Iris flower otherwise 7 letters crossword puzzle. Iris plant - description with photo of the flower; its medicinal properties; benefit and harm; used for treatment and in cooking. What colors do irises go with?

Iris flowers have been known to man since ancient times. On the island of Crete, among the paintings of the Knossos Palace, a fresco depicts a priest surrounded by blooming irises. This fresco is about 4000 years old. Iris flowers are imprinted in the stone of Oriental and Roman galleries and balustrades. In the Middle Ages, they grew in the gardens of castles and monasteries, from where they were transferred to the gardens of townspeople. Even in ancient times, Arabs planted wild iris with white flowers on graves. And in Ancient Egypt it was bred back in the 16th-15th centuries BC, and it was a symbol of eloquence there. In Arabia, on the contrary, they were a symbol of silence and sadness.

Iris has many names: Iris, iris, cockerel, songbird (beerweed), piskulnik, killer whale, scilla, pigtails, carp, iris, flat cake, chikan, cockerels, bells, chistyak, wolf cucumber, hare cucumbers, bear cucumbers, pikulnik, songbird , magpie flowers, chamomile. Among all the names, the most common is the gentle “kasatik”, that is, dear, beloved, desired.
In total in the genus of the family Iridaceae, or Iris ( Iridaceae) has about 800 species with a rich variety of shapes and shades.

The flower “iris” received its name from the hands of the famous healer Hippocrates, who named the plant in honor of the ancient Greek goddess Iris, who proclaimed the will of the Olympian gods to people. The goddess Iris descended along a rainbow to the earth, which is why the word “Iris” translated from Greek means rainbow. Carl Linnaeus, who proposed a unified system of scientific names for plants, retained its ancient name for the iris.
But Florence was called Florence by the Romans only because irises grew in abundance around this Etruscan settlement, and the literal translation from Latin into Russian “Florence” means “blooming”. Since then, the Florentine iris has graced the city coat of arms of Florence.
This type of iris has also become famous for the fact that for a long time they learned to extract fragrant essential oil with the aroma of violets from its rhizome. That is why the rhizome of this iris is called orris root. This natural fragrance was used in royal dressing rooms as early as the 15th century. From 1 kg of rhizomes, an average of 7 g of essential oil is obtained, which is used in perfumery. Fragrant substances are also extracted from flowers.

In Japan, iris protected homes from harmful influences. In any Japanese family with sons, on the traditional Boys' Day (the fifth day of the fifth moon), a magical talisman ("May pearl") is prepared from iris and orange flowers on this day, since in Japanese the same hieroglyphs indicate the names of iris and the words "warrior spirit". “May pearls,” according to legend, should instill courage in the soul of a young man: even the leaves of the plant are very similar to swords.

For Christians, the iris symbolizes purity and protection, but has also become a symbol of sorrow and pain.

In Japanese, "iris" and "warrior spirit" are represented by the same character. On May 5, Boys' Day, all the people perform hanami - ritual admiration of flowers in iris gardens, where they grow immersed in water and on this day images of irises appear on all household items. On the traditional holiday of boys, a magical talisman is prepared from iris flowers, which should instill courage in the soul of the young man. Iris leaves look like swords, and the Japanese are deeply convinced that they should awaken strength, courage and courage in a future man. Once upon a time, on Hanami Day, the Japanese prepared a drink called May pearls from iris and orange flowers. Those who used it were healed from many diseases.
As a religious symbol, the iris first appears in the paintings of the early Flemish masters, and in images of the Virgin Mary it is present both with and instead of the lily. This symbolic meaning is due to the fact that the name “iris” means “lily with a sword,” which is seen as an allusion to Mary’s grief for Christ.
For Christians, the iris symbolizes purity and protection, but it also became a symbol of sorrow and pain, the reason for which was its sharp wedge-shaped leaves, which seemed to personify the suffering and sadness of the Mother of God’s heart from the suffering of Christ. The blue iris is especially common as such a symbol in images of the Virgin. The iris can also symbolize the virgin birth.
In Russia, the word "Iris" appeared as a botanical name for plants in the second half of the 19th century, and before this period they used the popular name "Iris", the inhabitants of Ukraine called irises "Cockerel". In Bulgaria, Serbia and Croatia, the iris is called Perunika - in honor of the Slavic god Perun.
The Slavic peoples widely used a rainbow range of colors and shades and bizarre forms of iris inflorescences. They could be seen in folk crafts, in the textile industry, as well as in decorating everyday life: painting homes, utensils, clothes (in the ornament of shirts, sundresses, towels, shawls and half-shawls).

