Hot group of dwarf bearded irises. Dwarf irises. dwarf irises - photo gallery of flowers
Bearded irises are the most watercolor perennials. The luxury of flowering and the unprecedented beauty of both shapes and colors, despite the limited flowering period, and not so easy cultivation, have long made them favorites landscape design. But not all bearded irises can boast of this status. Low or dwarf varieties bearded irises undeservedly ignored. And it’s completely in vain: these plants will give a head start to their usual tall counterparts. After all, the possibilities of their use are not limited to flower beds and ridges, but also include rockeries and potted plants.
The only difference is the height
Dwarf bearded irises are limited in height to a maximum of 30-40 cm, although most often these crops will not exceed 20 cm. But despite such modest sizes, their flowers are no less bright and large. And their variety is no less than that of medium or tall irises. And even the tenderness of the petals, the much-loved “beard” and the abundance of flowers they have will not match their brothers. 2-3 flowers bloom on one peduncle, but the density of the bushes compensates for this with a large number of flowering shoots. The only difference is the height of the leaves and peduncles. This is a kind of miniature copy of ordinary bearded irises, while the “reduction” does not affect the flowers. But their endurance and unpretentiousness are much more pronounced. Small irises open up new and sometimes unexpected possibilities for garden design.
Garden dwarf bearded irises are divided into two categories of varieties:
- Standard Dwarf Bearded (SDB)
- Miniature Dwarf Bearded (MDB)
Key advantages of low-growing varieties:
- they grow much faster and create spectacular bushes by the second year after planting;
- dwarf irises bloom more abundantly and two weeks earlier than medium and tall bearded irises;
- the foliage of miniature irises retains its beauty until the end of the season and is no less spectacular than the best decorative foliage plants; places architectural accents.
Iris dwarf “Stitch Witch”.
They were bred only a little over a century ago on the basis of two natural types of irises - dwarf and squat. Thanks to selection and crossing with bearded varieties, they acquired flowering that is as spectacular as that of large bearded varieties, but retained their size, unpretentiousness and more attractive foliage. Conventionally, all miniature bearded irises are divided into miniature dwarf and standard dwarf. The latter produce flower stalks 10 cm higher and several flowers more.
The best varieties of low-growing bearded irises:
- a very bright blue-violet variety “Adrian Taylor” with an unusual aroma;
- wine, with a unique shade of “Lollipop” color;
- purple-red with a blue beard variety “Ruby Contrast”;
- melon-butter variety with a warm apricot tint of color and an orange beard “Tinkled Peach”;
- “Pretty Cute” with pink-orange color and play of peach tones;
- "Amsterdam" with a bright golden yellow color and brown spots;
- “Boo” with snow-white upper petals and dark purple lower petals with white ruffles;
- "Crystal Bright", whose snow-white color is highlighted with a bright yellow spot on the lower petals;
- profusely colored and very unusual “Serenity Prayer” with a play of snow-white and light yellow, dark purple spots, emphasized by the pointed shape of the lower petals;
- sunny yellow variety with orange buds “Sun Doll”
Low-growing bearded irises can be used to decorate:
- flower beds, ridges and mixborders in the foreground;
- for decorating the lawn with flowering and architectural groups;
- in iridariums as the basis of compositions;
- curbs and framing of paths and paths with temporary covering;
- alpine slides and rockeries;
- potted gardens and containers.
Dwarf irises in alpine gardens
In rocky gardens, even on the south side or among large boulders, low-growing bearded irises will not only not get lost, but will also feel comfortable. Due to their much less capriciousness, they adapt well to soil atypical for irises and much drier conditions. And how good they are against the background of stone chips and decorative filling! Even the most modest gravel or crumbs when planting miniature irises change beyond recognition and seem like an exclusive coating.
In rock gardens and rockeries, low-grade bearded irises seem like real shining treasures. Their large flowers immediately catch the eye and create luxurious accents. They combine effectively with most crops typical of rocky gardens. Small-leaved and flowering carpet-like ground covers from alyssum to aubrieta, inimitable dwarf shrubs and conifers - all of them only enhance the beauty of these crumbs. True, when planting irises you should be more careful than when planting bulbous ones: they can easily be crowded out by aggressive cushions and creeping plants, so you need to leave enough free space for irises.
