fertilizer for iris culture is well-rotted compost.

Bearded irises grow successfully in one place for 4-5 years. The specific terms for updating the bush depend both on the variety and on the agricultural technology used. Some time after planting, the iris bush thickens, which eventually leads to the cessation of flowering. How quickly thickening occurs depends on the multiplication factor of the variety. Some varieties are characterized by vigorous growth, and at the same time are not too demanding on external conditions.

With the age of the bush, it is desirable to increase the number of dressings. If these measures do not bring the desired effect, the entire bush must be dug up, the soil renewed by introducing ripe compost and phosphorus-potassium fertilizers, and 3-4 of the strongest shoots should be planted, shortening the leaves by about 2/3.

Many modern varieties do not need shelter for the winter. If the variety is chosen for the beauty of the flower, but not winter-hardy enough, additional efforts will be required in preparation for winter. The main problems for irises in winter in the middle lane arise when an ice crust forms on the frozen ground without snow, which prevents the plants from breathing.

It is convenient to cover irises with spruce branches or oak leaves, which tend not to cake. To prevent such a frame from getting wet, it must be covered with a non-woven covering material or a film - irises will not soak under them in winter.

Irises hibernate in the best way under dry-air shelter with preliminary drying of the ridge, for which one month is usually enough. The easiest way to protect against rain is with a dense reinforced film laid on arcs or directly on the foliage of irises. At the same time, the ends of the shelter should be open for free air circulation, and they should be closed for the winter. Estimated time for the construction of the shelter - the end of October - the beginning of November.

In the spring, the film is removed from the shelter as early as possible, immediately after the snow melts, and other material is removed as needed.

Varietal irises are propagated vegetatively, that is, by dividing the rhizomes. For accelerated reproduction, it is necessary to remove the flower bud in the fall, located at the base of the leaf fan. After that, the lateral buds start to grow in the plant, which in the spring form new powerful shoots. To separate them, you do not need to dig out the rhizome. On a dry sunny day, you need to rake the ground, cut off dried and yellowing leaves, and cut off the remaining green leaves to the rhizome. The cut must be disinfected and left to dry in the sun. After the wound heals after a few days, the rhizome must be mulched with soil so that roots can form in the awakening buds. The division of the rhizome into bud cuttings, often recommended for propagation of irises, is much less effective method, since in this case the plant is severely injured and, as a result, flowering occurs much later.

For reproduction, dormant buds on 2-3-year-old rhizomes can also be successfully used. To do this, pieces of rhizomes are cut out from the middle of the bush and simply transplanted to a new place.

New varieties of tall bearded irises for the middle lane

When describing, the following data are given: the name of the bearded iris variety, originator, year of registration, flower characteristics, flowering period.

Sundress

Pirogov 2000

Golden-smoky top with a lilac touch. On the white field of the bottom there are purple dots and strokes, a golden-smoky border. Bright yellow pistil ridges glowing in the depths of the flower. Exceptionally vigorous growth and regular abundant and long flowering. Early.

Queen

Sholupov 2003

Intense purple-violet, with a velvety texture of the lobes and powerful corrugation. Exhibition peduncle easily holds several simultaneously opened flowers. Average flowering period.

Cranberry Sauce

Black 2002

Cranberry South

Silky-shiny flower with purple-crimson overflow. Yellow beards emphasize the magnificent depth of color. Average flowering period.

Darcy's Choice

Schreiner 2007

Aarsis Choice flower of original color with white beards on crimson halyards. Wonderful branched peduncle. Average flowering period.

Dawn To Dusk

Schreiner 2008

Aown Too Dusk

A bicolor pink-purple flower that develops a unique gray hue in acidic soils: unexpected and attractive. Middle late.

Edgefield Glow

Schreiner 2011

Edgefield Glow

Exceptional brightness orange flower with dark tangerine beards. This new variety of bearded iris has an incomparable color and excellent vigor not found in other orange varieties. Mid-early.

Never Been Kissed

Blyth 2008

Never Win

Kissed Fashionable reverse: blue top and pure white bottom. Luxurious flower of delicate coloring. A distinctive feature is the best corrugation to date. Mid-early.

Palace Symphony

Blyth 2007

Palace Symphonies

Purple-wine flower with almost black beards and exceptional ruffles. A variety that combines best features American and Australian selection. Average flowering period.

Royal Birth

Royal 2003

Royal Burf

Creamy white with golden halyards. Dense flower texture. Abundant flowering and sustainable growth. Medium early flowering period.

Undivided Attention

Ernst 2004

Undivided Attention

Intense pink, warm salmon color, thicker in the center of the flower. Bright coral beards. Abundantly flowering variety. Middle late.

Warranty

T. Johnson 2004

Warranty

A huge floating purple-black flower with a velvety texture on a tall peduncle. Mid-late flowering period.

Entering the village garden on a warm June day, you will surely see an overgrown curtain of elegant cockerels. Simple and unpretentious, but no less charming. The folk flower also has a more euphonious name - iris, there is a rich pedigree and its own elite. The magnificent varieties of irises with photos and names described in this article will appeal to amateur flower growers and professional designers garden.

Iris - the personification of grace and graceRainbow flower

The rhizomatous perennial belongs to the Kasatikovye family and has almost 800 species, distributed almost all over the planet. It is difficult to find a person who does not know what an iris looks like - his flower is so unusual that once you see it, you will not forget it. But if there are, we offer a description of the plant.

Its rhizome is creeping, divided into annual links. A fan of flat xiphoid leaves sprouts from each segment in spring. A thick strong peduncle emerges from this bunch, on which from 1 to 6 single flowers bloom.

The flower itself is large - 7.5–11 cm high, up to 18 cm in diameter, consists of 6 petals (lobes) - three internal and three external. The inner petals are usually raised up and form a "crown" or "glass". The outer shares, they are also called fouls, diverge to the sides horizontally or lowered down.

Both the variegated colors of the petals and the palette of numerous varieties of irises confirm the name of the flower, which is translated from Greek as "rainbow". There are a variety of tones and combinations:

• plain (self) - white, pastel, saturated, almost black;
• combinations with the traditional combination of colors - white with blue, yellow with brown;
• contrasting combinations of tones and shades, for example, pink with lavender;
• variegated (speckled, bordered).

There is no unified international classification of the plant - in our country only rhizomatous perennials are called irises, in Europe bulbous relatives of the flower are also included in the same genus. And the domestic garden classification for a simple amateur gardener does not add clarity. If you do not go into botanical details, the following types of irises are most often grown in gardens and parks:

• bearded (the most numerous, widespread and demanded group);
• Siberian;
• Japanese;
• Spuria irises;
• bulbous hybrids (Dutch or English).

