The Rainbow In The Garden Is A Majestic Iris. Diversity

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

The name of iris is translated from Greek as "rainbow". The varied range of colors of the plant justifies the translation. Lush bloom is striking to the eye. What species have won the hearts of florists?

Variety of shapes

Irises in culture are represented by the following groups:

• Siberian;

• graminea (cereal);

• aira-shaped;

• bearded;

• dwarf;

• xiphoid.

This is not a complete list of a beautiful flower. True collectors can boast of the rarest pieces. Let's reveal the little secrets of each representative.

Siberian variants

The classic colors of this group are bluish-blue with a yellowish mesh on a white background in the middle of the petal. The inflorescences are simple, three-dimensional. Thanks to the efforts of breeders, varieties with a double shape have been created in recent years. The number of petals is increased to 23-25, the mesh at the base of each is preserved. Such buds are more like half-open roses.

The changes affected the color. In addition to blue, purple, lilac, red, burgundy shades with a complex pattern and color transitions on the petals have been created.

Siberian irises are highly resistant to adverse factors. The special structure of the rhizome, which consists of tough, thin filaments similar to wire, reduces the risk of decay. The zone of winter hardiness increases to 3 levels.

Iris Graminea

By its outward resemblance, its second name is cereal. The narrow juicy stripes of leaves are reminiscent of classic cereals. The structure of the rhizome allows you to plant plants near water bodies, in damp places. Strong, fine hairs rarely rot.

Flowers are distinguished by bright colors of violet-blue gamut. The miniature size of the bushes is suitable for alpine slides (closer to the base), ridges, complex mixborders as a curb plant.

The buds open in June. Due to the juicy green leaves, decorativeness is preserved throughout the season. They winter well without shelter in the Middle Lane.

Airborne group

The external structure of the bush resembles a swamp calamus. It tolerates temporary flooding well. Grows well near water bodies. On dry areas, watering is required 2-3 times a month during prolonged dry periods.

Leaves are wide, long, with a pointed end. The roots are thin, soft, cordlike. The buds are bright yellow with the same shade of a mesh at the base of the petal on a white background. Blossom in June. High winter hardiness, zone 3.

Xiphoid irises

They are distinguished by long, wide leaves, reminiscent of a samurai sword. Modern varieties are presented in double forms.

Original color of petals:

• white with lilac or blue edging;

• with rays diverging from the center to the periphery;

• a luminous eye at the base;

• specks scattered over the entire surface.

They attract the attention of gardeners.

The height of the plants is 80-100 cm. The diameter of the opened buds is 15-20 cm. They are pleasing to the eye at the end of June. The most thermophilic group. Winter hardiness at the 5th zone level. In the Middle Lane, they require light cover.

Place in the flower garden

The varieties correctly selected for the color scale bring bright colors to the mixborder. Tall specimens will occupy a central place among other perennials, low ones are suitable for alpine slides, rockeries, as a border composition next to ground covers.

Irises look great in groups among the lawn, separated by a dense tape. After flowering, dried arrows are removed, while maintaining the decorative effect of the bushes due to the wide, succulent leaves.

This wonderful flower is loved by florists. In big cities, it is in demand among lovers of beauty. Original bright bouquets in combination with gerberas, delphiniums or orchids will fill the house with bright colors of summer. They stand in the cut with proper care for 1-1, 5 weeks. They symbolize good luck, reliability, purity of thoughts.

Their unpretentious maintenance makes them attractive plants for novice gardeners.

We will consider dwarf irises in the next article.