Bearded iris

Briefly about the plant

Iris, Cockerel, Iris, Iris flower are a frequent resident in the gardens of the middle zone. This is a plant with unusual shape a flower, partly reminiscent of an orchid, has long and firmly settled in our flower beds, deservedly enjoying love and attention. The name of this flower is translated from Latin as “rainbow”.

Artist Katsushika Hokusai

There are more than 1000 varieties of this plant. With such a variety of varieties, this beauty has a rather unpretentious character. Exhibitions and festivals of irises are held both in Russia and all over the world; the iris parade taking place in Florence is especially famous. The beauty of these flowers gives inspiration to artists around the world from ancient times to the present day.

But, of course, the happy owners of the land want to admire this proud flower in person.

There are bulbous, rhizomatous, and species that are grown as annuals and indoor plants. In this article we will talk about the bearded or Germanic iris - an aristocrat of its family.

Bearded iris is a perennial rhizomatous plant of the Iris family. It got its name from its “beards” from light yellow to orange color from multicellular hairs located on the lower petals. Iris has erect leaves arranged in a fan. It is important that the iris blooms only when there are at least seven leaves in the fan. The flowers are located on a powerful straight peduncle, sometimes divided into two. It must be said that the flowering time of the iris is quite short - two or three weeks, but the fantastic beauty of this flower has firmly won a place in the hearts of flower growers.

Landing

When choosing a place to plant iris, you should take into account that this is a sun-loving plant that does not like strong winds. Irises should not be planted on high lying lands. groundwater and possible spring flooding. Iris is planted on elevated ridges or in places with a natural slope.

When placing a flower, you need to take into account that as the iris grows, it “creeps”, so a distance of 40-50 cm should be maintained between plants. Irises grow well on the main types of soil, but the most successful for them will be light loamy and sandy loam soils with neutral or slightly acidic reaction. Under no circumstances should you add manure when planting! The area for planting should be prepared in advance: dig up and apply potassium-phosphorus fertilizers. You can also treat the soil with fungicides, pest control and herbicides to reduce weed growth. Before planting, you can keep the cuttings in a solution of potassium permanganate for 20-30 minutes for disinfection, and dust them with ash. Next, planting is carried out according to the following scheme:

A small mound of earth is poured onto the bottom of the planting hole.
The main root is located on the mound, and the lateral roots are distributed to the sides. Sprinkle with earth so that the root collar is above the surface and lightly squeeze.
It is better to point the heel of the fan to the south.
Do not bury the roots; they should be located close to the soil surface.
Let the central bud remain free from the soil - above its surface.
Water the planted plant abundantly. Depending on the weather, water every 3-5 days until rooting.

Care

In my opinion, caring for iris is not particularly difficult. It is worth considering that when grown in one place for more than 3-5 years without fertilizers, it leads to a deterioration in the appearance of the plant. Young, newly planted plants can be fertilized only after they are completely rooted.

About use mineral fertilizers I will give an excerpt from an article by a member Russian Society Irisa (ROI) - V. Rezepova “Creativity is the path to success.”

“The growth of leaf apparatus in irises in Central Russia begins in mid-April. Due to low soil temperatures, mineralization processes occur slowly, resulting in low concentrations of available nitrogen in the soil. In this regard, it is important to fertilize plantings with nitrogen in nitrate form.

Nitrate fertilizers include: sodium nitrate, calcium nitrate, potassium nitrate. Such feeding will contribute to the start of the development of the leaf apparatus, increasing the size of peduncles and flowers. On sandy soils and former peat bogs, it is advisable to apply potassium fertilizers, which will ensure better absorption of nitrogen by iris plantings. Early application of phosphorus fertilizers spring terms ineffective, since phosphorus is extremely poorly absorbed at low soil temperatures. We must also remember that phosphorus is very poorly soluble in water and can remain in the soil, causing phosphorus poisoning.

Second maximum intensity of development bearded irises characterized by an active increase in their lateral growths. This phase also requires a good supply of nitrogen nutrition to the plants.

During this period, it is advisable to introduce nitrogen in ammonium form. IN summer time Fertilizers in ammonium form are more effective than nitrate ones. Ammonia fertilizers include ammonium sulfate and ammonium chloride. And also provide iris plants with phosphorus for the formation of the primordia of future inflorescences and generative organs, and potassium for successful survival in winter..."

With proper, careful use of fertilizing, the iris will definitely respond with magnificent flowering. And, of course, it is worth removing faded flowers and cutting out damaged dry leaves.