Before purchasing collection irises, carefully read the assortment and resistance of the specimen you like to the climatic conditions of your region. Many of the hybrids bred in the USA, Japan, Holland, Australia are thermophilic and cannot withstand the frosts of the middle zone, not to mention Siberia or the Urals.

By choosing varieties with different flowering periods, you will enjoy a rainbow palette from mid-May to July. Bearded irises

More than 500 varieties and interspecific hybrids - bearded iris can boast of such a large family.

Powerful, durable and unpretentious perennial according to the height of the bush is divided into 3 groups:

• dwarf varieties (21–40 cm);
• medium height (41–70 cm);
• tall (from 71 cm).

In the tall group, forms are bred that grow up to 110-120 cm with powerful peduncles, which simultaneously bear 5-12 flowers. The higher the plant, the larger and more massive they are, with dense, corrugated petals, a “lace” edge.

A distinctive feature, due to which the iris received its specific name, is the so-called beard, clearly visible in the photo below. This is a shaggy strip of dense short hairs located at the base of the central vein of the outer fouls. In color, it can either match the main background or contrast with it.

A coral-colored beard is clearly visible at the base of the outer petals.

View advantages

It is no coincidence that bearded irises are so popular. In addition to the magnificent appearance and the most extensive palette of colors and shades, they have a lot of other advantages.

• The plant grows rapidly and intensively.
• Blooms profusely and for a long time.
• A large number of frost-resistant varieties have been developed that do not need to be covered for the winter.
• The flower is hardy, rarely gets sick, resistant to pests.

Bearded irises are good in the flower bed and in the cut. Dwarf varieties are appropriate in borders and on alpine slides, solo and in composition with other perennials. Tall specimens are indispensable for tapeworms, they look great in company with lilies and peonies.

Overview of popular varieties

We offer a small selection of varieties of bearded irises with photos and names. This is only a small part of the assortment offered by domestic and foreign breeders, for which we chose spectacular specimens that have proven themselves in our conditions.

• Supreme Sultan is a two-color hybrid of American selection, a powerful plant with a height of more than a meter. The inner petals (standards) are of a rich yellow-ocher color, collected in a crown, the falls are cherry-burgundy with a yellow beard, lowered low. The edge of the petals is corrugated. The flowering period is May-June.

  In the photo - the American variety Supreme Sultan

• Thornbird is a popular variety of green-flowered "bearded men", tall (over 80 cm) with a strong peduncle and a luxurious fan of leaves. The flower is large (ø 13–14 cm), orchid-shaped, with creamy standards and greenish-mustard falls, on which a yellow beard with a violet-brown horn stands out. Blooms in June-July, luxuriantly and abundantly. Suitable for growing in the middle lane.

  Green-flowered cultivar Thornbird

• Sultan Palace refers to the spectacular monochromatic hybrids of the Dutch selection. The height of the bush is about a meter, the flower is large with a diameter of up to 15 cm. The upper and lower petals are dense, velvety, rich reddish-brown in color with burgundy veins along the field and a slightly corrugated edge, the beard is yellow. The flower smells good. The plant belongs to a highly winter-hardy group, will delight with long and lush flowering.

  Red - one of the most elegant irises

• Vibrant - a variety of irises for those who love yellow flowers, so magnificent both in the flower bed and in the photo. The color is monophonic, dense, golden yellow, the petals are strongly corrugated along the edge, yellow-orange beards are barely visible at the base of the falls. The flower has a light refined aroma. The plant itself is of excellent quality, tall (from 85 cm), large-flowered, does not degenerate during the growing season. Blooms early.

  A flower for lovers of sunny irises

• Vizir is a magnificent tall variety with large monochromatic flowers. A rich palette of petals plays with raspberry-violet, cranberry, pomegranate hues. The petals are corrugated with "bubbles" along the edge. An orange beard stands out on bright falls.

  In the photo - a variety of irises Vizir

• Champagne Waltz is a tall two-color hybrid of the American originator. The standards are a delicate peach hue with apricot venation, the falls are white with an apricot-yellow border, lowered low. The petals are dense, corrugated, with a velvet texture. The beard is red-orange.

  Border on the edge of fouls - new trend in the selection of irises, Champagne waltz variety

• Immorality is an amazing white iris, shown in the photo below. Standards, fouls, beard - everything in this flower is pure snow-white, the petals are slightly wavy, with a velvet texture. The height in the peduncle is 75–85 cm. The uniqueness of the variety is in remontance. The first time blooms in May, again, under favorable weather conditions - in September. Differs in good frost resistance.

  Re-blooming iris variety Immorality

• Toronto is a tall mid-early hybrid of the American originator. The flowers are large (ø 13–16 cm), two-colored, soaring. The inner petals are a warm pinkish-peach color with a wavy edge, the falls are a contrasting maroon tone, turning along the edge into a burgundy-pink "lace" frill. A red-orange beard stands out clearly on a dark foul. Very colorful, elegant flower!

  In the photo - Toronto iris

• Super Model is a tall solid handsome man with large lavender flowers. The shape of the flower is orchid with soaring falls, the petals are corrugated, with a fringed edge, decorated with an orange beard with white tips. Iris of this variety smells good. Blooms in July, winter-hardy.

  Elegant variety - a real Supermodel

• Super Hero is a real superhero with a hat of large heavy flowers on a strong high peduncle. The crown is formed by white standards with a golden border, the falls are horizontally located, with an ocher area in the center, turning into maroon, almost black edges. A golden yellow beard stands out as a bright spot on the petal.

  Bicolor variety Superhero

Siberian irises

Our compatriot Siberian iris in the photo looks like a bearded relative, but has a number of differences in structure, agricultural technology and description of the flower.

1. The shape of the flower is similar, but it is somewhat smaller, without a beard, the petals are narrower and elongated. Although in fairness it must be said that some modern varieties in terms of flower size can compete with beard irises.
2. The plant grows into large bushes and kicks out just a huge number of flower stalks.
3. The foliage of this species is brighter and more elegant, it serves as a decoration of the garden even after flowering.
4. The species is extremely hardy, cold-resistant, in adverse conditions weather conditions more reliable.
5. Unlike the bearded iris, this flower can grow and bloom in shade.

Unfortunately, Siberian irises don't smell. But this does not detract from the decorative possibilities of the flower and the interest in it from breeders.

Assortment of Siberian irises

Dozens of varieties and hybrids of Siberian irises have been bred in the world for every taste, some of them we have collected in this collection with photos and names.