Legends of the iris
A miracle flower bloomed at one edge of the forest. Forest animals and birds began to argue about who it belonged to. They argued for four days, and the dispute resolved itself. The iris seeds ripened, and the wind carried them in different directions.
According to legend, the first iris blossomed several million years ago and was so beautiful that not only animals, birds and insects came to admire it, but also water and wind, which then spread the ripened seeds throughout the earth. And when the seeds sprouted and blossomed, the iris became one of man’s favorite plants. From a distance, irises seem like small beacons showing the way to sailors.
And here is another legend about irises. One day, the rainbow fell into pieces before disappearing. Wonderful fragments of the rainbow fell to the ground and charming flowers sprouted. The rainbow crumbled into small fragments - and the irises bloomed. They sprouted, according to Pomeranian legend, from the tears of a fisherman who often mourned separation from her husband.
Another legend tells. When the titan Prometheus stole the heavenly fire on Olympus and gave it to people, a wondrous seven-colored rainbow flashed on earth - so great was the joy of all living things in the world. The sunset had already faded, and the day had faded, and the sun had gone, but the rainbow still shone over the world, giving people hope. It didn't go out until dawn. And when in the morning the sun returned to its place again, where the magical rainbow burned and shimmered with colors, irises bloomed...

These exquisite flowers, which people affectionately call iris or cockerels, have been known since ancient times and are widely distributed throughout the world. In appearance, they look a little like orchids and can be painted in a variety of colors.

Currently, there are more than eight hundred varieties of this flower. All of them differ in the size and shades of satin petals, the grace of inflorescences, sharp leaves and buds. Irises never leave the flower Olympus; florists widely use them to create original floral gifts.

Surely our readers have received such bouquets. However, not everyone knows Irises are shrouded in many legends, some of which we will tell you today.

Legends about irises

As legend has it, the iris bloomed for the first time on Earth. several million years ago. The flower was so beautiful that not only birds, insects and animals came to admire its beauty, but also the wind and water, which spread the ripened iris seeds throughout the earth. And when the sprouted seeds bloomed, the iris became man's favorite plant.

There is a version that Florence was named this way by the Romans because a huge number of irises grew around this ancient settlement. The name of the city from Latin into Russian sounds like “blooming”. Today, the Florentine iris adorns the city's coat of arms.

Since ancient times, people have been interested in the meaning of flowers. Irises in Ancient Greece are associated with the legend that has survived to this day that these flowers owe their name to Hippocrates himself. The great Aesculapius gave the name to the plant in honor of the goddess Iris. She brought the will of the gods to people, descending from Olympus to earth along the rainbow. “Iris” is translated from ancient Greek as “rainbow”.

Interestingly, in Japanese the words “warrior spirit” and “iris” are denoted by the same hieroglyph. On Boys' Day, which is celebrated annually on May 5, the people of Japan ritually admire these amazing flowers in iris gardens (hanami), where they are grown in water. On this day you can see iris on all household items. The meaning of the flower here is associated with courage and bravery.

On the boys' holiday, a “magic” talisman is prepared from these flowers, which instills courage in the soul of the young man. According to the Japanese, iris leaves, similar in shape to swords, should awaken strength and courage in a boy. In the old days, on Hanami Day, the Japanese made a drink from orange and iris flowers, which they called May pearls. Everyone who used it got rid of many serious diseases.

Nevertheless, this flower represents a completely peaceful iris family, which belongs to the asparagus family from the class of monocots, and behind the feigned restraint and even severity hides a tranquility that is so attractive to many. This explains another meaning of flowers. In Christianity, irises are associated with the suffering of Christ, which became the reason for their cultivation in cathedrals and monasteries.

And another beautiful legend about the iris. Once upon a time, after a heavy rainfall, the sky was painted with a rainbow. But, to the surprise of people, it did not disappear, as always happened, but crumbled into tiny particles that fell to the ground. Very soon, in the places where the fragments of the rainbow fell, luxurious flowers, previously unseen on Earth, grew. These were irises, which even today give us their unearthly beauty, grace and delicate aroma.

