Iris Smooth

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

Iris smooth should be classified as water-loving irises. This plant species is characterized by a huge variety of forms, which is the main prerequisite for its wide distribution, which can be called literally ubiquitous. For example, in China and Japan, you can see smooth iris, complemented by the so-called speckled flowers: bluish spots are noticeable on a white background. In these countries this plant is called "kakitsubata".

The color of iris smooth can be varied, but most plants have purple-blue petals, and there is a yellow stripe on the lower petals.

Such a plant as smooth iris was discovered for the first time in the nineteenth century: it happened on the territory of Transbaikalia. The main difference between this plant and marsh iris lies in smooth leaves, as it is already clear from the name itself. Such irises are very fond of water: due to this feature, they can grow even at a very significant depth. In natural conditions, iris grows smooth in wet meadows, as well as along the shores of various reservoirs and even swamps.

Description

So, in nature, smooth iris is found in the following countries: Japan, China, Eastern Siberia, the Far East and Mongolia. According to its development cycle, this plant should be attributed to perennial crops. The height of an adult plant will not exceed one meter. As for the growth rate, it should be noted that for smooth iris, this speed will be somewhat lower than that of water iris. At the same time, water iris is able to suppress smooth iris.

In appearance, it is quite possible to say that the smooth iris is very similar to the xiphoid iris (Kampfer's iris). However, there are also undoubted distinctive features. Iris smooth will grow in the form of a loose bush, this plant has wide and smooth leaves. The stems of this iris themselves are full-bodied, they have two or three flowers. The color of the flowers will most often be dominated by blue tones. The seeds of the plant are compressed, and their peel is rather brittle.

As for the decorative properties of this plant, not only the flowers, but also the leaves themselves, differ in its aesthetic appeal. The leaves of iris are smooth, belt-like, their width is about two to three centimeters. As mentioned, these leaves are smooth and have no protruding midrib. This plant does not have a pronounced period, which could be called the peak of decorativeness: smooth iris is beautiful all season, especially the time of its flowering. The flowering of this plant occurs in the summer, in the month of July.

The color scheme of iris smooth is blue tones. The flowers are very bright in color with shades of blue or purple. In the lower lobes of flowers, small yellow marks are noticeable at their very base. In diameter, one smooth iris inflorescence is about eight to ten centimeters. The inflorescence includes two or three flowers on a peduncle.

Growing

This plant should be planted in very damp areas with shallow water. As for the planting depth, this value should be about twenty to thirty centimeters, however, if necessary, you can plant the plant a little deeper.

Iris smooth is not particularly picky about the soil, but it is recommended to choose fertile acidic soils. The plant should be planted in the ground in late August and early September. It is important to remember that before planting, the leaves and roots of this plant should be shortened by about one third of their total length.

This plant has good resistance to cold weather, however, not all varieties of iris smooth have been fully studied on this subject. In winter, the plant does not need additional shelter. In addition, before the onset of cold weather, the leaves should be cut at a height of about ten to twelve centimeters.