Bacteriosis, wet and gray rot– the main and most common diseases of irises. As a rule, diseases are provoked excess humidity soil and air, thickened planting, damage after winter. Therefore, you should regularly inspect the plants and carry out preventive treatment.

When choosing bearded irises to grow on your site, first of all, decide on the size. The fact is that these flowers vary in height: there are bearded irises that grow up to 70 cm, and there are those that rise above the ground no higher than 5 cm. The best varieties Bearded irises must meet certain requirements, you will learn about them by reading this material.

Medium-sized, tall and miniature bearded irises

Bearded irises are the largest group of irises, consisting of several classes.

Tall bearded irises (TV)- powerful plants with a height of 71 cm with a branched peduncle, many buds and large flowers, sometimes up to 20 cm in diameter. In the Moscow region they bloom from mid-June to early July.

Medium-sized bearded irises (MB) - from 41 to 70 cm in height, are in turn divided into three groups:

border irises (BB) with a flowering period similar to tall bearded ones, but with a proportionally smaller flower;
intermedia irises (IB) with a flower size of 10-13 cm and a flowering period in the Moscow region from the beginning of June; not necessarily highly branched, but forming a profusely flowering bush;
table, or miniature tall bearded irises (MTB) - with a tall thin branched peduncle and relatively small (no wider than 8 cm) flowers, used mostly for bouquets and tables, which is where their name comes from.

Standard Bearded Dwarfs (SDB)- 21-40 cm high, in the Moscow region they bloom from the end of May.

Miniature Bearded Dwarfs (MDB)- the smallest, the height of such bearded irises is 5-20 cm. These flowers bloom very early (in the Moscow region from the first half of May).

Requirements for tall bearded irises

The modern tall bearded iris is a striking flower! Any person who sees it is fascinated by its beauty and is extremely surprised when he learns that growing luxurious irises is no more difficult than any other garden flowers or even vegetables in the garden. Perhaps there are so many erroneous opinions about any crop that many, even very experienced gardeners, are wary of it, usually contrasting new varieties with old ones. And it’s completely in vain: among modern varieties there are plenty of those that can bloom reliably and regularly in middle lane and even have some advantage in resistance to the adversities of our harsh climate compared to historical varieties. Therefore, it is undoubtedly worth striving to acquire new varieties. But the main advantage of the new varieties is that they are immeasurably more beautiful than the old ones.

The progress in breeding flowers of tall bearded irises is amazing. The main attention is paid to the flower, because even just one flower - whether it grows in the garden or stands in a vase - can captivate the gardener’s imagination and make him fall in love forever. New ones are still appearing color combinations, exquisite color patterns that instantly gain immense popularity. But despite all the achievements in expansion color range irises, the main focus is on the quality of the flower.

Flower quality means:

wide, sometimes interlocking halyards and closed standards at the base, making the flower collected, rounded and expressive;
the density of the texture of the petals, which ensures resistance to precipitation and a longer lifespan of the flower;
grace and uniformity of corrugation of shares;
width, density and expressiveness of the beards.

An example of excellent flower quality is 'Paris Fashion' by Keith Keppel. Giant flowers peduncles proportional to their size are also required - tall, strong, resistant to gusts of wind. To ensure that the opening flowers do not interfere with each other, they must be “spaced” on sufficiently long branches, and in order to ensure a long flowering period, there must be a large number of buds in the inflorescence.

Particularly attractive are the so-called exhibition varieties that have 3-5 simultaneously open flowers on the peduncle.

Considerable attention is also paid to the garden attractiveness of the iris - the health of the foliage, the rapid growth of the bush and the representativeness of its flowering, when the optimal number of flower stalks on the bush is approximately equal to half the number of leaf fans.

Of particular interest are those varieties whose bushes emit flower stalks not simultaneously, but over a period of time, providing exclusively long flowering. Remontant varieties have a long flowering period.

At correct selection varieties, the flowering of tall bearded irises lasts for 50 days.

The main requirement for iris varieties for cultivation in the northern regions is growth energy, which makes it possible to compensate for many other shortcomings of the plant. The next most important quality is frost resistance. Ability to resist low temperatures in winter is associated with the rhythm of plant development. Irises, whose growth ends by the end of summer and the leaves die off, overwinter much better and, therefore, their flower buds are not damaged in harsh winters.

Tall bearded irises are a very heat-loving crop. Thus, in the Moscow region and to the north, only 20% of the varieties grow successfully from their total number. Therefore, my advice to amateur gardeners is to be interested first of all in its frost resistance when purchasing.