Japanese irises

Sword-shaped irises growing in Japan and in our country Far East are called Japanese. This is not a specific, but rather a collective term. For a long time they were considered unsuitable for cultivation in the northern regions, they were grown in Primorye, the Caucasus, the Black Sea coast. Breeders are trying to actively promote the culture to the north, more or less frost-resistant varieties have appeared, but in general, the “Japanese” in the middle lane do not have enough heat and light.

The flower of the Japanese iris is very interesting - large (ø up to 25 cm), similar to a saucer. All 6 lobes are bent horizontally, only branches of pistils (styles) with an openwork scallop at the end are raised up. In addition to monochromatic and two-color varieties, speckled, bordered, with contrastingly colored veins are common. Let's take an example of a few of them.

Bulb relatives of irises

Bulbous xifiums are flowers very similar to irises. In the English, Dutch tradition they are called bulbous irises.

The main difference is the presence of bulbs instead of rhizomes. Their leaves are narrower, grooved, more like a daylily, peduncles are thin and tall. The flowers are identical in structure to cockerels - they consist of 6 lobes, some species have a nail bent up on the falls, as can be seen in the photo below.

This is what bulbous iris looks like

In the southern regions, this flower is cultivated quite successfully, but in the north it does not take root, and even if it blooms in some years, then it withers and disappears.

Another flower, reminiscent of either irises or daylilies, is the now fashionable alstroemeria.

In the photo - alstroemeria

This is a South American rhizomatous perennial that grows up to 1 m. The flowers are six-petalled, variegated, multicolored. The plant is thermophilic, therefore it can be grown in the garden only in the south, in the middle lane - only in closed ground.

Video about the types and popular varieties of irises:

Moscow, Russia, online since 01/11/2017

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Irises have long gained popularity due to their unusual appearance and unpretentiousness. They practically do not require care, even an inexperienced gardener can cope with growing. Many varieties of this plant have been bred. In order not to get confused in such a variety, it is necessary to study in advance irises, varieties with photos and names. This will help create a spectacular garden to the envy of all neighbors.

Varieties of irises

Iris is a perennial unpretentious plant, which is distinguished by an unusual shape and color of flowers. It is suitable for growing in open areas, flooded sunlight. A distinctive feature of the flowers is their charming delicate aroma. Therefore, they are often used in the perfume industry.

Wild-growing irises today can be found in meadows, in the steppe or on sheer cliffs. In greenhouse conditions, about five hundred different varieties have been bred that are suitable for growing in household plots. They can be divided into several large groups:

• bearded;
• dwarf;
• bulbous;
• Siberian;
• marsh;
• Japanese.

In European countries, it is customary to divide these plants into 10 - 15 categories. Separately, border, Californian and some other species are distinguished. To decide which of them will take root better on your site, carefully study the irises, their varieties with photos and names.

bearded irises

Iris bearded is considered one of the most common varieties of plants. Its distinctive feature is the presence of fine hairs on the lower petals. They have a more saturated color compared to the general tone of the flower. Among the most spectacular varieties are:

This is just a small part of the variety on the market today. When choosing, pay attention to the fact that the flowers are in harmony with neighboring specimens and fit into the overall design of the site.

The height of such varieties can reach 80 cm, so you should not plant them in close proximity to photophilous low-growing plants.

dwarf irises

Iris dwarf differs from its counterparts in its small stature. The height of the peduncles does not exceed 40 cm. For most varieties, this parameter is 20 cm at all. They will be ideal for decorating small compact flower beds. Among the most popular varieties are:

Dwarf irises do well in light, permeable soils. If the soil in your garden is heavy, then add sand to it before planting.

bulbous irises

Everyone is used to the fact that irises are rhizomatous plants. Modern specialists have managed to breed several varieties growing from bulbs. They are distinguished by unusually early flowering. They can be compared to snowdrops. As soon as the snow melts, the first flowers appear. There are three main types:

Bulbous irises look good in a flower bed with crocuses, muscari, galanthus and so on. They will be ideal for alpine slides.

Such varieties can be grown in pots and large planters. They will be an excellent decoration of verandas and arbors.

Siberian irises

Photos of Siberian irises are impressive. They are distinguished by the extraordinary beauty of the flowers. The value of this species is also in the fact that the foliage of the plant has a rich green color throughout the season. The most spectacular varieties are:

Such varieties look spectacular along the banks of improvised reservoirs, in large rockeries. Groups of such flowers can decorate the lawn, which will give the landscape an unusual look.

swamp irises

Iris marsh or iris grows everywhere in our country. The leaves of this species are sword-shaped. Their length can reach two meters. This species does well in partial shade. Therefore, such flowers can be planted along fences or near trees with a not too dense crown. Among the most popular varieties are:

Having studied these varieties of irises with photos and names, we can conclude that they are ideal for group plantings. With help different types irises can create spectacular flower beds.

Japanese irises

Japanese iris has orchid-shaped flowers. Their size can vary from 15 to 25 cm. In Japan, such plants are planted so that they can be admired from a height. From this angle, they look the most impressive. The plants are large, so when planting between them, it is necessary to maintain a distance of at least 30 cm. The most popular varieties:

After studying the photo of the varieties of irises, you can choose the right planting material that is suitable for your type of soil. If you choose instances with different terms flowering, you can admire the beauty of flowers all summer long.

Irises bloom in the garden - video

When choosing bearded irises for growing on your site, first of all, decide on the size. The fact is that these flowers are different in height: there are bearded irises that grow up to 70 cm, and there are those that rise no higher than 5 cm above the ground. The best varieties of bearded irises must meet certain requirements, about which you find out by reading this article.

Medium-sized, tall and miniature bearded irises

Bearded irises - the most extensive group of irises, consisting of several classes.

Tall Bearded Irises (TV)- powerful plants with a height of 71 cm with a branched peduncle, many buds and large flowers, sometimes up to 20 cm in diameter. In the Moscow region, they bloom from mid-June to early July.

Medium-sized bearded irises (MB) - from 41 to 70 cm high, are divided in turn into three groups:

• border irises (BB) with a flowering period similar to tall bearded, but with a proportionally smaller flower;
• intermedia irises (IB) with a flower size of 10-13 cm and a flowering period in the Moscow region from the beginning of June; not necessarily strongly branched, but forming a profusely flowering shrub;
• table, or miniature high bearded irises (MTV) - with a high thin branched peduncle and relatively small (not wider than 8 cm) flowers, used mostly for a bouquet and a table, from where their name came from.

Standard Bearded Dwarfs (SDB)- 21-40 cm high, bloom in the Moscow region from the end of May.