Miniature irises in flower beds and mixed plantings
Low varieties of bearded irises are perfect for classic flower beds and ridges. It is believed that this is one of the most advantageous perennials for modern flower beds with decorative mulch or filling the soil with pebbles. The same laws apply here as when introducing mini-irises into rocky gardens - an advantageous revelation of the texture of the stone chips and the most vivid presentation of the beauty of the flowering of the irises themselves. In such flower beds, the beauty of each individual plant is revealed to the maximum, because the crops are located at a sufficient distance, and the beautiful mulch creates a luxurious background. But even in the foreground of ordinary flower beds and tents, as a border around flower arrangements, they look no worse.
Potted mini irises
These plants, modest in size, but far from modest in the beauty of their flowering, grow well in separate containers. Low-growing varieties of bearded irises can be placed in decorative flower pots and small bowls, as well as in simple pots or balcony boxes. But they will look no worse in complex, combined compositions. Moreover, the correct selection of partners will allow beautifully flowering irises to appear in all their splendor.
The only thing needed to turn low irises into true container stars is good drainage. For these plants, you can only use containers with a good drainage hole, and drainage made of expanded clay or large shards should be laid at a height of at least 5 cm. The top must be covered non-woven material, and only then land.
Iris dwarf “Lesser Goldfinch”.
Simple conditions for abundant flowering
Low-growing bearded irises will bloom more colorfully the brighter and sunny place you choose for them. They are not afraid of even the south-oriented slopes of rock gardens - so feel free to plant them in the brightest areas of the garden and immediately refuse even light shade. As for the soil, they grow well in any high-quality, well-drained, loose-textured and non-acidic soil. Planting of low-growing irises is carried out according to the same rules as medium and tall varieties. Be careful when mulching the soil: mini irises do not tolerate mulch in the form of organic matter, grass, tree bark, in a word, any plant materials. Suitable only for them protective layer from stone chips or sand.
Such irises are planted shallowly, placing the rhizome horizontally and only lightly covering it with soil so that the upward rhizome remains level with the soil (only at sandy soil they can be buried 1-2 cm). Where the soil is damp or there is a risk of water stagnation, irises are planted on hills or in raised rows.
As for care, low-growing irises are easy to grow. All they need is one single feeding in the spring, which is best done before flowering begins. Using potassium-phosphorus fertilizers, you will give the plants a powerful boost and they will bloom profusely. Although today for stimulation more abundant flowering They often use a scheme of 2-3 fertilizing, standard for all irises (nitrogen-potassium fertilizers in early spring, nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizers 2-3 weeks after the first fertilizing, and the third procedure is carried out only after full flowering mineral fertilizers). The rest of the care comes down to trimming the flower stalks after the colorful parade is over and cutting the leaves to a height of 10 cm at the end of the season.
They are separated every 3-4 years, from the end of July to September. For mini-irises, the leaves are cut at a level of 7 cm from the soil, and then the rhizomes are carefully dug out. When dividing, parts with 1-2 leaf rosettes and a sufficient bunch of roots are separated.
Partners for Dwarf Bearded Irises
Low-growing bearded irises go well with medium-sized garden plants. Ideal partners for them include a variety of carnations, horned violet, and ornamental cereals, and dwarf woody plants, and ground covers. Their beauty is perfectly accentuated by aubrieta, alyssum, evergreen iberis, Dorfler's thyme, subulate phlox, myrtifolia spurge, gray and sheep's fescue, shaker grass, feather feather grass, seaside armeria, grass and blue-gray carnations, late tulip, common lumbago, mountain pine.
In potted culture, low-growing irises go well with juveniles, cat's foot, jaundice, and saxifrage.
Varieties of dwarf bearded irises, unfortunately, are not very common in our country. However, they are good for landscaping: they are less capricious, grow faster, forming spectacular dense compact bushes within 2 years after planting, bloom profusely and early, ahead of tall varieties by about 2 weeks. Their foliage remains decorative until autumn, which cannot be said about most tall varieties. They are good for lining paths, when planting in independent groups against the background of a lawn, as well as when creating mixed compositions with medium-sized plants. tall irises and other decorative perennials. And most importantly, “dwarfs” are excellent material for rockeries.