Types of irises

The genus Iris consists of 800 species known today. In floriculture, bearded specimens are especially popular, valued by gardeners for their variety of colors and original shape. They look great in independent bouquets, as well as in compositions with other plants.

In the scientific world, these flowers have a complex classification, which consists of several levels, but for the average amateur gardener, the decisive argument when choosing a variety is the flower shape and color scheme. Miniature and table, aryle-like and non-aryle-like, small-flowered and dwarf, tall and short - it is really difficult to understand all this variety of species. Therefore, in this article we will focus on bearded irises, which are especially popular among gardeners.

Iris: description, meaning of the flower

This plant belongs to the group of rhizomes. Annual flower stalks have six petals. Three of them are located outside and three more are located inside. The first ones are turned down and located horizontally, the second ones are vertically located and rolled into a tube. Most varieties resemble orchids. The color of the outer and inner flowers can be different. This gives the plant charm.

The leaves resemble those of gladioli: sword-shaped, flat, collected at the base of the stem. Their color can vary from lemon yellow to blue-green. Irises can have single or grouped peduncles. The height of the plants ranges from 20 cm to 120 cm, on which up to seven buds bloom.

Where do irises grow?

Under natural conditions, iris grows in clearings and forest edges, in well-lit areas. In the garden, it is better to plant it on the sunny side, away from trees: iris does not tolerate close contact with the roots of powerful plants.

Iris flowers

Irises do not bloom for long. The flower sizes vary - from 8 to 15 cm in diameter. The original shape of the flowers is almost as beautiful as exquisite orchids.

In reality, the iris has no petals. What many think of as the petals is actually a perianth divided into six lobes. Alternately concave and concave lobes can be of different colors: from white to velvety black, bordered or with contrasting central lobes, plain. The perianth edges range from straight to semi-double.

The meaning of iris is interesting. This amazing language originated in the East. Women, raised in the strictest Muslim traditions, often could not speak when they wanted to. For this reason, they began to use flowers to convey their mood.

For example, in Ancient Egypt, the flower became a symbol of eloquence, in Babylon - the strength and power of royal power. Today in our country, the iris is associated with wisdom and trust, hope and faith, as well as fearlessness. The flower located at the top of the bouquet means work, at the bottom - the kingdom.

Irises: the meaning of the flower (Feng Shui)

The meaning of irises according to the teachings of Feng Shui is quite diverse. The main thing is life that knows no old age, eternal youth. In addition, they are a symbol of hope and faith. That is why these flowers perfectly harmonize the space in the living room where the family gathers.

The iris is the favorite flower of French monarchs. Louis XIV was the first European ruler to introduce the art of feng shui into the country's palaces and parks. The blue color of the iris is the color of concentration. It helps in achieving high goals and aspirations. If you dream of doing great things, then you should have a blue iris. In addition, it helps you to be more collected and focused.

To whom and when should I give irises?

Since today many are interested in floristry, the question often arises : “Why are irises given as gifts?” Meaning of colors allows you to use these in men's and children's bouquets, as well as as a complement and bright accent in women's compositions. Bouquet of irises will be a wonderful gift for a friend.

According to the flower horoscope, iris patronizes those born in February. These flowers will be appropriate as a gift to loved ones and friends. They will convey warmth and kind attitude to people close and dear to you. The color of the iris also matters. For example, it means purity. Orange is fun and joyful and can lift your spirits. Pink is perceived as a symbol of tenderness and love.

In some cases, the iris symbolizes innocence. There are many positive comparisons and associations associated with this flower, so it is suitable as a gift for any occasion - a birthday, wedding anniversary or simply as a token of attention on a nice clear day.

What flowers go with irises?

The following compositions are very popular today:

field flowers - bouquet with iris, chamomile;
springtime - iris with lisianthus, alstroemeria and birch branches;
VIP bouquet - iris, longi lily, hydrangea, lisianthus and delphinium;
classic - irises, santini and alstroemeria.

In this article we tried to briefly describe to you the meaning of flowers. Irises are truly unique plants that can be chosen for any occasion.

