Irises Are very bright and attractive plants. They are divided intoroot and bulbous ... We will help you grow bulbous irises in your garden.

Iris Dutch

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Today irises are at their peak. And not only majestic bearded irises, but also bulbous ones -Dutch irises (xyphyums) and Net irises (iridodictiums) ... Dutch and netted irises grow from a real bulb and bloom in spring. In addition, they are extremely easy to clean. But they differ from each other in terms of flowering and the height of the peduncle. Dutch irises are tall plants (45-60 cm high), and reticulated irises are dwarfs (10-20 cm high).

In this article we will talk about growingDutch irises ... These elegant plants are great not only in the garden, but also when cut. They are highly regarded by florists and room designers. Long, strong, straight stems topped with flowers - the perfect size for bouquets. Bright, beautiful colors fit into any interior. In addition, Dutch irises are great not only for outdoor cultivation, but also for planting in containers and for forcing.

Dutch irises (Iris hollandica, Dutch Iris). Other name:xyphyums (Xi-phium). Their bulbs are small and very much like the planting stock of a regular onion. Butflowers they are striking in their beauty - large and beautiful (7-8 cm in diameter), on thin elegant stems. They resemble exotic butterflies that have decided to rest a little on the stem. The flowers consist of six petals - three petals pointing upward and three falls (hanging petals). Mostpopular Dutch irises that have blue flowers with a purple tint and with yellow strokes in the center. Other irises are no less attractivecolors : violet, yellow, blue, white with yellow strokes in the center and two-tone.

Iris Dutch: care

Some gardeners believe that iris needs special attention, in fact it is not difficult to grow beautiful plant in his garden. First you need to choosewarm and bright place , because bulbous irises grow very poorly in the shade.To water irises are needed in moderation, they do not like very dry soils, but waterlogging is also not beneficial. If you saw on your flowerfirst buds, then begin to strictly monitor watering, at this time the flower needs moisture. At other times, it is enoughcheck the soil by touch if it is very dry, pour your iris. Iris does not need constant feeding, you needfertilize the soil before planting the bulbs.Remember! Never fertilize irises during flowering, you can do this only during the growth period, watered with liquid fertilizer at the root. The only difficulty you may face isweeds ... It is necessary to remove them very carefully and be sure.manually ! Sometimes spotted varieties are affected by differentpests then use the solutionfoundation. After flowering, some gardeners recommenddig your irises.

Dutch iris: landing

If you decide to grow these excellent flowers in your garden, then we will open before you importantthe secrets of growing bulbous irises.

Landing in open ground:

• Dutch irises are plantedautumn or spring , together with other bulbous plants. When planted in spring, Dutch irises bloom later than when planted in autumn (usually 5-10 days).
• Find a place wherethe soil well drained. If, after 5-6 hours after heavy rain, there is still puddle water on the site, choose another place. Or improve the soil with organic material. Peat moss, compost, or rotted manure work well. Dutch irises, like other bulbous plants, are verysensitive to moisture .
• Besides, the soil should be loose, fertile enough with a neutral or alkaline reaction. Therefore, if the soil is clay, add lime or sand to it.
• sandy or peaty soil is improved bymaking turf and leafy land.
• Dutch irises -light-loving plants. So choose a sheltered place where they can get enough sunlight.
• Dig out holes or pierce the soil to a depth of 15 cm using a pointed peg (5 cm diameter).
• Pour a handful of river sand into the hole, and on top place the onion with a pointedend up (while burying it in the sand). Sprinkle the planting with soil.
• Distance between the bulbs when planting should be 10 cm.Depth landing - about 8 cm.
• After planting the plantpour ... In warm climates, foliage will form in the fall, while in colder regions, foliage will develop in the spring.
• During flowering , do not be afraid cutting down flowers of irises for spring bouquets. It will not harm the plant.
• After flowering you need to leave the foliage in place, in no case cut it off. Leaves will be harvested sunlight, and accumulate nutrients in the process of photosynthesis.
• To water plants throughout the season are needed as needed. During the active growth period, the plants are watered so that the soil is slightly moist; after flowering -watering is stopped.
• In summer, the leaves begin to turn yellow and die off. So the plant prepares for the dormant period. At this stage the foliagecan be cut off.
• Your Dutch irises will berest for several months before the start of the next growth cycle.
• They grow in one place for 4-5 years. But in the rainy season, it is better to dig up the bulbs, otherwise nothing will remain of them.
• Dutch irises do not needin shelter for the winter ... But if the winters have little snow, then they should be covered with dry foliage or spruce branches (10-15 cm layer).

