The "daughters of the rainbow", as the irises are also called, cover the complete color palette of the flowering plants. New breeds enrich the gardens with ever new, interesting color combinations. We would like to introduce you to the attractive perennial and provide valuable planting and care tips.
The exotic-looking iris is even hardy
Plant profile:
- Botanical name: iris
- Genus: Irises
- Family: Iris family (bot. Iridaceae)
- Growth height: 50 to 120 centimeters
- Growth form: perennial with rhizome
- Main flowering period: July to October
- Leaf color: Strong green
- Leaf shape: Grassy, entire
- Flower color: violet, blue, white, yellow, orange, red, pink, multicolored
- Flower shape: single flower consisting of three pendulous (beard or crest) and three erect leaves (thorn leaves)
origin
There are around 200 different species of irises in nature, most of which thrive in the temperate zones of the northern hemisphere. The wild forms are very similar in their flower shape, but differ in terms of growth height, flowering period and location requirements.
planting and care
Irises prefer a loose, water-permeable and rather dry substrate. A nutrient-rich, not too compacted loamy soil is ideal. The attractive perennials do not tolerate acidic or wet soil.
Preferably plant the iris after flowering. Always place the rhizomes horizontally and not too deep in the ground and cover them with a centimeter of soil. The planting distance should be at least 40 centimeters.
care tips
Irises are relatively drought tolerant and only need to be watered when the soil is very dry. Remove the faded part of the specimens that bloom twice so that the perennial does not put unnecessary effort into seed formation.
Fertilize in spring with mature compost. Avoid overfeeding as the iris is sensitive to salt. With excessive fertilization, the rhizomes begin to rot.
propagation
So that irises do not lose their willingness to bloom, the clumps should be divided regularly. To do this, proceed as follows:
- In August, after flowering, remove dense rhizomes from the ground.
- Break into pieces about ten centimeters long with shoot and root.
- Shorten the leaves to four inches.
- Reinsert the rhizome parts with sufficient spacing.
Diseases and pests:
The hardy irises are extremely robust and are only attacked by diseases or pests if they are not in the best location.
- In damp weather conditions there is a risk of root rot. Dig up the rhizome as quickly as possible, remove all soft spots and put the root in a place where water can drain well. A drainage layer in the planting hole is recommended.
- Leaves affected by leaf spots should be cut off and the foliage disposed of in the household waste.
tips
Irises are the plant of the goddess Iris. In Greek mythology, they had the task of guiding the souls of the deceased along the rainbow into the realm of eternal peace. That is why graves are still decorated with white or blue irises today.