Resistance to fungal and bacterial diseases is another important quality. Resistance to bacteriosis and heterosporiosis ensures healthy foliage, decorative planting and regular flowering.

The standard planting unit for bearded irises is usually the annual growth of the iris rhizome. In the middle zone they reach acceptable sizes by early August. This is the reason for the recommended planting period - the first half of August, however, good results can be obtained if planted before the beginning of September.

Which rhizomes are best to take for planting: large or small, annual (short) or biennial (long)? The answer to this question depends on your goals: if you, by all means, want to see an iris flower on next year after planting, choose a large rhizome with a wide fan of 6-8 leaves. If flowering next year is not important to you, but the reliability of overwintering and the survival rate of the plant are paramount, choose a medium-sized one or two-year-old rhizome with a diameter of 2-2.5 cm, with 3-4 leaves.

Agricultural technology for growing bearded irises: planting and care

The agricultural technology for growing bearded irises depends on the purposes of their cultivation, so it is impossible to give any universal scheme. Some grow irises, planting them every year and digging them up every year. planting material usually for sale. Others plant irises to decorate the garden in a border, mixborder, rockery or on a rocky hill, where it is advisable not to touch them for several years.

The most important factors successful cultivation are illumination and drainage. Do not forget also that irises are heat-loving plants. The more sun irises receive in the garden, the better they bloom. A little shade in the morning or evening is, of course, acceptable, but only some varieties of irises, such as the intermedia ‘In a Flash’, will withstand more serious shade. Southern slopes are preferable to northern ones; a place near the southern wall of the building would also be good. It is good if the landing site is cleared from the prevailing cold winds.

When the soil is excessively moistened, the respiration of the roots is disrupted and they partially die, which leads to a slowdown in plant development.

Under such conditions, bacterial rot also develops on the rhizomes of irises.

If the soil is sufficiently drained, irises can also be planted on flat surface If the soil is heavy and clayey, then it is better to plant them on a hill or on ridges. Ridges are also more convenient from the point of view of constructing a winter shelter.

High soil fertility is the key to successful cultivation and productivity of tall bearded irises in central Russia.

Bearded irises do best in light, sandy soils. Loams are also acceptable, but the addition of sand and organic materials (peat, composted sawdust, humus) significantly improves the structure and permeability of the soil, which leads to excellent results. You just need to take into account that to improve the soil to a depth of 20 cm, you will need to add approximately 100 liters of sand per 1 m2 of soil.

The optimal level of soil reaction (pH) is 6.8.

If you intend to grow irises in beds, then their preparation consists of the following operations:

clearing the area from the roots of perennial weeds;
delivery to the site of compost or other available organic material;
leveling organic matter over the area while simultaneously adding wood ash or dolomite flour and mixing it with the soil with a pitchfork or shovel.
applying mineral fertilizers under the rake: potassium sulfate and superphosphate, as well as ground or colloidal sulfur in an amount of 5-7 g/m2;
shaping the profile of the ridge and compacting the soil to avoid further subsidence and bulging of newly planted plants. The height of the bed profile after compaction is approximately 7-8 cm;
delivery of coarse-grained river or washed quarry sand to the ridges in such quantities as to form a layer of approximately 5-7 cm, and leveling it;
The ridge is ready for planting. To preserve the structure of the ridge, it is convenient to plant bearded irises in the following way: spread the sand slightly by sticking the bayonet of a shovel into it, place the roots of the iris section into the resulting gap, compact the soil around the roots and water the substrate, move it towards the planted iris section so that it is in the layer sand.

The cuttings are planted on the ridge in such a way that the cut part of the rhizome is directed towards the edge of the ridge, and the fan of leaves is directed towards the middle. In this case, the growing roots will be directed towards the center of the ridge, which will make it easier in the future to water the plants into the groove in the center of the ridge.

Irises can be replanted at any time during the growing season. However, spring replanting may result in poor flowering this year. In the middle zone, optimal results are obtained when planting and replanting irises in August: the plants have enough time to take root and gain sufficient weight to fully bloom the next year. Irises planted later, that is, in the fall, usually remain healthy, but do not have time to take root before the onset of cold weather. This can lead to rhizomes sticking out of the ground when the soil freezes. To avoid bulging of the rhizome, additional mulching is required for the winter or simply fixing the rhizome with a suitable object at hand.

A common mistake when planting and caring for bearded irises is over-burying the rhizomes. It is recommended to plant irises so that the back of the rhizome is at the surface of the soil. In the winter, it is better to sprinkle the exposed rhizome with soil, and in the spring it needs to be raked off.