Miniature bearded dwarfs (MDB)- the smallest, the height of such bearded irises is 5-20 cm. These flowers bloom very early (in the Moscow region from the first half of May).

Requirements for tall bearded irises

The modern tall bearded iris is a striking flower! Anyone who sees him is fascinated by his beauty and extremely surprised when he learns that growing luxurious irises is no more difficult than any other garden flowers or even vegetables in the garden. Perhaps, so many erroneous opinions have not developed about any culture that many, even very sophisticated gardeners, are wary of it, usually opposing new varieties to old ones. And it’s completely in vain: among modern varieties there are plenty of those that can reliably and regularly bloom in the middle lane and even have some advantage in resistance to the hardships of our harsh climate compared to historical varieties. Therefore, undoubtedly, it is worth striving to acquire new varieties. But the main advantage of the new varieties is that they are immeasurably more beautiful than the old ones.

The flower breeding progress of tall bearded irises is astonishing. The main attention is paid to the flower, because even just one flower - whether it grows in the garden or stands in a vase - is able to conquer the gardener's imagination and fall in love with him forever. Until now, there are more and more new color combinations, exquisite color patterns, instantly gaining immense popularity. But, despite all the achievements in expanding the color range of irises, the main focus is on the quality of the flower.

The quality of a flower is understood as:

• wide, sometimes closing at the bases halyards and closed standards, making the flower collected, rounded and expressive;
• the density of the texture of the petals, providing resistance to precipitation and a longer flower life;
• grace and uniformity of corrugation of shares;
• width, density and expressiveness of the beards.

An example of excellent flower quality is Keith Keppel's 'Paris Fashion'. Giant flowers also require peduncles proportional to their size - tall, strong, resistant to gusts of wind. So that the opening flowers do not interfere with each other, they must be "spaced" on sufficiently long branches, and in order to ensure a long flowering period, there must be a large number of buds in the inflorescence.

Of particular attraction are the so-called exhibition varieties, which have 3-5 simultaneously opened flowers on the peduncle.

Considerable attention is also paid to the garden attractiveness of the iris - the health of the foliage, the rapid growth of the bush and the representativeness of its flowering, when the number of peduncles on the bush is considered optimal, approximately equal to half the number of leaf fans.

Of particular interest are such varieties, the bushes of which do not throw out flower stalks at the same time, but over a certain period of time, providing exceptionally long flowering. Remontant varieties have long flowering.

With the right selection of varieties, the flowering of tall bearded irises stretches for 50 days.

The main requirement for iris varieties for growing in the northern regions is growth energy, which allows you to compensate for many other plant shortcomings. The next most important quality is frost resistance. The ability to withstand low temperatures in winter is related to the rhythm of plant development. Irises, whose growth ends by the end of summer and the leaves die off, winter much better and, therefore, their flower buds are not damaged in severe winters.

Tall bearded irises are a very thermophilic culture. So, in the Moscow region and to the north, only 20% of varieties from their total number successfully grow. Therefore, my advice to amateur gardeners is to be primarily interested in its frost resistance when buying.

Resistance to fungal and bacterial diseases is another important quality. Resistance to bacteriosis and heterosporiosis provides healthy foliage, decorative plantings and flowering regularity.

The standard planting unit for bearded irises is usually a one-year growth of the iris rhizome. In the middle lane, they reach an acceptable size by the beginning of August. This is the reason for the recommended planting time - the first half of August, however, good results can be obtained when planting before the beginning of September.

What rhizomes are better to take for planting: large or small, annual (short) or biennial (long)? The answer to this question depends on your goals: if by all means you want to see an iris flower the next year after planting, choose a large rhizome with a wide fan of 6-8 leaves. If flowering next year is not important for you, but the reliability of overwintering and plant survival are paramount, choose a medium-sized one-two-year-old rhizome with a diameter of 2-2.5 cm, with 3-4 leaves.

Agricultural technology for growing bearded irises: planting and care

Agrotechnics for growing bearded irises depends on the purpose of their cultivation, so it is impossible to give any universal scheme. Some grow irises, planting and digging up planting material annually, usually for sale. Others plant irises to decorate the garden in a border, mixborder, rockery or on a rocky hill, where it is advisable not to touch them for several years.

The most important factors for successful cultivation are light and drainage. Do not forget also that irises are heat-loving plants. The more sun the irises get in the garden, the better they bloom. A slight shade in the morning or evening is certainly acceptable, but only some varieties of irises, such as the intermedia ‘In a Flash’, will withstand a more serious shade. The southern slopes are preferable to the northern ones, and a place near the southern wall of the building will also be good. It is good if the landing site is cleared from the prevailing cold winds.

With excessive soil moisture, the respiration of the roots is disturbed, and they partially die off, which leads to a slowdown in plant development.

In similar conditions, bacterial rot also develops on the rhizomes of irises.

If the soil is sufficiently drained, irises can be planted on a flat surface, if the soil is heavy, clayey, then it is better to plant them on a hill or on ridges. Ridges are also more convenient in terms of winter shelter.

High soil fertility is the key to successful cultivation and productivity of tall bearded irises in central Russia.

Bearded irises do best in light, sandy soils. Loams are also acceptable, but the addition of sand and organic materials (peat, composted sawdust, humus) greatly improves the structure and permeability of the soil, leading to excellent results. It is only necessary to take into account that in order to improve the soil to a depth of 20 cm, it will be necessary to add about 100 liters of sand per 1 m2 of soil.

The optimal level of reaction of the soil environment (pH) is 6.8.

If you intend to grow irises on the ridges, then their preparation consists of the following operations:

• freeing the site from the roots of perennial weeds;
• bringing compost or other available organic material to the site;
• leveling organics over the site with the simultaneous introduction of wood ash or dolomite flour and mixing them with the soil with a pitchfork or shovel.
• application of mineral fertilizers under the rake: potassium sulfate and superphosphate, as well as ground or colloidal sulfur in the amount of 5-7 g / m2;
• shaping the ridge profile and compacting the soil to avoid further subsidence and bulging of newly planted plants. The height of the bed profile after compaction is approximately 7-8 cm;
• delivery of coarse-grained river or washed quarry sand to the ridges in such an amount as to form a layer of about 5-7 cm, and its leveling;
• the ridge is ready for planting. In order to preserve the structure of the ridge, it is convenient to plant bearded irises as follows: slightly push the sand, sticking a shovel bayonet into it, place the roots of the iris division into the gap formed, compact the soil around the roots and water the substrate, move it to the planted division of the iris so that it is in the layer sand.

On the ridge, delenki are planted in such a way that the cut part of the rhizome is directed to the edge of the ridge, and the fan of leaves is directed to the middle. In this case, the growing roots will be directed towards the center of the ridge, which will make it easier to water the plants in the groove in the center of the ridge in the future.