A plant such as iris (Iris) is also called cockerel or iris. This perennial plant belongs to the rhizomatous genus, to the iris or iris family (Iridaceae). You can find such flowers in almost every corner of the planet. This genus includes approximately 700 different species. The name of this flower is translated as “rainbow”. This plant was named by Hippocrates himself in honor of the goddess of the rainbow, Iris. The legend says that at the moment when Prometheus gave fire to people, a rainbow began to shine - this was the jubilation of nature. This rainbow shone throughout the day and night, and after the sunlight illuminated the earth, people were amazed at the sight of unusually beautiful flowers called irises. They looked so much like a rainbow. Florence (which means “blooming”) received its name from the Romans because a lot of irises grew in the fields located near the city. This amazing plant has been grown for about 2 thousand years. It is a wonderful decoration for any garden, and valuable raw materials are extracted from irises, from which essences are made for the perfume industry.

Irises have rhizomes on which roots grow that have a cord-like or thread-like shape. There are either one or several annual flower stalks. Flat thin two-row leaf plates have a sword-shaped shape; linear ones are rarely found. On their surface there is a thin layer of wax. They are collected at the base of the peduncle in a fan-shaped bunch, while the stem leaves are practically absent. As a rule, the flowers are solitary, but small inflorescences are also found on such plants. They are usually fragrant and large in size; they are distinguished by a very unusual shape, as well as bizarre coloring. So, the color can be of various color shades, as well as their very bizarre combinations. The flower has 6 petals, which are perianth lobes. The outer lobes, 3 in number, are slightly turned downwards and have a different color from the upper lobes. The fused upper lobes are shaped like a tube. Flowering lasts from May to July. 2 or 3 flowers bloom at the same time, and they do not fade within 1–5 days. The fruit is a three-lobed capsule.

Main types and varieties with photos

Bearded irises

Based on the shape of the flower, root irises are divided into non-bearded and bearded. Bearded plants received this name due to the presence of shaggy hairs on the surface of the petals. They have their own classification (medium-sized, standard medium-sized, connecting medium-sized, tall, border, small-flowered, medium-sized, miniature dwarf, standard dwarf, arylbred, table, arylbred and aryl, aryl-like arylbred and aryl, non-aryl-like arylbred). However, only scientists use this classification, and ordinary gardeners know these plants as bearded irises of various sizes.

Iris germanica

The tall bearded iris is also called Germanic. This plant has several hundred different varieties and is the most popular of all bearded irises. The most popular varieties are: Baltic Sea - a highly corrugated flower with an intense blue color and blue beards; Bewilderbest - corrugated flowers are painted in burgundy-reddish-cream color, and on the surface there are streaks and stripes of whitish and yellow color; Acoma - sky blue color combined with ivory, and also has a lavender border. It is very popular in America.

Non-bearded irises

These irises include: Japanese, spuria, Californian, Siberian, Louisiana, marsh, as well as other irises (interspecific and specific). The most popular in mid-latitudes are:

Siberian iris

It can be painted in various color shades from dark purple to blue. However, at the moment there are approximately 1 thousand different varieties, the color of which can be very different. For example, white Snow Queen; Batts and Sugars are yellow in color and have a whitish border; The Imperial Opal bush reaches a height of 80 centimeters, and its lavender-pink flowers have a diameter of about 10 centimeters. The flowers of this plant are very beautiful, but have no smell.

Japanese iris (Kempfler's, xiphoid)

Orchid-shaped flowers are very large in size (up to 25 centimeters in diameter), and they are fragrant. Thanks to breeders in Japan, the double (also called hana-shobu) and multi-petaled Japanese iris were born. But these species are not frost-resistant. For middle latitudes, it is recommended to choose: “Nessa-No-Mai” - the diameter of the whitish-purple flowers can reach 23 centimeters; "Solveig" - flowers are painted in a pale lilac color; “Vasily Alferov” - non-double flowers have an inky color.

Iris spuria

This very graceful plant is similar to the bulbous iris xyphium, but stands out for its large size. Not afraid of drought and frost. The most spectacular varieties: Lemon Touch - lacy lemon-yellow flowers have a dark golden color, the height of the bush is up to 100 centimeters; Transfiguration - the bush can also reach 100 centimeters in height, the color of the flowers varies from blue-violet to dark purple, the signal is bronze; Stella Irene - the bush reaches 90 centimeters in height, black-purple flowers have a small golden signal.