The best varieties : Golden Giant, Hildegarde, Apollo, Blue Diamond, Casa Blanca, Eye of the Tiger, Gypsy Beauty, Mystic Beauty, Royal Yellow, Bronze Beauty, Iris Telstar, Rosario, Oriental Beauty.

Iris Dutch buy

More about irises -

Iris Dutch: types and features of cultivation

Iris is a plant familiar to all Russian gardeners, but rhizomatous species, which are often called cockerels or killer whales, are still the most familiar to us. Bulbous iris still seems exotic to many, although in fact its cultivation is not difficult. The most common species is xyphyum, aka Dutch iris - a delicate plant with amazingly beautiful buds. Today, it can increasingly be found in flower shops, and it will not be difficult to grow such a miracle on the site.

Dutch iris is a perennial bulbous plant that can be grown both outdoors and in a pot on a windowsill. There are common and dwarf varieties that differ in the size of the leaves and the length of the peduncles.

Its appearance is somewhat different from the usual rhizome irises:

• The bulb is usually small and bottle-shaped. Several narrow, dark green, pointed leaves develop from it.
• On unbranched shoots, single flowers are located, which can have a very different color.
• There are dozens of varieties of Dutch irises, many of which are bi-colored: closer to the middle of the bud, interesting color transitions can be observed.
• The buds can be blue, blue, yellow and other colors, this type of irises has a rich color palette, for which he received recognition from gardeners. These flowers are grown for cut and will never lose their popularity.
• In addition, there will always be a place for irises on the site, as they will decorate any flower bed.

• This can be a specialized formulation purchased from a store, or regular sugar (3 teaspoons per 2 liters).
• Top dressing will allow the flowers to fully open, and they will last longer.

An oblique cut of the stem must be done under water so as not to block the access to moisture. In water, the stem is cut several more times or pierced with a pin. The solution in the vase must be changed at least once every 3 days. As a result, it will be possible to provide plants long life and great view.

Bulbous types of irises are becoming more and more popular: they attract flower growers with graceful buds and beautiful leaves, in addition, they are quite unpretentious plants.

If you decide to decorate the site with an exquisite flower bed with colorful petals, Dutch iris can become the best option... It is not difficult to look after him, and he will repay all worries with friendly flowering and magnificent buds.

Near my house, along the path, not only garden irises grow, but also bulbous irises. Beautiful flowers, rich bright colors. These plants decorate not only private plot, but also look wonderful in a flower arrangement at home, in a vase.

Many people ask me what varieties exist and how they are called. I am pleased to share information with you, especially since irises can be planted in the fall.

Russian scientists do not distinguish bulbous irises from the genus Iris into a separate species, but nevertheless they come to us from Holland as an independent group of plants.

V recent times they are popular because they have many varieties and species that surprise with a variety of colors and resemble exotic butterflies in our flower garden.

Despite the whimsical and festive palette of colors, all bulbous irises have a common flower structure: the three outer petals of the cup are bent to the sides, and the three inner petals rise upward, forming a kind of vault.

There are over 800 species of these plants, but the general planting rules are the same for all:

• Irises love sunny places in the flower bed and a little shade.
• Moderately moist soil, rich in minerals and organic matter.
• For the winter, these plants are covered with a layer of peat, spruce branches and leaves. In the spring, the shelter is removed. The bulbs can be scooped up and stored in a cold room.
• Planting the bulbs is desirable at a depth equal to three bulbs in height. The distance between the plants is 10 - 15 cm. Although the irises then grow, thanks to the little children, and form "spots" on the area of ​​the flower bed. So they look much more beautiful and effective.

Classification of varieties

In foreign sources, the division into groups and types is slightly different from the domestic one. Our bulbous irises are divided into 3 main groups:

1. Iridodictium or Iris reticulated.
2. Xyphyum.
3. Irises of Juno.

These types differ in external and internal structure stems, leaves and root system. Let's consider each species and its main varieties separately.

Iridodictium

A perennial, cold-resistant plant that hibernates even with a small shelter. For a long time they were ranked among the main genus of Irises, although instead of rhizomes, like in garden plants, he has an onion.