Irises can be transplanted at any time during the growing season. However, replanting in the spring may result in poor flowering in the current year. In the middle lane, optimal results are obtained when planting and transplanting irises in August: the plants have enough time to take root and gain sufficient mass to fully bloom next year. Irises planted later, that is, in autumn, usually remain healthy, but do not have time to take root before the onset of cold weather. This can lead to rhizomes sticking out of the ground when the soil freezes. To avoid bulging of the rhizome, additional mulching for the winter is required, or simply fixing the rhizome with a suitable improvised object.

A common mistake when planting and caring for bearded irises is to overburden the rhizome. Irises are recommended to be planted so that the back of the rhizome is at the surface of the soil. For the winter, it is better to sprinkle the open rhizome with soil, and in the spring it needs to be raked.

When caring for bearded irises, watering is required in the first weeks after planting the irises for successful rooting. For abundant flowering, adult specimens of bearded irises need watering only with a lack of precipitation, especially in May, when hot, dry weather is often, sometimes in June-July. However, in August, and even more so in September-October, adult bushes no longer need watering. At this time, the plant is preparing for winter, and its growth should not be stimulated.

Irises should be fed both in early spring and 3-4 weeks after flowering. Fertilizing with soluble fertilizers gives a quick effect: in spring - complex with microelements, in July-August - with potassium phosphate.

For the successful cultivation of bearded irises, phosphorus is the most important of the main nutrients, therefore it is advisable to fill the soil with superphosphate (100 g / m2) or bone meal (200-300 g / m2) when preparing the site for irises. For spring-summer top dressing, you can use a complex fertilizer with a low nitrogen content, for example, NPK=6:10:10. The autumn mixture has a ratio of NPK = 0:13:18, it also contains magnesium and elemental sulfur, the latter is 5%. Spring fertilizer mix has the formula NPK=8:37:11.

The best organic fertilizer for iris culture is well-rotted compost.

Bearded irises grow successfully in one place for 4-5 years. The specific terms for updating the bush depend both on the variety and on the agricultural technology used. Some time after planting, the iris bush thickens, which eventually leads to the cessation of flowering. How quickly thickening occurs depends on the multiplication factor of the variety. Some varieties are characterized by vigorous growth, and at the same time are not too demanding on external conditions.

With the age of the bush, it is desirable to increase the number of dressings. If these measures do not bring the desired effect, the entire bush must be dug up, the soil renewed by introducing ripe compost and phosphorus-potassium fertilizers, and 3-4 of the strongest shoots should be planted, shortening the leaves by about 2/3.

Many modern varieties do not need shelter for the winter. If the variety is chosen for the beauty of the flower, but not winter-hardy enough, additional efforts will be required in preparation for winter. The main problems for irises in winter in the middle lane arise when an ice crust forms on the frozen ground without snow, which prevents the plants from breathing.

It is convenient to cover irises with spruce branches or oak leaves, which tend not to cake. To prevent such a frame from getting wet, it must be covered with a non-woven covering material or a film - irises will not soak under them in winter.

Irises hibernate in the best way under dry-air shelter with preliminary drying of the ridge, for which one month is usually enough. The easiest way to protect against rain is with a dense reinforced film laid on arcs or directly on the foliage of irises. At the same time, the ends of the shelter should be open for free air circulation, and they should be closed for the winter. Estimated time for the construction of the shelter - the end of October - the beginning of November.

In the spring, the film is removed from the shelter as early as possible, immediately after the snow melts, and other material is removed as needed.

Varietal irises are propagated vegetatively, that is, by dividing the rhizomes. For accelerated reproduction, it is necessary to remove the flower bud in the fall, located at the base of the leaf fan. After that, the lateral buds start to grow in the plant, which in the spring form new powerful shoots. To separate them, you do not need to dig out the rhizome. On a dry sunny day, you need to rake the ground, cut off dried and yellowing leaves, and cut off the remaining green leaves to the rhizome. The cut must be disinfected and left to dry in the sun. After the wound heals after a few days, the rhizome must be mulched with soil so that roots can form in the awakening buds. The division of the rhizome into bud cuttings, often recommended for propagation of irises, is a much less effective method, since in this case the plant is severely injured and, as a result, flowering occurs much later.

For reproduction, dormant buds on 2-3-year-old rhizomes can also be successfully used. To do this, pieces of rhizomes are cut out from the middle of the bush and simply transplanted to a new place.

New varieties of tall bearded irises for the middle lane

When describing, the following data are given: the name of the bearded iris variety, originator, year of registration, flower characteristics, flowering period.

Sundress

Pirogov 2000

Golden-smoky top with a lilac touch. On the white field of the bottom there are purple dots and strokes, a golden-smoky border. Bright yellow pistil ridges glowing in the depths of the flower. Exceptionally vigorous growth and regular abundant and long flowering. Early.

Queen

Sholupov 2003

Intense purple-violet, with a velvety texture of the lobes and powerful corrugation. Exhibition peduncle easily holds several simultaneously opened flowers. Average flowering period.

Cranberry Sauce

Black 2002

Cranberry South

Silky-shiny flower with purple-crimson overflow. Yellow beards emphasize the magnificent depth of color. Average flowering period.

Darcy's Choice

Schreiner 2007

Aarsis Choice flower of original color with white beards on crimson halyards. Wonderful branched peduncle. Average flowering period.

Dawn To Dusk

Schreiner 2008

Aown Too Dusk

A bicolor pink-purple flower that develops a unique gray hue in acidic soils: unexpected and attractive. Middle late.

Edgefield Glow

Schreiner 2011

Edgefield Glow

Exceptional brightness orange flower with dark tangerine beards. This new variety of bearded iris has an incomparable color and excellent vigor not found in other orange varieties. Mid-early.

Never Been Kissed

Blyth 2008

Never Win

Kissed Fashionable reverse: blue top and pure white bottom. Luxurious flower of delicate coloring. A distinctive feature is the best corrugation to date. Mid-early.

Palace Symphony

Blyth 2007

Palace Symphonies

Purple-wine flower with almost black beards and exceptional ruffles. A variety that combines the best features of American and Australian selection. Average flowering period.

Royal Birth

Royal 2003

Royal Burf

Creamy white with golden halyards. Dense flower texture. Abundant flowering and steady growth. Medium early flowering period.

Undivided Attention

Ernst 2004

Undivided Attention

Intense pink, warm salmon color, thicker in the center of the flower. Bright coral beards. Abundantly flowering variety. Middle late.

