Planting and caring for bulbous irises in the open field, a description of the best varieties
Among garden flowers, irises are chosen for their multicolor and simplicity. Ornamental plants come in different heights and flowering times. There are rhizome and bulb types of flowers. Planting and caring for bulbous irises in the open field is not difficult. Flower cultivation is also available for a novice gardener.
Description and peculiarities of the plant
Bulbous irises do not differ much from rhizomatous irises. Plant species are similar:
- long xiphoid leaves emerging from the ground;
- inflorescences of vertically rising and gently descending petals;
- bright coloring.
Bulbous irises do not have a beard in the inflorescences, and the height of the stem reaches no more than 50-60 centimeters.
Popular varieties
Among the bulbous irises, the most represented are the Dutch varieties. But the selection of an ornamental plant is also done in other European countries.
Iridodictium
The variety belongs to mesh irises. The flower has small bulbs of 2 centimeters.From above, they are covered with thin scales that hide the fleshy center. Iridodictium peduncles grow up to 8 centimeters. Flowering of a varietal culture begins in April-May and lasts 15 days. These delicate flowers, lilac, blue, white, outwardly resemble crocuses.
Juno
Pearl-shaped iris inflorescences look aristocratic. The plant can be 20 to 40 centimeters high. Surrounding the stem are tiered crescent-shaped leaves. A single peduncle appears on the stem in April-May. It blooms up to 3-5 flowers.Early-flowering perennials are very picky about air temperature, they can't stand the cold. They must be covered for the winter.
Dutch
Dutch irises are the most difficult to care for. But they appreciate the appearance of an ornamental plant for the brightness and variety of colors of the petals. There are varieties of two-color type with smooth tonal transitions. The bottle-shaped bulbs are planted in the ground in the spring to produce plants with pointy leaves and bright single flowers.
Fragile plants do not tolerate low temperatures at all. When the weather is set to minus 10 degrees, the flowers die. Many summer residents use Dutch irises as annuals without storing bulbs. After all, I really want to admire the beauty of flowers every summer, which is simply fascinating.
Professor Blau
A hybrid is obtained by crossing the Dutch cultivated species. The result is a variety with:
- long flowering;
- large inflorescences, the diameter of which is 10 centimeters;
- rich blue decorative petals;
- unpretentious care.
The irises are well preserved in section.They are used in flower beds, in flower beds.
mystical beauty
Dutch irises, or xyphiums, are represented by the mystical beauty of this variety of flowers. The height of the plant stem is about 50-60 centimeters. 2 buds form on the peduncle. When they open in early summer, they revel in a mix of blue, purple and gold. Inside, the petals are monochrome with spots and strokes, and the outsides are yellow. The aroma of irises is felt from a distance.
Symphony
From a distance, the irises of this variety look like a butterfly sitting down to rest. The combination of snow-white and yellow with orange petals, the pleasant aroma of which spreads, will decorate any corner of the garden. The hybrid belongs to the types of medium-sized plants.
How to prepare bulbs for planting
Bulbs for planting irises are purchased at the store. You can also use your own planting material. It should be checked for quality. Do not plant damaged or rotten bulbs in the ground. It is necessary to soak the iris bulbs beforehand in a growth stimulator. For disinfection of planting material, solutions of potassium permanganate or antifungal drugs are used. After treatment, dry the bulbs for 30 minutes.
Site selection and preparation
Bulbous varieties of irises should be planted in areas:
- well lit, or better a little shaded;
- with nutritious and loose soil;
- neutral in acidity;
- where groundwater is deep.
When the soil under the irises is sandy, humus can be added. In heavy soil - wood ash, sand. It is advisable to neutralize the acidity of the soil with crushed eggshells, lime.
How soon should you plant
Experienced flower growers believe that planting irises will be more successful in the fall. Flowers take root best at a temperature of +15 degrees. For distillation, it is advisable to plant in early February. Then in the spring, they will receive delicate bouquets.