It is an early spring single flower that blooms a few weeks after the snow melts. Depending on the variety, it has a completely different color ("dictum" - mesh, "iris" - rainbow). Some of the varieties have a pleasant aroma.

Iris reticulated Harmony

It is much lower and smaller than the garden iris. Height - only 10 - 15 cm. Flowering time - approximately 2 weeks in April - May, if we take regions with a temperate climate. Three perianths are lowered down, and they usually have contrasting stripes or spots, and the upper ones rush up. Amazing bright blue flowers 8 cm in diameter.

Plants should be planted at a distance of 20 - 30 cm from each other. It blooms once and has many inflorescences. Leaves develop together with flowers and have a narrowly grooved tetrahedral shape. Loves the sun and loose, calcareous or neutral soil. Drainage is used.

Alida

Bright blue inflorescences stretch up to 20 cm in height. The planting period starts in September and ends in November. A scaly bulb with a diameter of 1.5 - 2.5 cm is planted no deeper than 10 cm.

The plant is winter-hardy and unpretentious, has a pleasant delicate aroma. Suitable for growing in flower pot... It begins to bloom very early - in early February, flowering ends in April.

Katherine Hodgkin

It has a very interesting color: the upper flowers are delicately lilac, almost blue, and the lower ones resemble the feather of an exotic bird - against a lilac background, purple strokes and a yellow spot in the middle. One of the most beautiful and popular varieties.

The plant is short - only 15 cm in length, flowers with a diameter of 6 - 8 cm. This variety sits at a depth of 10 -15 cm in September or early October. Blooms not as early as the rest - in late May, early June. The soil is preferably neutral or slightly acidic. These flowers are used in floral arrangements for men.

The plant divides and sows about once every 5 years. More often this should not be done, because it is necessary to allow the onions - children to develop.

Iris Dunford (I. danfordiae)

This is a native of Turkey. The main flowering begins in March or early April. An amazing feature is that the flowers bloom before the leaves grow on the stem.

The flowers are bright yellow with small greenish blotches near the perianth. The inner sheets are slightly shortened. In the first year, the plant blooms, then it does not bloom anymore, and the leaves begin to develop poorly. This is due to the fact that the bulb is divided into many babies who do not have time to develop correctly and on time.

Suitable for alpine slides, slopes or for foreground flower beds in front of taller plants. Since they begin to bloom very early, they will be appropriate anywhere in the flower garden, like the first spring flowers.

Pauline

The homeland of this variety is the Netherlands. Plant height 10 - 15 cm. The leaves are green, the stem is quite strong. Purple flowers with a diameter of 5 - 10 cm. The flower loves moderately moist soil, well-lit places. The bulb must be planted at least 5 cm deep.

There are also popular varieties of iridodictium that can be grown with pleasure in a flower bed:

• Cantab.
• Clarette.
• Royal Blue.
• Wetworth.
• Joyce (Jouce).
• Purple Gem.

Important: it is imperative to dig up the bulbs of this species after flowering in order to avoid such a disease as "ink spot". The main signs are yellowing and lodging of the leaf.

Xyphyum

Plants of this group are summer-flowering, they do not differ much in endurance, in contrast to reticulated irises. They love the sun very much. Their height is no more than 50 - 60 cm. For the winter, the bulbs are dug up, dried and hidden in a cold, dark place.

The bulbs are planted to a depth of 10 - 12 cm, the distance between the plants is the same. The bulbs are distinguished by 3 - 5 lobes with a scaly film, which are not spliced ​​together.

Previously, this species was grown as indoor decorative flowers... Nowadays, it is a popular crop grown for flower arrangements. They bloom in different periods of summer:

1. End of May and beginning of June - Dutch varieties.
2. June - July - English.
3. July - Spanish.

Consider the main varieties of each type.

Symphony

Dutch irises are distinguished by their wide petals with a delicate color. This variety is one of the first to bloom. In general, these plants are very fond of florists. After flowering, the foliage begins to wither, and gradually the whole plant dries up.

Before planting, the Dutch iris bulb should be soaked in a fungicide solution and then dried. This will keep the roots from rotting.

The Dutch type of irises is added by Ideal, Wedgwood, White Excelsior.

Frans Halls

This variety belongs to the English irises. They differ in the structure of the flower - the petals are flatter. Bloom in June - July. The number of flowers on the stem is 2 - 3 with a diameter of about 7 cm. The colors are very different: yellow, white, purple, blue.