Swamp iris (false calamus)

This species, unlike others, prefers to grow only in moist soil. The flowers can be painted in various shades of yellow, and it is most often used to decorate artificial ponds. The most popular varieties are: “Golden Queen” - yellow flowers; "Flore Pleno" - has double flowers; "Umkirch" - pink color.

Depending on the color of the flowers, varieties are divided into:

monochromatic - all lobes have the same color;
two-tone - the lobes located at the bottom and top are painted in different shades of the same color;
two-color - the color of the lower and upper lobes differs;
variegata - the lobes are yellow above and reddish-brown below;
amena - the upper lobes are white;
bordered or plicata - there is a border of contrasting color either on all lobes or only on the lower ones;
iridescent - the transition from one color shade to another is very smooth.

Most inexperienced gardeners believe that growing irises is very difficult. However, in reality this is far from the case. Simply, in order for these plants to grow and develop normally, do not forget a few simple rules for caring for them:

The rhizomes of such flowers grow in a horizontal direction, and at the same time part of it is exposed, as it comes to the surface. Before winter, it is recommended to cover these plants with peat or soil in order to protect them from freezing. In spring, this layer must be carefully removed.
The peculiarity of such plants is that they are able to move. So, during the season they can move to the side by several centimeters. Therefore, it is recommended to plant them with a fan of leaf blades along the row. In this case, the rows will be more even.
Bearded iris is planted using sand. Sand is poured into the bottom of the prepared hole in a heap, and the roots are straightened out along it. It should be taken into account that if the plant is deeply buried, it may die or may not bloom.
Organic fertilizers cannot be used for fertilizing. Liquid mineral fertilizer is best suited.

When to plant irises? Selecting a location

Most gardeners believe that immediately after the irises finish blooming, they should be dug up, divided and planted in a permanent place. Because otherwise they may not have time to be accepted before the onset of winter. However, if your area has a long and fairly warm autumn, then you don’t have to rush too much to replant irises. Such flowers can actually be replanted from spring to autumn, but only after their flowering period has ended. Remember that irises should be replanted at least once every 3 or 4 years. However, Siberian irises can grow in one place for about 10 years. If you do not replant, the overgrown bushes stop blooming.

For bearded irises, you should choose a sunny place away from drafts, which should be located on a hill or slope, since it is very important that the place is well drained and there is also an outflow of melt water. It is recommended to plant from morning to afternoon. For the Siberian and marsh species, you need to choose places with moist soil. Absolutely all irises need nutrient-rich soil. To correct poor soil, before planting irises in the spring, you need to add compost or rich garden soil, as well as phosphorus-potassium fertilizer. It is recommended to add chalk, dolomite flour or wood ash to acidic soil. It is recommended to add sand and peat to loam, and clay soil to sandy soil. Before planting irises, it is recommended to disinfect the soil. To do this, it must be watered with a fungicide, and also treated with herbicides against weeds. Manure cannot be applied to the ground.

Purchased planting material, as well as those that have been stored throughout the winter, must be treated with a growth stimulating agent (Zircon or Ecogel). If the roots are long, then they need to be trimmed; places where there are signs of rotting must be carefully cut out. The root should be immersed in a solution of potassium manganese for a third of an hour for disinfection. Make a not very deep hole and pour sand into it in a mound. The rhizome of the bearded iris should be laid so that it is located horizontally. Spread the roots and sprinkle the hole so that only the upper part of the rhizome remains above the soil surface. Then the iris should be watered generously. If the entire rhizome is underground, this usually leads to rot. Beardless species, on the other hand, need to be buried several centimeters into the ground. A layer of mulch (peat or fallen pine needles) should be poured on top, which will help retain moisture. The holes must be spaced from each other at a distance of at least 50 centimeters.