The first varieties of low-growing bearded irises were bred at the end of the 19th century by the German horticultural company Goos and Koneman ("Goos und Koepetapp"). Soon, several more European companies in England, France and Germany began breeding “dwarfs”. Low-growing European wild species were used as parent forms: dwarf irises (/. puinila) and squat (/. chamaeris sin. lutescens). Both species are characterized by great diversity natural forms, which subsequently served as the basis for a wide variety of varieties.
In a short period, several dozen varieties were bred, some of which can be found in the catalogs of flower growing companies even today. However, the selection of low-growing irises reached a real scale after the Second World War in America. Here, in addition to the varieties imported at the beginning of the century, the following were involved in crossbreeding: low growing iris sandy (/. arenaria) - Western variety of Eurasian yellow iris (/. flavissima) - and numerous wild varieties of dwarf iris, also sourced from Europe. Later, varieties of tall bearded irises were also involved in crossing with the dwarf iris.
Low-growing, or dwarf bearded, irises are divided into 2 groups. Below are descriptions of varieties that have proven themselves well during many years of variety study in the collection of the Main Botanical Lard of the Russian Academy of Sciences. In the description of varieties, after the name, the author's surname and year of registration are indicated. The size of a flower is characterized by two numbers: the first is the height of the flower, the second is the width (span of the lower lobes of the perianth). The length of the peduncle was measured from its base to the flower
| Miniature dwarf bearded irises(MDB). The height of the peduncle is less than 25 cm, there are 1-2 flowers on the peduncle, they bloom earlier than other dwarf irises. Standard dwarf bearded irises(SDB). The peduncle is 25-37 cm high, there are 2-3 flowers on the peduncle. "Wink" ("Wink") - Gatty, 1973, Flower 5.5x9 cm, white, on the lower lobes there is a rounded blue spot, a white beard with yellow tips. Peduncle 23 cm high, with 2 flowers, below the leaves. "Baby's Edge" ("Cry Baby") - Ritchee, 1984. Flower 5.5x10 cm. pale blue, fades to white. Peduncle 28 cm high, with 1-3 flowers, below the leaves.
"Puppet" ("Puppet") - Hager, 1968. Flower 5x11 cm, lavender-blue with brownish veins at the base of the petals. Peduncle 30 cm long, with 3 flowers, at the level of the leaves. "Sapphire Jam" ( "Sapphire Gem") - Schmeizer, 1975. Flower 6x10 cm, sapphire blue, with a white beard. Peduncle 37 cm high, with 3-4 flowers, at the level of the leaves. "Little Dream" ("Little Dream") - Schreiner, 1970. Flower 6.5x11.5 cm, pure lilac tone, with a light blue beard. Peduncle 35 cm high, with 2-3 flowers, higher than leaves, "Hazel's Pink" ("Hazel's Pink") - Schmeizer, 1982, Flower 7x12 cm, pure pink, with a tangerine beard. Peduncle 37 cm high, with 3 flowers, slightly higher than the leaves. "Bright Button" ("Bright Button") - Schreiner, 1981. Flower 6x11 cm, pinkish-purple, fuchsia, upper lobes are lighter, lower lobes are darker, velvety with a border the color of the upper lobes. Peduncle 33 cm high, with 3 flowers, at the level of the leaves, "Button Box" ("Button Box") - Schreiner, 1988. Flower 5x9 cm, purple, darker spot on the lower lobes, blue beard. Peduncle 23 cm high, with 2 flowers, just below the leaves. "Cherry Gardens" ("Cherry Gardens") - Jones, 1966, Flower 7x11 cm, purple, peduncle 31 cm high, with 2-3 flowers, below the leaves. "Mini Dynamo" ("Mini Dynamo")-Brown by Boshay, 1978, Flower 6.5x10.5 cm, beet red with a violet-blue beard. Peduncle 28 cm high, with 2-3 flowers, below the leaves, "Little Buccaneer" ("Little Buccaneer") - Schreiner, 1973, Flower 5x10 cm, brown-red with a silky tint, orange beard, peduncle 27 cm high, just below the leaves, with 2-3 flowers.