When caring for bearded irises, it is mandatory in the first weeks after planting the irises for successful rooting. Adult specimens of bearded irises for abundant flowering Watering is necessary only when there is insufficient precipitation, especially in May, when there is often hot, dry weather, sometimes in June-July. However, in August, and even more so in September-October, adult bushes no longer need watering. At this time, the plant is preparing for winter, and its growth should not be stimulated.

Irises should be fed as follows: early spring, and 3-4 weeks after flowering. Fertilizing with soluble fertilizers gives a quick effect: in the spring - complex with microelements, in July-August - potassium phosphate.

For the successful cultivation of bearded irises, phosphorus is the most important of the main nutrients; therefore, when preparing a site for irises, it is advisable to fill the soil with superphosphate (100 g/m2) or bone meal(200-300 g/m2). Can be used for spring-summer fertilizing complex fertilizer with a low nitrogen content, for example, NPK=6:10:10. The autumn mixture has a ratio of NPK = 0:13:18, it also contains magnesium and elemental sulfur, the latter being 5%. The spring mixture for feeding has the formula NPK=8:37:11.

The best organic fertilizer for iris culture - well-rotted compost.

Bearded irises successfully grow in one place for 4-5 years. The specific timing of bush renewal depends both on the variety and on the agricultural technology used. Some time after planting, the iris bush thickens, which ultimately leads to the cessation of flowering. How quickly thickening occurs depends on the multiplication rate of the variety. Some varieties are characterized by vigorous growth, and at the same time are not too demanding on external conditions.

As the bush ages, it is advisable to increase the amount of fertilizing. If these measures do not bring the desired effect, the bush needs to be dug up entirely, the soil should be updated by adding mature compost and phosphorus-potassium fertilizers, and plant 3-4 of the strongest shoots, shortening the leaves by about 2/3.

Many modern varieties do not need shelter for the winter. If the variety is chosen for the beauty of the flower, but is not winter-hardy enough, additional efforts will be required in preparing for winter. The main problems for irises in winter in the middle zone arise when an ice crust forms on frozen ground without snow, preventing the plants from breathing.

It is convenient to cover irises with spruce branches or oak leaves, which have the property of not caking. To prevent such a frame from getting wet, it must be covered with a non-woven covering material or film - under them the irises will not smear in winter.

Irises overwinter best under dry air cover by first drying the ridge, which usually takes one month. The easiest way to provide protection from rain is to use a thick reinforced film laid on arches or directly on the foliage of irises. The ends of the shelter should be open for free air circulation, and they should be closed for the winter. The estimated construction time for the shelter is late October - early November.

In spring, the film is removed from the shelter as early as possible, immediately after the snow melts, and other material is removed as needed.

Varietal irises are propagated vegetatively, that is, by dividing the rhizomes. To speed up propagation, you need to remove the flower bud located at the base of the fan of leaves in the fall. After this, the plant’s lateral buds begin to grow, which form new powerful shoots in the spring. There is no need to dig up the rhizome to separate them. On a dry sunny day, you need to rake away the ground, tear off the dried and yellowing leaves, and cut the remaining green leaves to the rhizome. The cut must be disinfected and left to dry in the sun. After the wound has healed after a few days, the rhizome needs to be mulched with soil so that the awakening buds can form roots. Often recommended for propagating irises, dividing the rhizome into bud cuttings is much less effective way, since in this case the plant is severely injured and, as a result, flowering occurs much later.

For propagation, dormant buds on 2-3-year-old rhizomes can also be successfully used. To do this, pieces of rhizomes are cut out from the middle of the bush and simply transplanted to a new place.

New varieties of tall bearded irises for the middle zone

The description contains the following information: variety name bearded iris, originator, year of registration, flower characteristics, flowering period.

Sundress

Pirogov 2000

Golden-smoky top with a lilac touch. On the white field of the bottom there are purple dots and strokes, a golden-smoky border. Bright yellow pistil ridges glowing in the depths of the flower. Exceptionally vigorous growth and regular abundant and long-lasting flowering. Early.

Queen

Sholupov 2003

Rich purple-violet, with a velvety lobe texture and powerful corrugation. The exhibition peduncle easily holds several simultaneously open flowers. Average term flowering.

Cranberry Sauce

Black 2002

Cranberry South

A silky-brilliant flower with a lilac-crimson tint. Yellow beards highlight the magnificent depth of color. Average flowering time.