Warranty

T. Johnson 2004

Warranty

A huge floating purple-black flower with a velvety texture on a tall peduncle. Mid-late flowering period.

The first in the list of garden favorites can be safely put bearded irises, their main distinguishing feature is a fluffy strip located along the central vein of the outer and sometimes inner flower petals.

Intensive breeding work with bearded irises began at the beginning of the 19th century in Europe. Garden varieties of bearded irises are obtained by crossing eight types of iris: German iris (Iris germanica), motley (Iris variegata), pale (Iris pallida), leafless, Cypriot, Mesopotamian, Kashmir, Trojan. Therefore, bearded irises are still often called Germanic irises in commercial labeling. This outdated name has now been replaced by another, which very accurately reflects the essence - hybrid iris (Iris hybrida hort.), After all, all varieties of bearded irises are hybrids obtained as a result of multiple crosses (artificial pollination). This is truly a flower self made”, a masterpiece created by man in union with nature.

In addition to the border, patterns of strokes of different colors, complex combinations of different colors that turn into each other, many modern varieties have a specific texture of the petals. It creates special visual effects, giving pastels an alabaster haze or waxy translucency, and dark ones a velvety depth. Irises, like daylilies, have varieties with a "diamond coating" that sparkle in the sun or shimmer in the summer twilight.
In bearded irises, a thick perennial rhizome is located horizontally flush with the soil, long cord-like roots extend from it, forming a fibrous root system. The xiphoid leaves, covered with a bluish wax coating, are folded like a fan. An iris flower has three perianth lobes: those that look up are called "standards", those that look down are called "fouls".

In ancient varieties of irises, the fouls are narrow, similar to the protruding tongue of a dog. Modern cultivars have wide, rounded falls, domed or crowned standards, and various shapes corrugation. A distinctive feature of irises of recent decades are wide fluffy beards, which in a group of varieties turn into colored "horns", "spoons" or "frills".

The color of the flowers has also reached an amazing variety. But, despite the deliberate efforts of hybridizers, until the iris is uniquely red, numerous attempts to get it led to the creation of a large number of red-burgundy varieties. Therefore, it is not an exaggeration to say that the modern range of irises covers the entire range of colors, including black.

According to the American Iris Society, the leader and legislator of modern bearded iris breeding, there are over 80,000 varieties today. In the AIS classification, irises are divided into six garden groups, which differ in the height of the peduncle, flower size and flowering time. To choose the right plants for your garden, you should get to know them better.

(table)

To describe the color features of bearded irises, a number of terms have been adopted:
plikata - on a light background, a pattern of dark dots and strokes, merging along the edge into a border;
luminata - patterned highlights on a dark background, standards are lighter;
blend (iridescent) - two or more colors smoothly transition into each other;
amena - white or lighter standards in a two-color flower, modern varieties have "reverse amena" when the standards are darker than the lower falls;
splash ("torn color") - against the background of the main color, numerous strokes and strokes of other colors.

GARDEN USE

Originators - this is the name of the creators of new varieties - in the process of working with the plant endow the flower with new properties. This is a special kind of creativity, aimed at finding a new visual image: in color, proportions and form. Therefore, figuratively speaking, all garden irises are works of art.

The most hardy and winter-hardy

The lower the iris, the faster it blooms, and therefore you will be the first to be greeted dwarf irises. Yes, they are not so small, 40 cm is an excellent growth for flowering in the first decade of May. "Dwarfs" (SDB) are higher than ground cover, small bulbs and perennials that are just getting out of the ground, but on a par with or slightly lower than daffodils and tulips. They hibernate without shelter, they are undemanding to the soil, they do not need watering, the heat of our summer is enough for them to multiply and bloom profusely. That is why, despite their low growth, dwarf irises have become one of the most fashionable and in demand for cultivation in temperate climates.

Low flowers in single and group planting organically look among the stones and ground cover plants on alpine slide bringing color accents to the composition. The fantastic variety of colors of "dwarfs" allows you to create amazing combinations both on the basis of contrast and within the same color range. Plant dwarf irises along with tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, miniature primroses, and the eternal problem - the bare ground under the bulbs - will be forgotten forever.

Abundant and early flowering, unpretentiousness and fertility put dwarf irises out of competition when creating extended borders and flowering arrays large area, on lawns, in tree trunks, on sunny slopes. In the May garden, barely covered with the first greenery, a bright carpet of blooming irises will attract everyone's attention, and at the end of flowering it will become almost invisible. Iris leaves, pointed with a bluish bloom, retain their decorative effect throughout the season, but they are small in height, so they do not block other plants, being content with the role of a tactful background. It is possible to divide and transplant dwarf irises even during flowering; after a warm summer, they often bloom again in August - September. "Dwarfs" can be grown in container culture, on balconies and loggias, they feel good in pots and are easy to force out in the cold season.

The most friendly

In early June, the flowering relay passes to medium-sized bearded irises up to 70 cm high, this group consists of Intermedia (IB), Table (MTB) and Border (BB) irises. The flowers of the irises of this group can be very large and numerous, but due to the lower height of the peduncles, they are resistant to the wind. Table irises, as their name suggests, will decorate not only the garden, but also the house. Their graceful flowers on strong peduncles are ideal for making bouquets. A cut flower opens all the buds, which allows it to retain its decorative effect in a vase for a long time. Moreover, such a bouquet can bloom for you by the New Year or March 8 - medium-sized irises lend themselves perfectly to distillation and are able to fully bloom indoors in winter.
The flowering of the newest varieties of foreign selection is simply amazing by the size, shape of the flowers, and the amazing play of shades. However, being plants of southern origin, they may require additional attention during the period of adaptation to new climatic conditions. This is especially true for peach-pink colors, they are most vulnerable to frost.
In early June, in the off-season, when the primroses have already departed, and the annuals and perennials are still preparing to bloom, it is the medium-sized irises that will add the missing colors to the garden palette. Medium-sized irises winter stably, grow rapidly, forming lush bushes with many peduncles.

This is the most versatile class of irises, excellent both in a single planting and in all forms of a group.

In addition to creating borders and large arrays, medium-sized irises are best suited for planting on slopes, their powerful root system will hold the soil layer and prevent the deformation of the relief.

"High genre"

Tall Irises (TV)- born soloists. By growing such a meter-long handsome man near a house or a path, you will give yourself the incomparable pleasure of watching the birth of a flower, changing its outlines and shades as it grows. An iris bush can produce 10-15 peduncles, each of which can open up to 25 flowers at the same time. Of particular interest is the collection of irises for connoisseurs of aromas, because the variety of smells in different varieties of bearded irises is no less than the range of colors and shapes.