For the winter, it should be covered with peat and spruce branches. They grow in places that are well lit by the sun and protected from winds and drafts.

English irises also include Iris Latifolia Yellow Queen. Some of the varieties bloom a second time in September. Looks beautiful in bouquets. They retain their fresh appearance for a long time - about 7 days, until all the inflorescences have faded.

Next are the Spanish irises, whose homeland is the Mediterranean, Spain, the original species is ordinary xyphyum. Flowering is usually limited to one medium-sized flower. The southern regions are more suitable for this species. For the northern ones, broad-leaved xyphyums are recommended.

The Spanish varieties have narrow petals with pointed tips of a graceful shape. Bloom later than everyone else, in July. The composition of the soil provides required amount lime. Drainage is required.

Video about the rules for planting bulbous irises:

Juno's bulbous irises

One of the rarest species grown in central Russia. More than 50 varieties are currently known.

• One of the first to bloom, in the middle of spring. The flower consists of horizontally arranged inner lobes.
• The bulb resembles xyphium, only thick roots are preserved during the dormant period, which begins at the end of June. They are dug up, dried thoroughly and hidden in a cool, dark place.
• The leaves are sickle-shaped and grow in regular rows on a short, dense stem.
• There are usually several flowers on the stem.
• They are planted in September in open ground to a depth of no more than 5-7 cm. The distance between plants is at least 20-30 cm. They are covered with peat from above. And later, closer to winter, more spruce branches.
• The place for planting is the warmest and sunniest. The soil should be loose, humus and light, neutral.

A flower very delicate in structure and more complex in colors... Looks great when grown alone and in community with other species or garden flowers. Better to land in front. Juno's irises are mostly annuals.

As you can see, there are a great many bulbous irises, and I want to believe that they will be more and more planted by flower growers and give joy with their luxurious flowers.

• Type: iris
• Full-bloom Period: May, June, July
• Height: 15-40cm
• Colour: purple, blood red
• Perennial
• Sun-loving
• Moisture-loving

Spring flowers are the most desirable, they are associated with warm sun rays, the imminent onset of summer. Apparently, this explains the great popularity of irises - already from the beginning of May, lush buds of all shades of the rainbow open on the flower beds of suburban areas. A huge number of species (about 800) allows you to choose flowers in the right combination and, together with other plants, create compositions of amazing beauty. Let's consider in more detail how the bulbous irises are planted and caring for them.

Irises are not particularly demanding, but there are several points that should be considered. They are not recommended:

• waterlogged soil;
• mineral-poor soil;
• constant shadow.

Planting on an artificial slope serves as protection against excessive moisture. If groundwater approach close to the roots, you should build a small elevation with a slope to the south and arrange drainage system... To do this, it is enough to raise the flower bed by 20 cm and ensure the outflow of rainwater.

There are several ways of planting irises: single, bush, group, free sowing. Flowers with large buds are used for single planting, with small ones for group

A sample of a flower bed with irises: 1 - Purple Voice hyacinth; 2 - tulip Flashpoint; 3 - daffodil New Baby; 4 - iris mesh Kantab; 5 - Scylla Siberian Alba

Irises love sunlight, but they can spend some of the time in the shade, so it is advisable to split the flower garden in an unshaded or slightly shaded area. Before planting, the soil is enriched with organic fertilizers, then carefully dug up and loosened. Manure is usually applied in advance, about a year before planting.

The ideal soil for bulbous plants is calcareous. An alkaline reaction is provided by lime, chalk or eggshells introduced into the soil during digging. It is better to dilute sandy soil with humus, ash and about 40 g of superphosphate (per 1 m²) will not be superfluous. Clay, on the contrary, it is better to dilute with sand. large fraction and add some humus or compost for enrichment.

Do not limit yourself to traditional flower beds located in recreation areas and along paths. The original stump flower bed looks much more attractive!

The place of planting flowers can not be changed for about 10 years, hybrid varieties- 5 years. The ability of irises to grow rapidly leads to a deficiency of nutrients in the soil, as a result of which a change of place is required, that is, a transfer of the flower bed.