Darcy's Choice

Schreiner 2007

Aarsis Choice is a flower of original color with white beards on crimson halyards. Wonderful branched peduncle. Average flowering time.

Dawn then Dusk

Schreiner 2008

Aoun Tu Dusk

Bicolor pink and purple flower, on acidic soils acquiring a unique gray hue: unexpected and attractive. Medium late.

Edgefield Glow

Schreiner 2011

Edgefield Glow

An exceptionally bright orange flower with dark tangerine beards. This new variety of bearded irises has incomparable color and excellent growth vigor, unlike other orange forms. Mid-early.

Never Been Kissed

Blyth 2008

Never Vin

Kissed Fashionable reverse: blue top and pure white bottom. Luxurious flower of delicate color. A distinctive feature is the best corrugation to date. Mid-early.

Palace Symphony

Blyth 2007

Palace Symphony

A purple-wine flower with almost black beards and exceptional ruffles. A variety that combines best features American and Australian selection. Average flowering time.

Royal Birth

Royal 2003

Royal Burf

Creamy white with golden halyard bases. Dense texture of the flower. Abundant flowering and sustainable growth. Mid-early flowering period.

Undivided Attention

Ernst 2004

Unbiased Attention

Rich pink, warm salmon color, thicker in the center of the flower. Bright coral beards. Abundantly flowering variety. Medium late.

Warranty

T. Johnson 2004

Warranty

A huge soaring purple-black flower with a velvety texture on a tall peduncle. Mid-late flowering period.

Iris flowers are popularly affectionately called irises, cockerels or pipers. The first images of these plants were discovered on frescoes, whose age is measured at four centuries. Thanks to the variety of species and varieties, irises are one of the most common crops among world gardeners: they can be found all over the world, because certain varieties of these flowers are adapted to a wide variety of conditions.

Below you can see photos and descriptions of irises, as well as learn about the conditions for their cultivation and reproduction.

Irises (IRIS) belong to the Iris family. These are mainly plants of dry open spaces (steppes, meadows, semi-deserts, rocks) of the temperate zone. Among the species of irises (and there are about 250 of them) there are giants and small plants, rhizomatous and bulbous. But in central Russia, the most promising are rhizomatous plants that are moderately moisture-loving. The rhizome is thick, superficially located with a mass of cord-like roots. The leaves are xiphoid, collected in fan-shaped bunches. Large flowers of all types of irises are located on a strong peduncle.

Types and varieties of irises with photos and descriptions

Tall irises have a height of 70-100 cm. Pay attention to the photo and description of irises varieties yellow (I. pseudacorus) And. Kaempfer (I. kaempferi):

These plants have narrow leaves and large flowers original form and coloring. All varieties are combined into the group “Japanese irises”; they grow near water and need shelter.

Siberian iris (I. sibirica)- the only one that forms a dense turf, the leaves are linear, the flowers are relatively small, graceful. Interesting hybrids of winter-hardy Siberian irises:

"Perry's Blue", "Snow Queen", "Butter and Sugar".

Hybrids:

Spuria - "Conquista" etc.

Fashionable varieties:

"Loop de Loop", "White Knight";

"Azurea", "Brassil" etc.

Iris bristles (I. setosa) has sword-shaped leaves and purple flowers.

When describing low plants, irises are divided into low-growing and dwarf.

Low-growing irises have a height of 15-20 cm, these include, for example, iris leafless (I. aphylla)- the flowers are large, bright purple.

Iris dwarf (I. pumila) reaches a height of only 10-15 cm - its leaves are wide, the flowers are yellow and purple. Both species are drought-resistant steppe plants.

Iris smoothed (I. laevigata)- height 30 cm; iris variegated (I. versicolor)- height 50 cm; moisture-loving irises.

But the most popular varieties (about 50,000 are known) bearded iris, or Germanic iris(I. x hybrida).

They are divided according to the length of the peduncle into tall (above 70 cm), medium-sized (25-70 cm), low-growing (below 25 cm) and the type of flower color (single-color, two-tone, two-color, plicata (bordered), iridescent).

The variety of iris varieties makes this crop one of the most common among flower growers in the world.

Growing irises

Growing conditions. All irises are light-loving, but their different relationship to water should be taken into account - yellow, Kaempfer's and bristly irises are grown on wet, constantly moist soils. With normal moisture – Siberian iris; on light, well-drained soils, other types and varieties of bearded irises.