Jasmine, peonies, foxglove, daylily, geyhera and onions blooming at the same time will serve as an excellent backdrop for irises. The outstanding decorative qualities of many modern varieties with massive peduncles, large corrugated flowers will be emphasized by the discreet "accompaniment" of decorative leaf crops (chistetsa, sage, hosts, bergenia, wormwood, cuffs, stonecrops and young).
In all classes of bearded irises, there are varieties capable of re-blooming, this property is called remontant and is indicated by the abbreviation (RE). But in the middle lane, this is more of a disadvantage than an advantage. In our climate, re-blooming in autumn is very irregular and occurs in dwarf and medium-sized irises after a very warm summer. All remontant varieties continue to grow actively in autumn, not having time to enter a state of dormancy before the onset of frost, which is necessary for a successful wintering. Therefore, re-blooming irises are the least cold-resistant and difficult to grow group of varieties.
In a group planting, varieties of pastel colors or just similar in color look harmonious. Be especially attentive to two-color irises, they rarely “go” to plant in a single array. In the field of contrasting combinations, a non-linear arrangement of curtains of a sufficiently large area opens up a lot of opportunities; it is desirable to arrange groups from an odd number of varieties.

The June bloom of tall bearded irises is truly magnificent! Their advantages are obvious, and the variety of varieties will satisfy the most demanding connoisseur. The choice depends entirely on your tastes and the location of the garden. I will only note that high (TV) is the most demanding class of irises in terms of growing conditions.

The most unpretentious and resistant to cold, pests and diseases are the irises of the old classic varieties, bred in the 19th and early 20th centuries. However, with all their endurance, they are significantly inferior to modern varieties in terms of decorative qualities. Beginning flower growers should pay attention first of all to the varieties of domestic selection, one of the main priorities of which was the breeding of varieties that are most resistant to cold and disease.

SELECTION OF PLANTING MATERIAL

The planting unit of the bearded iris, the so-called "delepka", is a segment of a thick rhizome with roots extending from it and a fan of leaves, which are shortened to a length of 10-15 cm. High-quality delenki have clearly visible buds on the sides. You can plant irises from May to September, so planting material goes on mass sale in early spring. Wherever you buy irises, be sure to take the delenka in your hands and carefully inspect the plant. pair yellowing outer leaves it is quite acceptable, but if softened areas of the rhizome, mold or stains are found, you should refrain from acquiring.

Bearded irises are very sensitive to excess moisture. Humidity, especially when combined with heat for planting material destructive. Mature rhizomes are not afraid of drying and can be stored in a dry and cool place for up to 2 months. This feature contributed to the widespread culture of bearded irises, because delenki perfectly tolerates mailing. Therefore, the most rational way to purchase planting material that is healthy and appropriate for the variety is to contact collectors.

The largest association of iris lovers, as well as breeders and competent producers of planting material is Russian society iris. Within the framework of this non-profit association of flower growers, exhibitions, training seminars, official registration of new varieties are held, and the purchase of planting material of Russian and foreign selection is coordinated. Anyone can become a member of the ROI, the association maintains an official website (http//rusiris.narod.ru) and annually publishes the bulletin "Irises of Russia" with an overview of the most significant events in the modern world of irises, articles on agricultural technology and selection of these plants. Company address: 129110 Moscow, st. Gilyarovsky, 36-23.

What is important to take into account when purchasing planting material from private collections?

The level of collection management is largely evidenced by the catalog - a list of proposed varieties with a description that informs you as much as possible about the properties of the variety. Be sure to indicate the class of the variety according to the height of the peduncle. The name is followed by the name of the breeder, the year of registration of the variety, a description of the color, features and awards received.
The times when you could basically dream of new selections are over. Now we recklessly flip through catalogs, jumping from site to site in search of interesting varieties. But the greater the choice, the more difficult it is to make it. Lay and maintain a solid foundation iris garden one "golden" rule will allow - first of all, choose varieties that have been awarded awards.
Collectors who value their reputation and circle of customers offer a system of discounts, bonuses, guarantees and order approvals, following the world practice of offering planting material. Including its unwritten law: the older the variety, the lower its price. The high cost of the latest varieties is explained not only by their outstanding decorative qualities, but also by the number of plants themselves. In irises, the new variety reproduces only vegetatively, that is, by dividing one "original" plant obtained from the seed, therefore, by the time the variety is officially registered, the number of plants - its carriers is small, and it is customary to set the highest price for the right to own them. For reference: the price of varieties of the current year among the luminaries of the American selection ranges from 30 to 50 dollars.

GROWING IRIS

Selecting a landing site

In order for flowering to be regular and abundant, the area for planting bearded irises should be as warm, light as possible, and when planting tall irises- be sure to be protected from the wind. Bearded irises do not tolerate excessive moisture, so flooded lowlands are not for them, in areas with a high occurrence ground water landing is possible on raised ridges.

Soil preparation

The best soil for irises is light loam. Clay soils can be improved by adding sand and peat, acidic soils can be neutralized with dolomite flour, clay and well-rotted compost can be added to sandy soils. The soil under the irises should pass water and air well. In the fight for porosity, all means are good - coarse sand, crushed brick, fine limestone, and charcoal will do.

Excess nitrogen reduces winter hardiness and increases the risk of bacterial infections, so organic additives (completely rotted compost or manure humus) can be applied in small quantities to the lower soil layer, to the depth of thin roots, avoiding contact with a thick rhizome.

To obtain large plants of exhibition quality (especially tall irises), they practice planting on two-layer raised ridges. The bottom layer of the soil consists of compost with the addition of dolomite flour, long-acting mineral fertilizers or a phosphorus-potassium complex, upper layer ridges (10-15 cm) - sand.

planting

You can plant irises and replant with a clod of earth from May to September, the best time is July, since at this time the active growth of new roots begins. Planting young delenok should begin with disinfection. To do this, it is enough to withstand them for 15-30 minutes. in a pink solution of potassium permanganate. If the weather is sunny, put the delenki in the sun for several days so that the rhizome is illuminated from all sides. Such a "tan" destroys pathogenic bacteria and contributes to better survival and the formation of flower buds.

The perennial rhizome should remain on the soil surface when planted. Make a hole with a scoop, fill the bottom with a mound of earth (and best of all a mixture of sand and wood ash). Keep the rhizome flush with the soil surface, spread the roots along the sides of the mound, as if planting a delenka astride the mound. Backfill the hole, pressing the soil tightly around the roots with your hands. Water generously to make sure the delenka does not fall. It is not necessary to water the plantings anymore, it is important that all planted plants maintain an upright position, and the rhizome is not buried. Planted delenki can be supported from the side of the leaves with sticks or stones, after 2-3 weeks, new growing roots will provide the plant with proper contact with the soil.