Autumn planting is not much different from spring planting. It is recommended to carry it out at the end of the summer season, when the flowering period ends. As a rule, it is recommended to replant from August to the last days of September, but it must be taken into account that earlier replanting will allow the plants to take root better and get stronger. Dig the bush with a fork, then divide it into annual links with a leaf blade. The cord-shaped roots must be carefully shortened, removing those places where there is damage or signs of rotting. Then the divisions should be placed in a dark pink solution of potassium manganese for 2 hours for disinfection. After this, they need to be placed in a sunny place for 4–5 hours. The divisions should be planted in the same way as in the spring. A distance of about 50 centimeters should be left between the holes of tall varieties, 20 centimeters between medium-sized ones, and 15 centimeters between short-growing ones.

Caring for irises

This is a warm and light-loving plant. It is especially important to water irises regularly and relatively abundantly during the formation of buds. The rest of the time, watering should be done only when the surface of the soil near the rhizome is very dry.

If in the spring, before planting the iris, you add fertilizer to the soil, then throughout the season, as a rule, the plant will not need fertilizing. If you decide to fertilize the soil, you should use potassium-phosphorus fertilizer in liquid form. It should be applied directly to the root during the period of intensive growth. Feeding irises during the flowering period is prohibited.

Throughout the season it will be necessary to remove weeds in a timely manner. You will have to get rid of weeds manually. The fact is that the root system is located horizontally and very close to the soil surface. In this regard, when weeding with a hoe, you can accidentally damage it. Although rare, the soil should be loosened. This procedure must be carried out with extreme caution, trying not to damage the roots. Experienced gardeners advise removing wilted flowers, as they can cause pests to settle on the plant.

The most spectacular and variegated varieties are most susceptible to various pests and diseases. In order to protect irises from diseases, it is imperative to adhere to all the rules of agricultural technology for the species. Also be sure to monitor how the plants are doing throughout the season. As soon as you notice that something is wrong with your irises, you should take appropriate action. When a bush is infected with fusarium or other rots, you need to act very quickly. The infected plant must be dug up and destroyed. For preventive purposes, other bushes must be watered at the roots and along the roots with a foundation solution, which should be two percent. It is also recommended to treat rhizomes with this product before planting them in the soil. In this case, the risk of rot will be significantly lower. A solution of Bordeaux mixture (1%), which should be sprayed on the foliage, can protect plants from various spots.

Cutworms often settle on plants. They eat the bases of flower stalks. After this, the flower stalks turn yellow and dry out. Preventive measures should be taken at the very beginning of the growing season. To do this, you need to treat the plants 2 times with a solution of karbofos (10%), with an interval of 7 days between treatments. Gladiolus thrips can also settle in. They lead to disruption of photosynthesis in the foliage, causing it to turn brown and die. If the plant is infested with thrips, its buds will be ugly and discolored. Thrips feel best during the dry summer period. Such insects can be fought in the same way as cutworms using karbofos; an infusion prepared from 400 g of shag, which should be kept for one and a half weeks, is also highly effective. Also added to it is 40 g of laundry soap, crushed using a grater. Slugs can harm such plants. To get rid of them, you need to place fresh burdock leaves or moistened rags between the rows. When the slugs take refuge under them, all you have to do is collect them together with rags and destroy them. If there are a lot of slugs, then in sunny weather early in the morning or in the evening, metaldehyde, produced in granules, should be distributed over the area by simply scattering it. In this case, 1 square meter should take from 30 to 40 g of the substance.

If seeding is not expected this year, it is recommended to remove the flower stalks after the plant has flowered. If the leaf blades begin to yellow, it is recommended to trim them, making a semicircular tip shape. So, irises will also remain a good decoration for the garden and will have time to gain the necessary nutrients and strength before winter. During the warm autumn period, secondary flowering often occurs. After the leaf blades become withered, they need to be trimmed, leaving only 10–15 centimeters. The cuttings must be destroyed (burned), since their surface may contain pathogenic microorganisms, as well as eggs of harmful insects.

Before winter cold, bare rhizomes should be covered with soil, as well as a thick (8–10 centimeters) layer of mulch (peat or sand). In the event that a strong drop in temperature is expected in autumn or winter, you need to cover the irises with spruce branches or dried leaves. If there is a lot of snow in winter, there is no need to cover the plants.