Spring planting is not prohibited, but flowering will begin later than usual.
Landing scheme
Before planting the bulbs, they dig the ground, loosen it. It is better to fertilize poor soils with nitrogen complexes. The holes are made small. The depth of burial of iris bulbs depends on the size of the planting material. Large ones are placed at a depth of 6-7 centimeters, small ones - 3-4. The upper part of the root system should be left above ground and not buried. You can place the bulbs next to each other. If the plantings are single, the distance between the flowers should be 10 centimeters.
Follow-up care rules
The flowering of irises, the duration of placement in one place depends on the care. Procedures should be aimed at providing plants with sufficient nutrition and moisture. Regular harvesting of faded irises is necessary to lengthen the flowering period of the crop.
watering
It is necessary to moisten the soil in the area where irises grow sparingly. Too much moisture will lead to bulb rot, disease. During dry periods, water is watered 1-2 times a week, during rains - as needed.
Loosening
The soil near the flowers should be constantly loosened after the rains. This will make the earth permeable to moisture and air.
weeding
Clogging the planting of flowers will cause the petals to fall rapidly.Weeds become a source of crop disease. Noxious weeds move towards the irises, damaging them. Weeds are removed manually so as not to damage the root system of flowers.
Fertilize the soil
They begin to feed the plants in the spring as soon as the snow melts. They are fed with mineral complexes. After 3 years, you can add a mixture of fertilizers containing phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen to the soil. Before budding, the beds are knocked down with a solution of wood ash. After the flowers fade, the top dressing should consist of the same amount of superphosphate and potassium salt.
Feeding irises three times per season will allow the plants to develop better, be strong and easily tolerate frosts.
Disease and pest control
Sick plants can be recognized by spots on the leaves, wilting, a small number of buds. Fungal infections can be treated using fungicide solutions. Plants should be treated against diseases three times with an interval of 7-10 days. Of the drugs, Fundazol, Fitosporin-M and Quadris will be effective.
If bacteria have infected the root system of irises, it is best to dig up the plant and examine the bulb. Damaged areas are cut with a sharp knife, and the bulbs are washed in a concentrated solution of potassium permanganate. The sun's rays do well with bacteria.
It is necessary to clean the ground around the stem and leave it under the influence of ultraviolet rays for several days.
Butterfly caterpillars attack the leaves of irises. Gluttonous larvae can leave plants without leaves or stalks. The preparation "Granosan" helps save irises from butterflies.Thrips accumulate in the leaf axils, causing serious damage to decorative culture. They are combated with the help of treatment with "Karbofos". In a rainy summer, slug flowers overwhelm. To protect against this, you need to sprinkle the floor of the aisles with superphosphate or wood ash.
Bulb storage rules
Not all growers dig up iris bulbs once they have faded. But it is better to carry out the procedure to remove damaged and diseased specimens.
It is advisable to dig up the bulbs in mid-June-July. Then the planting material is dried, freeing it from earthen clods.
Bulb storage involves:
- dry room;
- air temperature 20-25 degrees Celsius;
- humidity 50-60%;
- good ventilation.
Digging up the bulbs will help preserve the plants and protect them from disease.
Additional tips and tricks
Irises are best covered for the winter, especially Dutch hybrids. To do this, use spruce branches, fallen leaves, straw. Iris bulbs are replanted every 3 to 6 years. After transplanting, the bulbs need to take root in a new place. Therefore, it is best to replant irises in August after they wilt. For disease prevention, you should dig up the bulbs every year. It is also necessary to disinfect the material before planting.
To protect the irises from pests, mice, it is advisable to plant the bulbs in special baskets immersed in the ground. Flowers are used to decorate balconies, loggias. You can put baskets with irises in offices, apartments. Ornamental plants are combined with snowdrops, bells, low ferns.The irises contrast perfectly with the ivy of a pale green color, the conifers. They are planted next to orange and yellow annuals. For cutting, you can grow irises in greenhouses.