Siberian irises are distinguished by their grandeur and for many years remain one of the most popular flowers among gardeners. Residents of the northern latitudes are especially happy with these plants, because even severe frosts are not afraid of the Siberian iris. They, in contrast to bulbous bearded irises, are distinguished by good winter hardiness.
The origin and appearance of the Siberian iris
There is an interesting myth among the people about the origin of irises. It is believed that the flower got its name thanks to the goddess of the rainbow, which the Greeks called Iris or Irida. When Prometheus gave fire to people, Irida lit a rainbow in the sky, and the next day excellent flowers grew on this place, which they named after the goddess. After all, they were as funny and colorful as the rainbow itself.
All types of irises are divided into 2 large groups - bearded and non-bearded. One of the most beautiful representatives of non-bearded species is the Siberian iris.
Siberian grade
The main indicators of the appearance of irises include the following indicators:
- The Siberian variety is distinguished by medium-sized flowers, however, compared with other species, they are more on the bush.
- A plant that is at least 4 years old can have about 40 peduncles.
- Flowers bloom either simultaneously, forming a lush bouquet, or alternately, due to which the flowering period is extended.
- The leaves of the plants are very thin, which gives grace to this variety.
Representatives of Siberian species mainly bloom in June, but there are varieties that differ in a later period.
Description of Siberian Iris Flower
The most basic feature of the Siberian variety is the absence of beards.
The Far Eastern iris is a perennial herb with a unique appearance:
- Its strong rhizome is immersed in the soil, however, there are species in which it appears on the surface. On the lower part of the root are visible filiform bundles.
- Flowers are solitary or in small inflorescences.
- This species is distinguished by a variety of shades from pure white to dark purple, almost black.
- The flower consists of 6 shares.
- The xiphoid leaves are covered with a waxy coating and form a fan.
For reference! It does not have such bright and large inflorescences as that of a bearded iris, but it blooms profusely and is able to grow in one place for more than ten years.
Types and varieties of Siberian iris
Thanks to painstaking work, the world saw many varieties of Siberian irises, which cause true admiration. The most popular among them are:
Siberian Iris Concord Crush
Concord Crash is a tall variety that is characterized by abundant flowering. Its height often reaches 1 m and a width of about 40 cm.
This species is able to please the owner with terry purple flowers, 15 cm in diameter.
Iris Concord Crash does not like stagnation of water, but has good resistance to frost.
Concord Crash
Siberian white iris
This variety is also called the Snow Queen, as the snow-white color gives it fabulous grandeur.
The bushes are quite thick thanks to the drooping leaves. Their height reaches 90 cm and a width of 60 cm. The diameter of the flower itself becomes 10 cm; a small yellow strip adorns the white petals at the bend.
This miss pleases with its flowering from June to July.
Siberian blue iris
Siberian blue, like most flowers of this species, is a winter-hardy and moisture-loving plant. It is characterized by rapid growth and abundant flowering. This representative will serve as an excellent decoration of any landscape.
Siberian iris yellow
Siberian yellow grows up to 80 cm. Inflorescences contain 4 or 5 flowers, the color of which resembles the sun.
Important! These flowers are very fond of moisture and bright light. In leaving, they are completely picky.
Siberian blue iris
Blue King variety is distinguished by beautiful sky blue flowers. The height of this bush ranges from 90 to 110 cm. The flowers themselves are medium in size. They appear in June.
This species is distinguished by good frost resistance.
Terry Siberian Iris
Siberian terry is also called Rosie Baus. Terry flowers bloom unevenly, starting with the lower copies. They are large, reaching a diameter of 12 cm. Rosie has a rich pink and purple color.
For reference! The variety is very rare in domestic gardens.
Siberian Iris Purple
Despite the fact that Siberian purple blooms in June, it retains decorativeness throughout the season, unless, of course, all dried parts of the plant are removed on time.
It serves as an excellent decoration of ponds, alpine slides and flower beds.
Siberian Kasatik - a very rare species
Iris Casatik Siberian
Plants differ in bluish-blue with purple streaks. The diameter of the flower reaches 7 cm. The bushes of these plants grow to 130 cm.
They bloom from May to July. Kasatik is found mainly in swamps and meadows, where the soil is moist.
Important! This is a rare species that is listed in the Red Book in Russia.
Iris Siberian Ruffled Plus
Ruffled Plus has a dark purple color. Its height can be from 60 to 80 cm.