The rhizomes of bearded irises, dug up or acquired in the autumn, can be preserved until the onset of spring by placing them in a non-humid and cool place. Dry the rhizomes thoroughly and place them in a cardboard box, which must be tightly closed. It should be placed on a loggia or balcony. It is recommended to wrap each rhizome with a cloth or a sheet of paper, and you can also sprinkle them in a box with dry peat or the same sawdust.

Some irises prefer a humid environment, so to preserve them it is necessary to plant them in a flowerpot. Before planting, you need to remove long roots, and the rhizome itself should be lowered and kept in a not very strong solution of potassium manganese for disinfection. Then it needs to be dried. There is no need to bury the rhizome; it is only sprinkled with a little soil. In spring, the sprouted rhizome should be taken with a lump of earth and planted in open soil.

Iris (Iris) is a genus of herbaceous perennial rhizomatous plants belonging to the iris family. There are many species (over 700), which include thousands of varieties of irises. According to the European classification, bulbous irises are also included in this genus, but Russian botanists have separated them into independent genera (Juno, Xyphium, Iridodictum), so we will not talk about them in the article.

The leaves of irises are flat, wide, sword-shaped, in some species they are narrow, most are basal and collected in a fan-shaped bunch. Their surface is glossy or matte in various shades of green. The flowers are single or collected in inflorescences, have 6 perianth lobes - 3 outer ones are turned downwards, and 3 inner ones are curved and directed upwards. The lower petals differ from the upper ones in color. According to the flowering periods, there are early, middle and late - from the end of May to August.

Classification

Considering the shape and color of the flower, the height of the plant and the width of its leaves, irises are classified into different sections, namely: bearded, beardless or limniris and section xyridion.

Bearded

Bearded - have growths (fluffy hairs) on downwardly bent pubescent petals, associated with a beard (hence the name). They are mainly obtained from crossing various wild species. This is the largest group.

Iris flowers come in all colors

Based on the height of the peduncles, they are divided into:

Low-growing or dwarf plants - plants no higher than 40-50cm:
1. Miniature dwarfs - no higher than 20cm, ideal for rock gardens;
2. Standard dwarfs - from 20 to 50 cm in height, grow well. In two years, a plant can have 10 or more flower stalks;

Medium-sized - their height ranges from 50 to 70cm:
1. interlude irises - with a flower diameter from 7 to 10-12 cm;
2. border irises have flowers measuring 7-12cm in diameter;
3. miniature tall irises - the size of the flowers of these varieties is 5-8 cm in diameter.
Tall - plants taller than 70 cm. A very popular group, including more than a hundred varieties, has another name: German iris.

Flowers can be white, blue, pink, yellow, violet and blue, single-color, bi-color or multi-color, with a border or iridescent color.

Beardless

Beardless irises have thin, short-branched rhizomes. There are no beards on the perianth petals, and the leaves are narrow-xiphoid and flat. Flowers of all types of the Limniris section are scentless. They are also classified into groups depending on their place of origin or some special characteristics.

Siberian iris, up to 1 meter high and higher, is frost-resistant and unpretentious. The flowers are mostly shades of blue and purple. The leaves are narrow and green. Little susceptible to disease.
Japanese iris (other names are xiphoid iris, Kaempfer's iris) are distinguished by large flowers from 15 to 25 cm in diameter. The flower can be either simple or double (multi-petaled), in various shades of purple. Unfortunately, it does not winter well in our latitudes and does not tolerate severe frosts.
Swamp iris (other names yellow iris, calamus iris) – up to 120 cm high. Golden-yellow flowers with brown streaks. Heat-loving species. Grows quickly, blooms in June-July. Grows exclusively in damp places

Swamp iris

Xyridion

Xyridion - section includes 20 species of irises and more than 600 varieties, a less common and little-known group in our country. Based on the name of the most common species, it is also called Iris spuria. Long-lasting plants with original and unusual flowers of various colors. The flowers of these irises are almost impossible to confuse with other species; they have the narrowest petals. Tolerates both drought and frost well. A characteristic feature of Spuria irises is that they do not like transplanting and bloom for a long time in one place. Based on height, they are divided into short, medium and tall.

Iris spuria

Photo gallery of species

Landing

You can plant from spring to autumn. The optimal time for dividing and replanting is a couple of weeks after flowering. The soil for planting iris needs to be light and well-drained. The soil is loamy with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction. It is advisable to replant irises every 3-5 years. Siberian irises need to be replanted every 10 years to prevent them from degenerating. Bearded irises are best planted in sunny areas with good drainage. Swamp irises grow best in moist soils.