Autumn is the time for planting bulbs

First of all, we invite you to watch a video on the topic:

Planting features depend on the variety. In temperate climates, iridodictiums, Turkish and Caucasian, as well as their hybrids, perfectly take root and tolerate winter. We choose a dry, open place and dig shallow holes - up to 7 cm. We fill in the bulbs so that the soil does not fit tightly to them, and it is better to add a little sand to its composition. To protect plants from fungal diseases, the purchased bulbs are pretreated with "Fundazol" or "Benlate". In the summer, after the stem and leaves die off, we separate the small daughter bulbs, which are necessary for further reproduction.

One or more varieties of irises are used to decorate flower beds. A variety of colors allows you to create compositions of rare beauty

Juno bulbs are large and have fleshy roots that are renewed every year, which should be handled with great care. If the roots fall off, the plant will die. The best period for planting bulbous irises in open ground is the last week of September or the first decade of October. The bulbs are carefully lowered into the pits so as not to damage the roots, and sprinkled with a layer of earth up to 6 cm thick.

The planting hole should be relatively small - about two bulb heights, therefore, for small iris bulbs, a depth of 4 to 7 cm is suitable

Summer preparation consists in the fact that the bulbs are dug up after the iris wilts and dried in a room with a temperature of 22-25 ° C. The second option is to cover the flower bed with a film, protecting it from rain, until the beginning of October. Further reproduction of Juno is produced or daughter bulbs, or seeds that are sown in special boxes. Seed boxes, like bulbs, must be dried. Seedlings appear, as a rule, in the second year.

The distance between future plants during planting can be different: the minimum is considered to be a gap of two bulb widths (as a result, a dense bush is formed), the maximum is up to half a meter (usually single irises with lush buds are planted in this way).

Using a plastic growing basket

At the supermarket you can buy a simple but very handy bulb basket.

In order to remove some of the turf, put a plastic basket on desired site and around the circumference using a shovel or scoop, we circle the contour to a depth of 12 cm

Carefully remove the separated piece of turf, and deepen the resulting hole by about 20-30 cm so that the basket can fully fit in it

Pour fertilizer at the bottom of the pit, then install the basket. We fill it with a dense wet layer of fertile soil and plant the bulbs

We cover the planted bulbs with a thin layer of earth and return the removed piece of turf back. Thus, the bulbs will spend the whole winter in favorable conditions for themselves.

The basket is convenient in that it can be easily taken out of the ground and, together with the planted bulbs, can be moved to a drying room.

How to properly care for irises?

In addition to timely planting and soil preparation, it is necessary to take care of the plants during their flowering: early irises begin to bloom in May, late ones - in June. Competent care of bulbous irises consists in regular fertilizing and protection from pests. Another point of care for flowers is watering. During the rainy season, irises should not be watered, and in dry times, moderate irrigation is necessary strictly in the evening.

It is important to choose the right varieties of flowers. For example, Siberian irises are considered the most frost-resistant, so they easily endure winter in northern latitudes.

Application of mineral fertilizers

In the spring, after the snow melts, we wait until the topsoil has completely dried out in order to apply fertilizers. Ready-made solutions and dry universal mixtures, for example, "Reasil" or "Good Power", are suitable. We place the required amount of dressing in the top layer (or simply scatter it over the soil surface around the bulbs), then carefully loosen it, trying not to catch the roots.

One of the three-stage options for feeding hybrid irises from the first year of flowering:

• nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus (2: 3: 1) - in spring on dry soil;
• the same composition, but in a different proportion (3: 3: 1) - at the time of bud formation;
• potassium, phosphorus (1: 1) - 1 month after the beginning of the flowering period.

Regular and correctly dosed feeding guarantees high decorative qualities, rapid development and long flowering. One of the important periods in the life of a plant is the formation of flower buds. Fertilizing at this stage ensures a lush, full bloom the next year.

Fertilizers for bulbous plants contain lignohumate, which performs several important functions: promotes rapid growth, increases plant resistance to diseases, increases decorative effect

It is not necessary to make your own complex fertilizer for irises, the store sells ready-made formulations for bulbous in two forms: solution and dry mixture

Monitor the amount of nitrogen carefully. Excess of this substance causes "fattening" - a process when leaves develop remarkably, but flowering is completely absent.

Preventive work to protect against pests

Most often, irises have a disease of the roots and bulbs - bacteriosis, which causes rotting of individual parts. The plant is dug up, diseased parts are removed, washed in potassium permanganate and transplanted to another place

How to determine the disease in bearded irises? Usually a healthy plant has a bunch of 7-9 leaves, while in a sick plant no more than 5 can be found. There is a problem with the formation of flower buds. For treatment, the plant is dug up, cleaned of rot and insects, and treated with an antiseptic. If the irises are affected by thrips, the natural waxy coating on the leaves is disturbed.