"Little Chestnut" ("Little Chestnut") - Bhzenciine, 1970. Flower 6.5x9.5 cm, brown, lower lobes darker. Peduncle 30 cm high, with 1 flower, below the leaves, "Gingerbread Man" ( "Gingerbread Man" - Jones, 1968. Flower 6x12.5 cm, marsh brown, with a bright blue beard. Peduncle 37 cm high, with 2 flowers, above the leaves. "Gallon Gold" ("Galleon Gold") - Schreiner, 1977. Flower 7x11.5 cm, sulfur yellow with a blue beard. Peduncle 37 cm high, with 3-4 flowers, higher than the leaves. "Laceid Lemonade" ("Laced Lemonad") - Warburton, 1969. Flower 7x12 cm, yellow with a white beard. Peduncle 34 cm high, with 3 flowers, just below the leaves. "Bay" ( Wow) - Brown, 1969. Flower 5x9 cm, upper lobes yellow, lower lobes brown-red with a yellow border, orange beard, peduncle 24 cm high, with 3 flowers, below the leaves. |
Medium-sized varieties, both in size and in terms of flowering time, occupy an intermediate place between “dwarfs” and tall bearded irises. In terms of the number of varieties offered by breeding forms, they are significantly inferior to both, but in recent decades they have become increasingly popular. Their advantages include grace and proportionality of shape, compactness and relative unpretentiousness. Varieties from the interlude (IB) and border bearded irises (BB) groups are excellent for landscaping. They grow quickly and form medium-tall dense bushes with flowers. in size approaching the flowers of tall bearded irises. Varieties belonging to the group of miniature bearded irises (MTB) are cut flowers, with graceful, medium-sized flowers on rather thin elastic stems.
We can say that the selection of medium-sized irises was carried out in parallel with the selection of “dwarfs”. Soon after the appearance of the first varieties dwarf irises In the already mentioned company Toos and Koneman, the first varieties of medium-sized irises were bred. German iris (it is unknown - a wild species or its hybrids) and dwarf iris hybrids that existed at that time were used as parent forms. For a long time the new group did not receive special attention until, as in the case of the “dwarfs,” it came to the attention of breeders from the United States. It is there that most of the modern medium-growing varieties are created.
Medium-sized irises are divided into 3 groups:
| Sideshow (IB). Peduncle height 37-70 cm. Flower diameter 7.5-12.5 cm. The earliest of the medium-sized irises. "Pixie Scears" ("Pixie Skiers") - Hamblen, 1967, Flower 8x13 cm, light blue. Peduncle 63 cm with 4 flowers, "Pink Kitten" ("Pink Kitten") - Wood, 1976. Flower 8x12 cm, pale lilac with a slight smoky tint and brighter veins, tangerine beard. Peduncle 60 cm with 4-5 flowers. "Voila" ("Woila") - Gatty, 1972. Flower 7.5x12 cm, purple. Peduncle 53 cm with 5 flowers.
"Scout" with Honor" ( "Scout's Honor" - Gatty, 1977. Flower 8x13.5 cm, iridescent bronze-reddish-brown with a purple tint on the upper lobes. Peduncle 65 cm with 5 flowers. "Butterpat" ( "Butterpat") - Schreiner, 1986. Flower 8x12.5 cm, upper lobes white, lower lobes yellow. Peduncle 60 cm with 4-5 flowers. Sme photo. "Chatterbox" ( "Chatterbox") - Schreiner, 1978, Flower 8x13.5 cm, white with lilac border. Peduncle 68 cm with 4-5 flowers.
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"FLAVOURS" Blyth"94 E & Re
Landing:
Before planting, the area is dug up and weeds are carefully selected. The best time for planting irises is 3-4 weeks after flowering. This is the period when active growth of new roots occurs. However, planting throughout the second half of summer is quite acceptable. When planting, the roots are located below the rhizome. On light sandy soils, it is permissible to deepen the rhizome by 1-2 cm, but if the soil is denser, the rhizome should be located at soil level. When planting, the division must be correctly oriented, since during the growth process the rhizome will move along the soil surface in one direction.