Before planting, very long roots must be shortened and rotting sections of the rhizome must be removed. For disinfection, you can soak it in a solution of potassium permanganate for 20-25 minutes, then dry it.

Bearded irises are planted in a shallow hole on a hill of sand, the roots are straightened and covered with an earthen mixture without deepening the rhizome. When planting, beardless irises need to be slightly deeper and mulched with pine needles. Planting is carried out at a distance of 30-40 cm between dwarf irises and 80 cm between tall irises.

Planting iris cuttings

Care

Care when growing iris mainly comes down to timely weeding and loosening, watering and fertilizing. Weeding is best done by hand, since the root system of the plant is too close to the surface of the soil and can be damaged with a hoe.

Watering. Irises are drought-resistant plants and can survive without water for a long time. But to increase the flowering period, regular watering is necessary, especially during budding and flowering. After flowering, watering should be reduced.

Feeding. Periodically, irises need to be fed. Nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer is fed during the growing season and after flowering. Complex - during the period of bud formation. It is not recommended to apply fertilizers during flowering. You can use compost and humus, but not manure.

Before the onset of cold weather, iris rhizomes that emerge to the surface of the soil must be sprinkled with earth or peat.

Reproduction

Irises are propagated by dividing the bush. It is best to divide in the spring before active growth or after flowering. It must first be watered, dug up from all sides with a pitchfork and removed. Wash the rhizomes and divide them into 1-2 year sections with a fan of leaves called a “spatula”. The rhizome should be cut with a sharp, disinfected knife on a hard surface. Shorten the roots, cut the leaves by 2/3. Plant the “spatula” in an inclined position, without deepening it, so that the rhizome with the bud is on the surface.

You can divide without disturbing the entire bush, but by digging on one side and cutting off part of the rhizome. The separated part of the rhizome is also divided into “scapulas”. And the remaining part in the ground is disinfected with ash and sprinkled with earth. In this way, you can not only propagate the plant, but also rejuvenate it.

When propagating irises, annual links are separated

Diseases and pests

Let's talk about diseases and pests of iris. One of the most dangerous diseases is bacteriosis or rot of rhizomes. The leaves turn brown and dry out, are easily pulled out of the fan and fall off. Rot covers the rhizome, it collapses and turns into a white mass covered with a shell. The iris plant is dying. Irises affected by bacteriosis are discarded. Damaged areas of the rhizome should be cut back to healthy tissue and sprinkled with charcoal.

Gray mold is a fungal disease. With high humidity, the leaves turn brown and rot, and a gray coating appears. Rot also spreads to the rhizome. Fungicides should be used when symptoms appear.

Heterosporiasis. Can be recognized by brown spots with a yellow border on the leaves. Diseased leaves should be cut off and burned. The plant must be treated with a solution of copper sulfate or another fungicidal preparation.

Iris affected by heterosporiosis

Of the pests, the most annoying are winter cutworms. During the winter, gray caterpillars burrow into the soil, and in the spring they crawl out, pupate and turn into butterflies that lay eggs on irises. After 1-2 weeks, the caterpillars emerge from the eggs again and eat up the flower stalks and leaves. To prevent these invasions, it is necessary to spray the plant with Aktelik in early May, according to the instructions, and when the caterpillars appear with Kinmiks.

In recent years, plants have often suffered from iris flies. It overwinters in the ground, emerges in the spring and lays eggs in unopened buds. The eggs hatch into larvae and eat the bud. Spraying can be carried out with preparations recommended for combating the Colorado potato beetle.

Mole crickets that gnaw the rhizomes are also dangerous for irises. The bronze beetle loves to feast on unopened buds. Gladiolus thrips do a lot of damage in hot weather.

Composition with irises

Use in landscape design

In our country there are a lot of lovers and connoisseurs of irises; probably, they can be seen in every second site. Dwarf varieties are suitable for hills; marsh iris is often planted along the banks of artificial reservoirs. Irises of different heights and colors planted side by side look very impressive. Irises are appropriate in any composition; they can play both a major and a secondary role.