Prevention consists in competently preparing the bulbs for next year - removing the old stem along with leaves, peduncles and flowers, in which harmful insects may remain.

The traditional care of irises guarantees their extraordinarily bright bloom and the possibility of creating unique flower beds.

Among garden flowers, irises are chosen for their multicolor, unpretentiousness. Ornamental plants come in different heights and flowering periods. There are rhizome and bulbous types of flowers. Planting and leaving bulbous irises in the open field is not difficult. Growing flowers is also available to a novice gardener.

Bulbous irises do not differ much from rhizome irises. Plant species are similar:

• long xiphoid leaves emerging from the ground;
• inflorescences of petals rising vertically and descending smoothly;
• bright coloring.

Bulbous irises lack a beard in the inflorescences, and the stem height does not reach more than 50-60 centimeters.

Popular varieties

Among the bulbous irises, the most represented are Dutch varieties. But the selection of an ornamental plant is also carried out 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. Peduncles of iridodictium develop 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. In height, the plant can be from 20 to 40 centimeters. Around the stem are crescent-shaped leaves in several tiers. A single peduncle appears on the stem in April-May. It blooms up to 3-5 flowers. Early flowering perennials are very picky about the air temperature, they cannot stand the cold. They should 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 a two-color type with smooth transitions of tones. Bottle-shaped bulbs are planted in the soil in spring to produce plants with pointed leaves and bright single flowers.

Fragile plants cannot stand at all low temperature... When the weather is set at minus 10 degrees, the flowers die. Many summer residents use Dutch irises as annuals without storing the bulbs. After all, you so want to admire the beauty of flowers every summer, which is simply mesmerizing.

Professor Blau

A hybrid is obtained by crossing the Dutch crop species. The result is a variety with:

• long flowering;
• large inflorescences, the diameter of which is 10 centimeters;
• rich blue decorative petals;
• unpretentious care.

Irises are well preserved in cut. They are used in flower beds, in flower beds.

Mystic Beauty

Dutch irises, or xyphyums, are represented by the mystical beauty of this flower variety. The height of the plant stem is about 50-60 centimeters. 2 buds are formed on the peduncle. When they open at the beginning of summer, they delight with a mixture of blue, purple and gold. Inside, the petals are monochromatic with specks and strokes, and the outer ones are yellow. The aroma of irises is felt from a distance.

Symphony

From a distance, 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 around, will decorate any corner of the garden. The hybrid belongs to medium-sized plant types.

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 in advance in a growth stimulator. For disinfection planting material use solutions of potassium permanganate or antifungal drugs. After processing, dry the bulbs for 30 minutes.

Site selection and preparation

Iris bulbous varieties 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, then humus can be added. In heavy soil - wood ash, sand. It is advised to neutralize the acidity of the soil with crushed eggshells, lime.

In what time frame do you need to plant

Think experienced florists that the planting of irises will be more successful in the fall. Flowers take root best of all at a temperature of +15 degrees. For distillation, it is advised to plant in early February. Then by the spring they will receive delicate bouquets.

Planting in spring is not prohibited, but flowering will start later than usual.

Landing scheme

Before planting the bulbs, they dig up the earth, loosen it. It is best to fertilize poor soils with nitrogenous complexes. The holes are made small. The burial depth 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 the ground, not buried. You can place the bulbs next to each other. If the plantings are single, then 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. The procedures should be aimed at providing plants with sufficient nutrition and moisture. It is necessary to remove regularly faded irises to lengthen the flowering time of the crop.

Watering

It is necessary to moisten the soil in the area where the irises grow sparingly. Too much moisture will lead to rotting of the bulbs, diseases. In dry periods, water is watered 1-2 times a week, during rains - as needed.

Loosening

Loosening the soil near flowers should be constantly after rains. This will make the earth permeable to moisture and air.

Weed removal

Blocked planting of flowers will lead to the rapid fall of the petals. Weeds become a source of cultural diseases. Weed pests move to irises, damaging them. Weeds are removed by hand so as not to damage the root system of flowers.