Approximate layout of plants when planting in rows: 40-50 cm between rows, 25-30 cm between plants in a row. If planted more densely, the rapidly growing bushes will soon close up and will have to be replanted. However, when planting plants in clumps or groups, if it is desired to quickly create the effect of overgrown bushes, denser placement is also acceptable - up to 10 cm between plants.They have long gained popularity due to their unusual appearance and unpretentiousness. They practically do not require any maintenance; even an inexperienced gardener can cope with growing them. A lot of varieties of this plant have been developed. In order not to get confused in such diversity, you need to study irises, varieties with photos and names in advance. This will help create a spectacular garden that will be the envy of all your neighbors.
Varieties of irises
Iris is a perennial unpretentious plant, which is different unusual shape and color of flowers. It is suitable for growing in open areas, flooded sunlight. A distinctive feature of the flowers is their enchanting delicate aroma. Therefore, they are often used in the perfume industry.
Wild irises today can be found in meadows, steppes or on steep cliffs. Under the conditions, about five hundred different varieties have been bred that are suitable for growing on personal plots. They can be divided into several large groups:
- bearded;
- dwarf;
- bulbous;
- Siberian;
- swamp;
- Japanese.
In European countries, it is customary to divide these plants into 10–15 categories. Separately, border, Californian and some other species are distinguished. To decide which of them will take root better on your site, carefully study the irises, their varieties with photos and names.
Bearded irises
Bearded iris is considered one of the most common plant varieties. Its distinctive feature is the presence of thin hairs on the lower petals. They have a more saturated color compared to the general tone of the flower. Among the most spectacular varieties are:
This is just a small part of the variety on the market today. When choosing, pay attention to the fact that the flowers are in harmony with neighboring specimens and fit into the overall design of the site.
The height of such varieties can reach 80 cm, so you should not plant them in close proximity to light-loving low-growing plants.
Dwarf irises
The dwarf iris differs from its fellows in its small stature. The height of the peduncles does not exceed 40 cm. In most varieties this parameter is even 20 cm. They will become ideal option for decorating small compact flower beds. Among the most popular varieties are:
Dwarf irises thrive on light, moisture-permeable soils. If the soil in your garden is heavy, add sand to it before planting.
Bulbous irises
Everyone is accustomed to the fact that irises are rhizomatous plants. Modern experts have managed to develop several varieties growing from bulbs. They are distinguished by unusually early flowering. They can be compared to snowdrops. As soon as the snow melts, the first flowers appear. There are three main types:
Bulbous irises look good in a flower bed with crocuses, galanthus and so on. They will be an ideal option for alpine slides.
These varieties can be grown in pots and large flowerpots. They will be an excellent decoration for verandas and gazebos.
Siberian irises
Photos of Siberian irises are impressive. They are distinguished by the extraordinary beauty of their flowers. The value of this species also lies in the fact that the foliage of the plant has a rich green color throughout the season. The most spectacular varieties are:
Such varieties look impressive along the banks of improvised reservoirs, in large ones. Groups of such flowers can be used to decorate the lawn, which will make the landscape unusual.
Swamp irises
Swamp iris or iris grows everywhere in our country. The leaves of this species are sword-shaped. Their length can reach two meters. This species does well in partial shade. Therefore, such flowers can be planted along fences or near trees with a not too thick crown. Among the most popular varieties are:
Having studied these varieties of irises with photos and names, we can conclude that they are ideal for group plantings. Using different types of irises you can create spectacular flower beds.
Japanese irises
Japanese iris has orchid-shaped flowers. Their size can vary from 15 to 25 cm. In Japan, such plants are planted so that they can be admired from above. From this angle they look most impressive.
The plants are large, so when planting between them it is necessary to maintain a distance of at least 30 cm. The most popular varieties:
After studying photos of varieties of irises, you can choose the right one. planting material, suitable for your soil type. If you select instances with different terms blooming, you can admire the beauty of the flowers all summer long.
Irises bloom in the garden - video
This a most exciting activity, like floriculture, finds more and more fans every year. For many, growing flowers becomes a real hobby and for the sake of this activity they are ready to spend not only all their free time, but they also do not spare the plots of land that were intended for fruits and vegetables.
One can only envy such people. After all, their gardens look like paradise, thanks to the splendor of the lush flowering plants all kinds of shapes and colors.