Reproduction. By dividing the rhizomes after the end (end of July-August) once every 4-5 years. A delenka is a one-two-year section of rhizome with a trimmed bunch of leaves and a renewal bud. After digging, the rhizomes of the mother bush are heated in the sun for 5-6 days. Plant the division superficially, sprinkling thin layer soil. For the winter, fresh plantings are mulched with wood chips or covered with spruce branches.

As you can see in the photo above, moisture-loving irises are planted near ponds. Dry-loving, low - on rockeries and in the foreground of mixborders. Bearded iris in combination with peonies, heuchera, low varieties of goldenrod, coreopsis, and lavender creates a magnificent variety of colors in flower beds and mixborders.

After flowering, the leaves are cut in half and the flower stalks are broken out. Iris is also used as a cut flower.

Iris is a huge genus that includes a wide variety of plants that have an “iris” type of flower. Moreover, the biology of these plants is so diverse that it is difficult to suspect they are close relatives.

Of course, every plant lover has seen the usual flowers, often grown in gardens and decorating cities.
In this article I would like to introduce gardeners to much less commonly grown groups of irises - Juno, Iridodiktyum, Regelio-cyclus. These species differ in their biology from rhizomatous irises.
These are spring-flowering plants, many of which bloom exceptionally early.
And since they are mountain plants, well-drained soil is the main condition for their successful cultivation.

Juno

Juno (Juno)- a group of spring-flowering irises with a very unique biology. Juno has a remarkable flower shape, in which the upper lobes of the perianth are reduced and retracted downwards.

The vast majority of junos grow in Central Asia, rising from the foothills to the glaciers of the Tien Shan.
Many of the Junos were described by pioneer explorers of the flora of these places hundreds of years ago. However, up to the present time, discoveries in this Juno reserve are possible (and do occur).

The peculiar exotic beauty of juno immediately attracted the attention of plant lovers. Cultivation attempts have never stopped since their discovery. And yet most of the junos did not become widespread garden plants. However, several species are grown regularly by nurseries and can be classified as plants that grow well in temperate climates.

Juno hybridization was started by the famous florist Thomas Hogue, who created three hybrids in the late 19th century. This is where the selection stopped, although there are opportunities for its continuation.

Growing junos is akin to collecting jewelry - people get addicted to it experienced flower growers, partial to these plants.
There is now a resurgence of interest in Junos due to impressive finds made during Central Asian expeditions (sponsored by the Gothenburg Botanical Garden).

Juno bulbs have perennial roots - at their base there are buds that give life to replacement bulbs.
During all operations with junos, you must try not to break off their roots.

The following types and forms of juno are found in gardening:

- Iris (Juno) aucheri - originally from S.V. Turkey. Beautiful view, has been successfully grown in Europe for a long time, but is somewhat demanding on heat. Therefore, there are years when it may not bloom in open ground.

In the photo: Iris aucheri BLUE STAR; Iris aucheri PURPLE STAR; Iris bucharica

- Iris (Juno) bucharica hort. - its origin is unknown. It has been cultivated for a very long time. It differs from natural forms in the two-color color of the flowers. One of the most unassuming representatives of Juno, it reproduces well vegetatively and grows successfully even without annual digging.

- Iris (Juno) cycloglossa- this species was found relatively recently (in 1972) in Afghanistan. The most distinctive of all junos, it grows well in Lithuania. It has a branching leafless peduncle. Almost flat flower with very large limb lobes. Propagates vegetatively, usually producing 2 daughter bulbs.

- Iris (Juno) graeberiana - the origin of the species is unknown. Two forms are cultivated, in which the structure and color of the flowers are slightly different. The most common form is with a white spot on the bends of the lower petals of the flower. A rarer form - with yellow spot on the folds. I did not observe seed setting in either variety. Perhaps these are interspecific natural hybrids. They are one of the few tall junos that grow well in our open ground. They bloom profusely and annually.

- Iris (Juno) NEW ARGUMENT – a hybrid bred by me. The variety did not get its name by chance. Its appearance confirmed the assumption that the famous Van Tubergen hybrid Iris WARLSIND was most likely the result of accidental pollination of I. warleyensis with pollen from I. bucharica hort, and not from I. aucheri (as previously thought). The hybrid is sterile, grows and reproduces well.

In the photo: Iris hyb. NEW ARGUMENT; Iris magnifica ALBA

- Iris (Juno) magnifica ALBA - the white-flowered form of the species J. magnifica is endemic to the Zeravshan Mountains. The tallest of all junos, in good conditions reaching almost a meter in height. The flowers are large, 7 - 9 pcs., bloom sequentially. The bulb has numerous thick rhizomes, which make digging up a difficult job (however, they do not need to be dug up every year). This variety is one of the few that thrives in the garden and is relatively undemanding. As a rule, a mother bulb produces two daughter bulbs every year. It sets seeds well, but seedlings do not always repeat the color of their parents and may have flowers with a bluish tint.