These plants are not demanding in care and love moisture. They also tolerate frost well and can live without a transplant for about 20 years. Feel good in a sunny place.
Ruffled Plus
Iris Siberian Kassandra
Kassandra reaches 75 cm in height. There are 3 flowers on the peduncle, 2 of them blooming at the same time. The color of the flower towards the center is white, and a yellow border at the edges.
It blooms in the twenties of June and lasts about two weeks.
Iris Siberian Barcelona
Like many representatives of the Siberian variety, this iris loves moisture and easily tolerates winter. It has a light and pleasant aroma.
Decorate summer cottages with their flowers in June.
Siberian iris pink
Siberian pink or Pink Parfait has an unusual look. The arrangement of its petals is somewhat reminiscent of a rose.
Flowers are distinguished by beautiful and wavy edges. Plants withstand even the temperature of -40 ° C.
Siberian Pink Parfait
Siberian iris planting in open ground
As for the soil, these flowers are picky, but the best option for them is loam, which is rich in humus. The main thing is that the soil is moderately moist, fertile and without weeds.
To plant a Siberian iris, you need a minimum of things: a pruner to cut leaves and roots, water for irrigation and a shovel, with which you can dig a plot, as well as humus.
Important! For planting Siberian irises, you should choose an open sunny place and then they will delight others with lush flowering. You can also not worry if groundwater comes close to the surface. This species transfers them normally.
Step-by-step landing process
In order for the plants to fully develop in the future, they need to provide good care, it begins with planting. Before planting these flowers, you need to dig a plot well, make compost or humus. Further, you must adhere to the following instructions:
- The leaves of the plant are shortened by 1/3 of the length, and the roots by 10 cm.
- At a distance of 30-50 cm dig holes.
- The rhizome is buried by 5 or 7 cm.
- After planting, the ground is watered and mulched.
Landing
Siberian iris breeding and transplantation
The process of propagation and transplantation of Siberian varieties is very simple, the main thing is the desire to devote a little time to flowers, and the ability to take care of plants.
It is necessary to transplant these flowers either at the beginning of spring or at the end of August. The main thing is that they have already formed young processes.
Important! As a rule, in the northern regions, flowers are replanted in the spring, when the snow will melt, and in the south this is done in the autumn.
Vegetative propagation
If you order irises from other regions, then you need to be very careful that the roots do not dry out, but excessive moistening of the leaf part should also not be allowed, since it can rot.
The processes are divided with the help of a pitchfork and the place of sections is treated with a solution of potassium permanganate, rotten or damaged parts are eliminated.
Siberian irises: planting and care in the open ground
Siberian irises do not require special attention, caring for them is simple. It is only necessary to regularly weed out and periodically gently loosen the soil. Attention should be paid to watering, as these plants love moisture.
Young and immature plants need frequent watering. In adult plants, the root system is already well formed, therefore they are watered less often. During a drought, it is better to water the flowers infrequently, but abundantly, so that a sufficient amount of water penetrates deep to the roots.
Fertilizers are applied 2 times a year - in the spring, when the snow will melt and then when the peduncles appear. Siberian varieties respond well to potassium or ammonium nitrate.
During the flowering period, plants need fertilizing with calcium and phosphorus. They are best applied in liquid form so that the root system does not suffer from burns.
During dormancy, weeds and dried parts of plants can be eliminated.
The leaves of the flowers need to be cut off as they wither and dry out, leaving their length only about 5 cm.
Important! It is impossible to prune leaves too early, because growing buds feed on them. And clipping dried particles, on the contrary, facilitates the germination of young shoots.
Pest and Disease Control
These flowers are sometimes exposed to diseases such as bacterial and gray rot, fusarium, leaf spot.
Pest control
In the fight against rot, some gardeners recommend eliminating the affected plants, while others claim that antibiotics such as Doxycycline, Tetracycline, Ampicillin can help cope with diseases. It is necessary to dissolve 2-3 g of the antibiotic in 5 l of slightly warm water and the product is ready for use.
The plant cannot be saved from fusarium. It is eliminated, and the remaining copies are treated with Vitaros. With spotting, Strobi or Ordan will help.
Among the pests that do not mind eating these flowers, slugs, thrips, caterpillars of the scoop stand out. In the fight against them they use such means as Actellik, Fury and Karbofos.
Siberian irises are very diverse. They have a wide color palette, because these plants can make the suburban area play with a lot of shades. The main thing is to have a desire to care for them, observing at least the elementary rules of agricultural technology.