Fertilizing the soil

They begin feeding the plants in the spring as soon as the snow melts. They are fed with mineral complexes. After 3 years, a mixture of fertilizers containing phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen can be added to the soil. Before budding, the beds are spilled with a solution of wood ash. After the flowers wither, 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

Diseased plants are recognized by spots on the leaves, wilting, a small number of buds. Fungal infections can be dealt with by applying fungicidal solutions. Plants should be treated for 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 the irises, it is best to dig up the plant and examine the bulb. The damaged areas are cut off with a sharp knife, and the bulbs are washed in a concentrated solution of potassium permanganate. The sun's rays cope well with bacteria.

It is necessary to clean the ground around the stem and leave it under the influence of ultraviolet radiation for several days.

The caterpillars of the scoop butterflies attack the leaves of the irises. Gluttonous larvae can leave plants without leaves and peduncles. The preparation "Granosan" helps to save irises from butterflies. Thrips accumulate in the axils of the leaves, causing great harm to the decorative culture. They are fought with the help of treatment with "Karbofos". In a rainy summer, slug flowers overwhelm. To protect from them, you should sprinkle the soil in the aisles with superphosphate or wood ash.

Bulbs storage rules

Not all growers dig up iris bulbs after they have faded. But it is best to carry out the procedure to remove damaged and diseased specimens.

It is advised to dig up the bulbs in mid-June-July. Then the planting material is dried, freeing it from lumps of earth.

Storing bulbs involves:

• dry room;
• air temperature 20-25 degrees Celsius;
• humidity 50-60%;
• good ventilation.

It is better to cover irises for the winter, especially Dutch hybrids. To do this, use spruce branches, fallen leaves, straw. Iris bulbs are replanted every 3-6 years. After transplanting, the bulbs need to take root in a new place. Therefore, it is best to transplant irises in August after they have faded. For the prevention of diseases, you need to dig up the bulbs annually. It is also necessary to disinfect the material before planting.

To protect irises from pests and mice, it is advised 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. Irises contrast perfectly with ivy of a pale green color, conifers. They are planted next to orange and yellow annuals. For cutting, irises can be grown in greenhouses.

The cultivation of bulbous irises is somewhat different from simple rhizome species, which are much more common in flower beds. The peculiarities of the root system also dictate special rules for planting and leaving the bulbous irises. First of all, this is due to the fact that delicate bulbs require careful selection of the planting site. In addition, most varieties are extremely thermophilic, and are absolutely unable to survive outdoors in our winters. However, let's talk about everything in order.

When to plant?

The time for planting bulbs in open ground depends on the variety of irises, for example:

• compact and frost-resistant iridodictiums can be planted in autumn, but no later than September, so that the plants have time to take root and get stronger;
• less resistant species of Juno irises will also survive the autumn planting, but subject to additional shelter in warmer regions;
• sissies xyphyums () are best planted in the spring, because even at a temperature of 10 degrees below zero, the bulbs die.

When planting frost-resistant early flowering in spring, it should be borne in mind that there will be no flowering in the year of planting, but only for the next season.

Where to plant?

As you know, all bulbous crops (and irises are no exception) do not tolerate high humidity. Areas that suffer from flooding in spring are categorically unsuitable for these plants. With regard to the soil, the best option would be fertilized sandy soil, which is light and fertile enough.

To grow bulbous irises, you need to select the lightest flower bed - only in good light conditions will they bloom well.

Preparing and planting bulbs

For the purchase of planting material, it is best to contact special shop- there are less chances to buy diseased plants. To protect flowers from diseases, especially putrefactive infections and fungi, before planting, they must be kept in a solution of Fundazole or at least potassium permanganate for 30 minutes, and then let them dry completely.

A healthy iris bulb is firm to the touch, covered with a shiny golden skin and free of strange spots or damage.

The depth of the hole for the bulb should be no more than three diameters, and the distance between them should not be less than 10 cm.It is not necessary to water immediately, the available moisture in the soil will be enough for the irises, but the next day you need to moisten the soil well in the hole.

Care features

It is simple to care for bulbous irises: in the spring they need to be watered regularly, but by summer the frequency of watering should be reduced, because at this time most varieties are already resting. With the arrival of autumn, dig up the xyphyum bulbs, let them dry and put them in a cardboard box for winter storage. Most flower growers dig up all varieties of irises in the summer, and in the fall they return them back to the garden (except for Dutch ones - they are stored until spring). This is especially true if it rains often, because then the irises can rot.

Video about the features of planting bulbous irises