Description of Siberian iris varieties, planting and care in open ground

Having a flower bed involves selecting plants suitable for cultivation. Amateur gardeners purchase crops that organically fit into the garden design. Siberian iris, an unpretentious and beautiful plant, often appears in areas. There are no special features when growing it, so the task is easy to cope with.

Description and features of Siberian iris

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

• bearded;
• non-bearded.

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

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

A 4-year-old plant produces up to 40 flower stalks.

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

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

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

Popular varieties

During the existence of irises, summer residents chose species that they fell in love with and effectively integrated into the interior of the garden. The white Siberian representative of the family has been familiar to gardeners for a very long time. It has a persistent aroma and tall flowers that are visible from any corner.

Pink irises are no less popular; they are used in flower beds, borders, rock slides and much more.

Harpswell Haze

The peculiarity of the variety is its unpretentiousness and ability to grow for a long time without replanting. Iris flowers are soft lilac with a bluish tint. Dark stripes are clearly visible on the lower leaves.

Leader of Altai

Bred by Russian breeders.Famous for the deep blue hue of its flowers. 2 flowers bloom simultaneously on the peduncles. Common names:

• bell;
• cockerel;
• iris.

One stem produces from 3 to 6 peduncles.

White Swirl

The white flowers are slightly larger than those of other Siberian irises. One bush grows over a 1 m area after some time². It does not require special care; under favorable growing conditions, it blooms for a long time.

Hubbard

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

Iris propagation

A common method is dividing the rhizome. Gardeners use it most often. But there are other methods. Siberian iris is propagated by seeds or buds.

Dividing the rhizome is done with a sharp knife. It is advisable to immediately treat the cut areas with a special preparation or wood ash. In one division leave from 3 to 5 leaf rosettes.

Propagation by buds is carried out by annual shoots. There are small tubercles-growths on them, these are the kidneys. Future rhizome primordia are carefully separated from the main root and transplanted into pre-prepared holes.

The cut areas are treated to avoid rotting or viruses.

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

Planting rules

Compliance with planting requirements is not a whim of experienced gardeners. The correct procedure helps to obtain a flowering flowerbed that will delight the eye of the owner of the plot.

When is the best time to plant

The planting date is determined by the gardener. It is advisable to plant in autumn.When the iris has finished blooming, the bush is divided into parts and planted in pre-prepared holes.

Some varieties are planted in the spring or throughout the growing season. Most often, transplantation is carried out from late summer to the first month of autumn. The plant tolerates stress better.

How to choose planting material

Pay attention to the appearance of the rhizomes; they are suitable for planting:

• fresh, not wrinkled specimens;
• rhizomes with no visible damage or defects.

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

Selection and preparation of a site

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

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

Bedding

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

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

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

Flower care

After planting, proper care must be taken.The duration and abundance of flowering depends on how correctly the subsequent steps are performed.

Watering

Plants need moisture at first. After transplanting, the bushes are often watered. But it is strictly forbidden to overwater, the roots will rot and the plants will disappear.

Subsequent watering is carried out as the top layer of soil dries. To retain moisture in the soil, it is recommended to loosen the soil.

Mulching

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

Feeding

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

• ammonium nitrate;
• potassium nitrate.

It is better not to fertilize with nitrogen, since an excess of the substance weakens the plant’s immunity. Flowers become susceptible to diseases.

Trimming

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

Transfer

The optimal period is August-September. The bushes are carefully dug up, divided into sections with a sharp knife and planted in pre-prepared holes. They deepen slightly, covering the roots a little with soil.

During the growing season, sometimes the roots appear above the surface of the ground; there is no need to sprinkle them in the summer.

Sheltering irises for the winter

Basically, Siberian irises are winter-hardy, but to be on the safe side, many summer residents cover the rhizomes with a layer of mulch. Peat, plant debris, leaves and other available material are used for wrapping.

Plant diseases and pests

Irises are treated in advance against diseases and insects. In the spring they spray with chemicals.Taking timely measures will save plants from dying.

Compliance with the requirements of agricultural technology and care will also help protect the plants.

Use in garden design

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

Tall varieties of irises are grown in the center of an island flowerbed or to decorate the background of a mixborder.

Large rockeries combine planting of several types of plants. Summer residents harmoniously combine colors and create entire compositions from Siberian irises.

Flowers are often planted in groups, forming flowering islands on the lawn. Choose the same color schemes or different ones, depending on preferences and ideas.

Growing flowers will not cause many problems for the gardener. Unpretentious representatives of culture fit into the design and complement any site.