A constantly blooming garden is a gardener's dream
Every novice gardener dreams of his garden blooming for as long as possible, delighting his beautiful view not only the owners, but also everyone who looked at the site, causing envy among others. But inexperienced amateurs often encounter a situation when the plants they planted have already finished flowering, and summer varieties They haven't even picked any buds yet.
This happens when the correct selection flower crops no attention was paid, only prestigious plants were selected. After such a situation arose, many begin to think about how to fill this gap formed in the flowering of the garden. The most excellent solution in this case would be the dwarf iris, an excellent crop of the iris family, which, unfortunately, is still little known.
Benefits of Dwarf Irises
Almost everyone, when talking about irises, immediately imagines that they bloom in the summer, in June. But this variety of this family is a rhizomatous species, and I would like to introduce flower growers to the bulbous variety, real little ones, whose height does not exceed 15 cm. They appear above the ground in early April, and in May they already bloom wildly.
Therefore, the iris is dwarf and can give the garden such a heavenly look. After all, grass is just beginning to emerge from the ground, and here is such truly unreal splendor! You immediately get the feeling that those irises that are familiar and familiar to everyone have had their flowers broken off and stuck into the ground.
Don’t hesitate, set aside a place on your site for this magnificent plant, plant it once and believe me, you will never regret it! If anyone still has doubts about the attractiveness that the dwarf iris represents for any garden, a photo of this plant, which can be found in gardening reference books, will completely dispel them.
Dwarf type of irises: useful information
This very small plant, which belongs to the iris family, has some general information about itself. Any gardener should know them before planting. Due to the fact that in various sources for such beautiful plants as the dwarf iris, the most complete description is provided, anyone can choose a place for them in the garden, where they will emphasize all the splendor of the thoughtful design of the site, and will not get lost among the rest of the variety of planted plants . These include the following:
Thanks to these general information About a plant, any gardener has a great opportunity to choose a corner for it in which it would look even more attractive.
Dwarf iris - a magnificent creation of breeders
Where did this plant come from and why do many gardeners not know about it? This plant species is quite young by their standards. Just 60 years ago, the attention of breeders was drawn to the dwarf iris, after which hybridization programs began with the goal of achieving best qualities this plant by crossing it with bearded irises big size. As a result of this, the world saw 2 groups, which are represented by hybrid varieties.
The first category includes standard dwarfs. This is the largest group of low-growing plants, and also the most popular among connoisseurs of these plants. Their peduncles have from 2 to 6 flowers.
The second hybrid group is miniature dwarfs. The height of this species of dwarf iris does not reach 20 cm. These plants are suitable for rocky hills and rockeries, adding amazing colors to landscapes.
The best varieties for a gardener
Almost everyone who has ever seen dwarf irises in person or in photographs that captured the moment of flowering of these magnificent plants sets the goal of growing this splendor in their garden. But which variety to choose so that it meets all the requirements and brings joy?
Among the variety of plants of the iris family, dwarf irises have the greatest advantage for gardeners. Their varieties, which are most popular among lovers of exotic flowers, are represented by two types: reticulated iris and Danford iris. They have rightfully earned the title of “little miracle of spring” among the people. After all, it is these varieties that open the flowering period of all other types of irises.
Bearded dwarf irises
This variety is an exact copy, made in miniature, of their tall counterparts. Dwarf bearded irises will begin to delight with their beauty anyone who has chosen this variety for their site already in the month of May. And even after the flowering period ends, the green of their leaves will remain bright green until autumn, which makes them unlike their tall counterparts.
All varieties of dwarf bearded irises can be called a masterpiece, because they were created using, so to speak, truly handmade. The union of man with nature allowed the world to see this magnificent plant, bred through artificial pollination. Thanks to long-term selection work, dwarf irises have acquired another remarkable quality - planting and caring for them will not create any problems even for novice gardeners.
The splendor of bearded irises
These flowers are beautiful in their appearance. Most modern varieties have not only a wonderful pattern created by nature together with man from different colored strokes that transform into each other and complex combinations of colors, but also a specific texture that is inherent in their petals.
Thanks to this, wonderful visual effects are created, which give varieties with dark colors a velvety depth, and pastel ones - a waxy translucency or matte alabaster. Also among them there are varieties coated with diamond, which sparkle brightly in the sun and shimmer mysteriously in the summer twilight.