- Iris (Juno) BLUE MYSTERY- obtained as a seedling of I. willmottena. However, the plants turned out to be unusually large for this species and sterile, which clearly indicated their hybrid origin. According to them appearance it can be assumed that the parent pair was: I. willmottiana and I. magnifica. Still, this is nothing more than an assumption, which is why the hybrid is called “BLUE SECRET”. A beautiful juno that grows and reproduces well in our climate.

- Iris (Juno) kuschakewiczii - This is the case when miniature does not detract from its advantages. This small diamond of the section comes from the Northwestern spurs of the Tien Shan. The plant is rare in cultivation and difficult. Of course, it will “disappear” in plantings of tall species, but it is irresistible.

- Iris (Juno) nicolai – the species is widespread in the Tien Shan mountains. The earliest of the Junos. It blooms after the snow melts with almost no leaves; they appear later. Great impression It produces a large, ornately shaped flower that grows directly from the soil still covered with snow here and there. Plants from different populations of the species differ in flower color. The species is not frost-resistant enough for our climate; plantings of Juno must be insulated with peat.

- Iris (Juno) orchioides - has a wide range in the mountains of Central Asia. Plants from different areas vary in flower height and color. Enough high shape with bright yellow flowers I received it from the Alma-Ata Botanical Garden. Grows well in open ground. Heat-loving; It blooms better if the previous summer was warm.

- Iris (Juno) SINDPERS- a famous Van Tubergen hybrid. The plant is not tall, but its flowers are huge, beautifully shaped and very fragrant. Heat-loving, does not like cool, rainy summers, should be planted in a sunny place. If it is possible to grow a plant in a cold greenhouse, then you will fully enjoy its enchanting flowering.

- Iris (Juno) SHOCKING BLUE- selected from seedlings of I. willmotteana. Its flowers are similar to the BLUE MYSTERY variety, but their color is more saturated. Sterile.

- Iris (Juno) vicaria- the species is widespread in the mountains of Central Asia. The flowers are predominantly light, almost white in color. Populations with more or less purple petals are rare. Unpretentious, grows and reproduces well.

- Iris (Juno) warleyensis- one of the most beautiful junos, growing in the western spurs of the Tien Shan (Zerafshan ridge, Kugitang ridge). Plants from different natural populations differ in stem height from 15 to 40 cm. Grows well in open ground. However, it is difficult to achieve abundant flowering, especially if the previous summer was cold. Good results are obtained if the bulbs are not dug up, but after the growing season is completed, the area is covered from rain with glass or other transparent material. You can also, after digging, place the bulbs in dry sand and warm them in the greenhouse. The species was used by Van Tubergen to create the hybrid WARLSIND. Despite repeated introduction, it is still rare in culture.

- Iris (Juno) WARLSIND is Van Tubergen's tallest hybrid, as is now recognized by I. warleyensis and I. bucharica hort. It grows well in our climate, blooms annually, develops well and reproduces vegetatively.

Iridodictiums IRIDODICTYUM

Iridodictyum- group of graceful bulbous irises, blooming in early spring. Interesting are the faceted hollow leaves of iridodictiums, growing vertically. The plant has exactly as many leaves as the number of bulbs that subsequently form. In terms of leaf structure, the only exception in the group is a few species (Central Asian), which have grooved leaves.

In the photo: reticulated irises (Iris reticulata)

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Sakura is most often associated with Japan and its culture. Picnics in the canopy flowering trees have long become an integral attribute of welcoming spring in the country rising sun. Financial and academic year here it starts on April 1, when the magnificent cherry blossoms bloom. Therefore, many significant moments in the life of the Japanese take place under the sign of their flowering. But sakura also grows well in cooler regions - certain species can be successfully grown even in Siberia.

I am very interested in analyzing how people's tastes and preferences for certain foods have changed over the centuries. What was once considered tasty and was an item of trade, lost its value over time and, conversely, new fruit crops conquered their markets. Quince has been cultivated for more than 4 thousand years! And even in the 1st century B.C. e. About 6 varieties of quince were known, and even then methods of its propagation and cultivation were described.