And the last step, optional, but very far-sighted, is the installation of a label with the name of the variety. A disposable plastic knife will serve as such a label. Write the name of the variety with an indelible marker and stick it next to the plant.

The taller the iris, the more space it needs. And the more often you plant irises, the sooner you will have to plant the plants. When planting irises in groups, it is desirable to place plants at a distance from each other: for tall irises 30-40 cm, for medium-sized ones - 15-20, for dwarf ones - 10-15 cm. In the process of growth, bearded irises move, the rhizome moves forward along the soil surface, therefore, during curb planting, all divisions should look in one direction, it is better to orient the cut on the rhizome to the southeastern sector, so the rhizome will be better illuminated and warmed up. When nesting, delenki are placed with slices towards the center.

CARE OF BEARDED IRIS

In the spring, after the snow melts, it may seem that the irises have died, but do not rush to conclusions. If the rhizome is hard, after 1-2 weeks the iris will turn lush green. Treat the iris and the surrounding soil with ash or one of the fungicides. Wood ash for irises is both a hygiene product and a fertilizer; it is applied several times a season.

Most often, the upper part of the rhizome with a flower bud freezes out. Cut the damaged area to a solid healthy tissue as soon as possible. Iris renewal buds are laid on the sides of the rhizomes, so even a radically “operated” iris has a chance of survival. Fresh cuts on the rhizome should always be disinfected. Here are the remedies from the vast experience of practitioners; a mixture of sulfur and charcoal, brilliant green, fukortsin, potassium permanganate, metronidazole powder. Try to provide the rhizomes with maximum illumination, solar ultraviolet is the best way to combat bacteriosis.

The need for bearded irises in moisture is covered by the amount of natural precipitation, they do not need regular watering, watering is desirable in dry summers for tall irises during the flowering period. In the non-chernozem zone, the development and winter hardiness of plants can be stimulated by fertilizing. In spring, nitrogen-phosphorus (3:1), during budding - nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (1:1:1), 2-3 weeks after flowering - phosphorus-potassium (1:1). Fertilizers are applied to moist soil, preventing granules from getting on the rhizome.
Disease prevention and protection

The main care for irises comes down to disease prevention. The occurrence of rot caused by various types bacteria, contribute to dampness, excess organic matter, thickened plantings and long-term cultivation in one place. When a disease is detected, there is only one way to fight: the affected part of the plant is cut out, the rest is treated with fungicidal agents (see above).

An effective measure for the prevention and control of rots of various origins is the introduction of preparations of live bacteria into the soil under irises (Trichodermin, Gliocladin), which suppress the development of pathogenic microorganisms. Spring sowing in areas intended for summer planting of irises, annual green manure crops (white mustard, phacelia), followed by planting them to a depth of about 20 cm, will improve the soil and provide irises with optimal nutrition.

In the second half of summer, brown spots and yellowing ends can be seen on the foliage of irises. Spotting caused by various pathogens does not directly threaten the life of the plant, but spoil appearance and may affect winter hardiness. To keep the foliage healthy will help: regular preventive spraying of foliage with fungicides (foundazol, "Maxim",

0.2% copper oxychloride), spacious planting, pre-winter leaf pruning (and even subsequent whitewashing with lime).

Wintering

Irises of domestic selection and time-tested foreign varieties that have been grown in the middle lane for a long time are distinguished by the greatest winter hardiness. For most irises, 30 cm of snow is sufficient frost protection. The most vulnerable are the novelties of the world selection of tall irises. The potential of their winter hardiness and methods of shelter have to be established empirically.

Most of the dwarf and medium-sized irises in the garden near Moscow can winter without shelter. In high irises in November, before the cold weather, the rhizomes are covered with earth by 8-10 cm, and when the soil is seized with frost, they are covered with spruce branches or any breathable material on top.

Most reliable way shelters of bearded irises are "dry wintering".

In rainy autumn, a low hard canopy is installed above the irises so that the soil remains dry and the shelter is blown through. With the onset of the first frost, the foliage is cut off at a height of 10 cm, the plants are sprayed with a fungicide and covered with lutrasil over the canopy.

A small number of plants can be covered with mesh plastic boxes and lutrasil or caps made of plastic containers with holes underneath. Any method that allows you to keep the air circulation under the shelter is good.

For its wide variety (there are from 700 to 800 species), original forms and richness of color.

Description

Rules for planting bearded irises

To obtain a high-quality bearded iris, which will delight with its beauty, timely planting and proper care of the plant in the open field are necessary.

The best time for planting and transplanting is the time after flowering, then the plant forms new roots. If you look closely at the rhizome, then below the base of the leaves you can notice light green tubercles - these are the beginnings of roots.

When they grow up, they will be very fragile and brittle. Therefore, irises are planted either immediately after flowering, or in the fall, when the roots become fibrous and hard.

Did you know?From the rhizomes of the iris flower, people have learned to make iris oil, which is used in the manufacture of perfumes of very high quality.

When wondering how to properly plant a bearded iris, many gardeners stick to one answer. When planting an iris, it is necessary to make a slight depression with a small mound.

Place a flower on this mound, spread the roots well and, compacting, cover them with earth. The divisions of the plant should not be deepened much, since the root should be well warmed up by the sun.

The prepared material of the bearded iris when planting in the ground in the spring must be processed. If the rhizome is very long, it must be cut a little, rotted places removed and kept in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for about 20 minutes.

How to care for flowers

In order for the iris to please with its flowering for a long time, it is necessary to carry out a number of works.

soil care

Iris bearded in the spring requires special care. It does not imply hard labor, you just need to be extremely careful when. The roots of the flower are close to the surface of the earth, and one must be very careful not to damage them.

Important!Irises cannot bloom in acidic soil! In this case, the plant will have a lot of strong leaves, but it will not throw out the buds. It is possible to deoxidize the soil by adding ash, lime or to it.

Watering

The accumulation of water and nutrients in irises occurs in the root system. Therefore, they need watering only during dry summers and during the flowering period in order to prolong it.

Pruning leaves and faded shoots

In August, the leaves begin to slowly die off, this may serve as a signal that it is necessary to do sanitary pruning. To do this, completely remove all dried leaves, shorten the rest by half or a third.

In such a simple way, you can protect the plant from all kinds, which are carried by old leaves and faded flower stalks.

Separately about feeding

spring

The plant needs in the spring. Can be applied as a solution under the root of the iris. This top dressing will help the development of the leaves and increase the size of the flowers.