Nuances used in planting and care
Among the knowledge that gardeners need about dwarf plants, they are in first place. Anyone who is thinking about any new plant for their garden will first of all try to obtain such information in order to correctly understand the entire scope of the upcoming work.
Dwarf irises have taken a leading position in this matter as well. They are quite unpretentious and do not require any special care. The only main thing is that the soil should be relatively dry in the summer months.
Without irises, these luxurious beauties, not a single garden can do without. But you can often hear that irises bloom too quickly. Famous iris collector Yuri PIROGOV I don't agree with this. And I’m ready to prove that with the right selection, irises can delight us for more than two months (photo by the author).
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Dwarf irises
Already at the end of April, the Don and Stavropol steppes are colored with bright spots dwarf iris (Iris pumila ). The variety of its colors is amazing: yellow and purple, cream and blue, white and greenish. Flowers with and without spots, fragrant and not so fragrant, you can’t count all the options! Dwarf iris grows best on well-warmed and dry tops of chalk hills. Possessing excellent vitality, it has spread over a vast territory from Austria to the southern Trans-Urals.
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Sixty years ago, breeders took notice of it and began hybridization programs to cross with tall bearded irises. The result was not long in coming. Three groups of hybrid varieties appeared and quickly gained popularity. First - standard dwarfs, unites hybrids of dwarf and tall bearded irises and their descendants. Hybrids are born easily and have outstanding qualities, which is why this group is the most numerous and popular of the short ones. Standard dwarfs have peduncles with two to six flowers ranging from 21 to 40 cm in height. The rhizome quickly forms a bush of several flower shoots, so that the flowering period of the bush (from the second half of May) stretches for two weeks or more.
Another hybrid group is miniature dwarfs- was the result of crossing dwarf iris with standard dwarfs. It combines varieties with peduncles below 20 cm, blooming earlier than standard dwarfs. They are perfect for rock gardens and rock slides, adding amazing color. The most significant differences between varietal dwarfs and the natural species are in the form of a flower. If in the wild species the lower petals (halli) are narrow and often “bashfully” wrapped towards the base of the flower, then in miniature dwarfs the halyards are wide, round and horizontally spread, showing their pattern in all its glory. Another difference is less obvious, but more important. Wild dwarf iris loves dry and hot summers and therefore is short-lived in the middle zone, while hybrid varieties adopted the best traits of their parents, becoming one of the most problem-free. Recently, unscrupulous sellers have been offering dwarf irises collected in the southern steppes in the spring. Be carefull! You will not get from them in the north what you can expect from modern hybrids, and with a high degree of probability you will destroy wonderful plants.
Dwarfs have inherited the colors and patterns of all their ancestors. Business card their flowers became a contrasting spot on the halyards - distinguishing feature Iris pumila . If in wild-growing iris this spot is barely noticeable on the tucked halyards, then on the wide horizontal lobes of the varieties it appears in full glory, and breeders pay special attention to this feature. One of the best examples of this trend is the dwarf ‘ BigBlueEyes’ - amazes with a bright and clear dark blue spot. Picturesque like an oriental carpet ‘ OrientalCarpet’ with a wine-red spot on a lilac background. The spectacular Australian variety ‘ Awake’ the spot is drawn in stripes along the veins.
Another distinctive feature of many varietal dwarfs is a blue beard. It is curious that this sign is not found in any Iris pumila , nor in tall bearded irises, however, it is characteristic of wild growing iris leafless (Iris aphylla ), which clearly indicates that the species contributed to the pedigree of garden dwarfs. Many varieties have blue beards, but hybridizers sought to get them as dark and contrasting as possible, and finally the efforts of the American Paul Black were crowned with success. Among its seedlings there appeared plants with remarkably bright blue beards - white ‘ Bluebeard’ sGhost’ and creamy yellow ‘ ’ .
"Hugs"
The heritage of the leafless iris is also noticeable in the variety ‘ ForecastingRain’ , amazing with its blue beard against the black background of the halyards, which are not inferior in blackness to the darkest tall bearded irises. White beards on dark background, undoubtedly heritage Iris pumila . They varieties look great on a dark purple background ‘ ’ or wine red stain ‘ Devoted’ . And purple-black ‘ WishUpona Star’ , perhaps the most contrasting of the whitebeards.