We have prepared a hearty, incredibly appetizing and simply easy-to-prepare dish for you today. This sauce is one hundred percent universal, as it goes with every side dish: vegetables, pasta, or anything. Chicken and mushroom gravy will save you in moments when you don’t have time or don’t want to think too much about what to cook. Take your favorite side dish (you can do this in advance so everything is hot), add some gravy and dinner is ready! A real lifesaver.

Agriculture is one of those types of human activity, the successful outcome of which is not always directly proportional to the efforts made. Unfortunately, nature does not necessarily act as our ally when growing plants, and often, on the contrary, even throws up new challenges. Increased reproduction of pests, abnormal heat, late return frosts, hurricane winds, drought... And one of the springs gave us another surprise - a flood.

With the arrival of the dacha season, the question arises of growing strong and healthy seedlings our favorite vegetables: cabbage, tomatoes, sweet peppers, eggplants and many other crops. At the same time, the question arises - how to grow decent seedlings and subsequently get healthy plants and a decent harvest from them? For example, I have been growing seedlings for several seasons now and protecting my garden from diseases with the help of biological preparations Alirin-B, Gamair, Glyokladin, Trichocin.

Let me confess my love today. In love with... lavender. One of the best unpretentious, evergreen and beautifully flowering shrubs that can be successfully grown in your garden. And if anyone thinks that lavender is a Mediterranean or at least southern resident, then you are mistaken. Lavender grows well in more northern regions, even in the Moscow region. But to grow it, you need to know some rules and features. They will be discussed in this article.

Once you have tried such an invaluable product as pumpkin, it is difficult to stop searching for new recipes for serving it to the table. Korean pumpkin, despite its pungency and spiciness, has a fresh and delicate taste. After cooking, you will need to cover the salad and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. My nutmeg pumpkin is very juicy and sweet, so there is no need to mash it. If the pumpkin is of a different variety, you can mash it with your hands so that it slightly releases the juice.

Lettuce, as the earliest and most unpretentious green crop, has always been held in high esteem by gardeners. Spring planting Most gardeners usually start by sowing lettuce, parsley and radishes. Recently, the desire to healthy eating And large selection greens in supermarkets make gardeners wonder which of these plants can be grown in their beds? In this article we will talk about nine of the most interesting, in our opinion, varieties of salad.

The flowering of indoor roses always comes with one more “bonus” - capriciousness. When they say that it is easy to grow roses in rooms, they are lying. For flowering indoor roses literally needs to be created ideal conditions. And constant care, attention and response to any plant signals is the main key to success. True, no matter how capricious roses may be, they can be grown quite successfully in a potted format. And attentive flower growers should not be afraid of this.

Pollock is best prepared as a casserole, separating the fillet from the skin and bones. Pieces of fish are mixed with a colorful assortment of vegetables and topped with a sauce of cheese, sour cream and eggs. Such fish casserole has a presentable appearance, and its taste is a bizarre mixture of subtle nuances. Vegetables and fillets will be soaked in sour cream, the cheese will harden. golden brown crust, the eggs will bind all the ingredients together. Pieces of fish are generously sprinkled with Italian herbs, and pollock acquires an unusual piquancy.

Despite the fact that calendar spring begins in March, you can truly feel the awakening of nature only with the advent of flowering plants in the garden. Nothing signals the arrival of spring as eloquently as clearings of blooming primroses. Their appearance is always a small celebration, because winter has receded and a new gardening season awaits us. But, besides the spring primroses, there is still something to see and admire in the garden in the month of April.

Rapidly growing and turning into wild thickets, hogweed disrupts the existing ecosystem and suppresses all other plants. Essential oils, contained in the fruits and leaves of hogweed, cause severe forms of dermatitis. At the same time, it is much more difficult to control than other common weeds. Fortunately, today a product has appeared on the market that can quickly rid your area of most weeds, including hogweed.

Carrots happen various colors: orange, white, yellow, purple. Orange carrots contain beta-carotene and lycopene, yellow due to the presence of xanthophylls (lutein); White carrots have a lot of fiber, and purple ones contain anthocyanin, beta and alpha carotenes. But, as a rule, gardeners choose carrot varieties for sowing not by the color of the fruit, but by the timing of their ripening. We will tell you about the best early, middle and late varieties in this article.

Recommended enough easy recipe pie with a delicious filling of chicken and potatoes. An open pie with chicken and potatoes is an excellent hearty dish that is suitable for a hearty snack; it is very convenient to take a couple of pieces of this pastry on the road. The pie is baked in the oven for one hour at 180 degrees. After that we put it on wooden surface, having previously released it from the mold. It is enough to slightly cool the baked goods and you can start tasting.