Tangerine-red beards, inherited from tall bearded irises, look completely unusual on dwarfs. If in tall people they are hardly noticeable, then in a dwarf ‘ Hugs’ became the main decorative element. Gorgeous juicy and rich colors of orange ‘ ’, ruby ' ’ sArt’ , yellow ‘ CousinCarol’ , apricot ‘ CameoQueen’ or chocolate ‘ DeathbyChocolat’.
More recently, breeders have achieved that among dwarfs there have appeared pink varieties, not inferior in purity of color to tall bearded irises. One of the best was ‘
PussycatPink’
. Plicates are also remarkable for their contrast, ‘
’
- one of them. Some modern dwarfs are as tall and ruffled as the flowers. ‘
WideOpen’
- a wonderful lace miniature. The leopard pattern is also completely original. ‘
LeopardPrint’,
until recently, known only in tall irises.
Dwarf irises are good both in rockeries and in mixborders. Various heights bushes allows you to create harmonious compositions with other perennials and groundcovers, and after flowering, fans of crescent-shaped leaves will add dynamics to them.
Irises intermedia
Following the dwarfs comes the flowering of the irises group intermedia, which includes hybrids obtained from crossing standard dwarfs and tall bearded ones. They also bear the unmistakable imprint of dwarf iris, which makes them unlike the medium-sized irises of other groups. The group has been called "intermedia" because of the flowering time and plant size, intermediate between tall bearded irises and dwarf irises. From the former, these hybrids inherited larger flower sizes; from the latter - resistance to adverse factors, growth energy, speed of bush formation and abundance of flowering. These irises are still little known, but, undoubtedly, they will soon take their rightful place in our gardens, for example ‘ StormSong’ .
When compared, cut intermedia flowers are sometimes inferior to tall flowers due to their smaller size. But it is not entirely legitimate to compare these groups of irises. They are not competitors, and not only because they bloom at different times. They have completely different roles in the garden. Intermedia irises form bushes with a large number of flower stalks. They look great in a mixborder, easily getting along with other plants. A person who sees these irises blooming is captivated by them forever. Their colors are no less varied than those of dwarfs; just look at their mystical beards ‘ EchoCatcher’ , hot pink with purple pattern ‘ LovetheLook’ or mysterious ‘ ShadowsCast’.
Everyone knows that irises bloom best in an open sunny location, but the incomparable growth energy of many intermedia varieties, such as "In a Flash", gives them the opportunity to bloom well even in noticeable shade - under apple trees and other trees. This allows you to decorate many places in the garden with irises that were previously considered unsuitable for them.
Agricultural technology of dwarfs and intermedia bearded irises the same as that of tall bearded men, but they are incomparably more hardy and do not require much care. Dwarfs can be planted more densely than tall ones; they grow faster, forming abundantly flowering bushes, but vigorous growth may require more frequent division. Dwarfs do not need winter shelters.
The most late varieties tall bearded irises finish flowering in the first ten days of July. But the iris carnival does not end there.
Irises - pseudodata
Japanese irises bloom in the second half of July. Unfortunately, not everyone is successful with their imported varieties, and here a new generation of hybrids of marsh iris and cultivated Japanese irises, called pseudodata- from the Latin names of the parents Iris pseudacorus And Iris ensata . A new group varieties inherited the excellent health of marsh iris, which grows well in our conditions. In addition, the varieties received from him multi-flowering, which is unusual for Japanese irises.
"Shiryukyo"
For example, variety ‘ Shiryukyo’ bears up to twelve buds in three-flowered rosettes, providing two to three weeks of flowering.
The color palette of pseudates is extremely diverse and differs from the palette of Japanese irises.
Among them there are creamy white (‘BayakuyanoKuni'), apricot, beige, lilac ( ‘
Tsukiyono’
):.jpg)
Lilac, but all of them are distinguished by a yellow signal on the halyards, framed by dark purple shadows, especially spectacular in the variety ‘ Kinshikou’:
These exotic flowers will make you remember at the height of summer the spring multicolor of steppe irises.
Yuri PIROGOV, photo by the author.
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