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Germanic iris is a perennial, well known to all gardeners in the world. He easily adapts to a new place, does not cause the hassle associated with care and is able to survive even the most severe frosts. The variety of varieties allows every fan of this flower culture to find “his” favorite type of irises.
Description of the German iris
Irises are characterized by a developed root system with weak branching. The stem is straight, hard and powerful, it can reach a height of 1 m. The leaves are long, flat and xiphoid, pointed at the ends. The color depends on the variety and ranges from bluish green to emerald purple.
Germanic iris is popularly known as iris or orris
Germanic iris flowers are bisexual. Formation occurs at the top of the stem. Up to 10 flowers can be observed on one culture, each of which remains fresh for up to 5 days, after which it is replaced by another. The German species has a wide palette of shades, which directly depends on the variety of irises. The active phase of flowering is May-June. Germanic iris bears fruit in the form of triangular elongated boxes with seeds.
Varieties of German iris
The popularity of the Germanic species has led to the creation of a large number of hybrids. All bred varieties are characterized by an original appearance, unpretentious care and the ability to create organic combinations with any other crops.
Sultan Palace
The main difference between the German variety is the burgundy-red color of the petals with a twisted edge. Spectacular upper dome and light sweet aroma in the flowering phase (14-15 days in mid-May) make this variety of Germanic iris even more attractive.
Iris “Sultan Palace” is recommended for beginner flower growers
Plant height is average – 50-60 cm. Flower diameter – 13-14 cm. Iris “Sultan Palace” looks great in a flower garden, great for cutting and creating original flower arrangements.
Windsor Rose
The flowers of the ‘Windsor Rose’ variety are notable for their rich lavender shade with splashes of bright scarlet at the base of the petals.
“Windsor Rose” is organic in tandem with juniper
The shoots reach a height of 80-85 cm. The diameter of the flower varies from 12 to 16 cm. The aroma of the iris is light, pleasant and unobtrusive. The unusual shade of the variety sets a playful mood for the entire flower garden, so this variety of Germanic iris is planted in flower beds or alpine slides.
Black Dragon
Luxurious Germanic irises “Black Dragon” in purple, dark blue or charcoal shades are the decoration of any garden. All colors amazingly glare in the light of the sun and often become the center of a flower arrangement.
Designers appreciate “Black Dragon” for long flowering
Shoots 80-90 cm high with a peduncle and a flower 10-14 cm in size. The number of buds on 1 stem can reach 8-9 pieces. The petals have a ruffled edge. In the flowering phase, “Black Dragon” exudes a wonderful aroma.
Purple Striped
Iris Germanic “Purple Striped” outwardly resembles one of the varieties of orchids. White petals are diluted with dark lilac strokes and edging of the same shade. Plant height – 80-90 cm.
“Purple Striped” is notable for the effect of “velvety”
The main difference from other varieties is the flowers, small in diameter (up to 7-8 cm). Florists often use this variety when creating “male” flower arrangements.
Apache Warrior
One of the most atypical varieties of German iris is Apache Warrior. Small inflorescences of golden yellow color with reddish-brown blotches in diameter reach 8-9 cm. The variety is also noteworthy in height – 100-150 cm.
“Apache Warrior” – a great decoration option for ponds
German irises “Apache Warrior” bring a rainbow variety to the green thick of the flower bed. Organically harmonize with hostas, conifers and ornamental ferns.
Sia Double
The variety “Sia Double” is popularly called the “sea” iris. And indeed, the blue-blue color resembles the palette of a restless sea. This is a species with large flowers (up to 15 cm in diameter) and an impressive height (up to 100 cm).
Iris “Sia Double” will bring notes of sea romance to the flower garden
The German variety is frost-resistant and unpretentious. Suitable for both flower beds and rabatok. Brings a touch of freshness to any color palette.
Orange Harvest
“Orange Harvest” – a fiery flower, shows good adaptation next to any varieties of Germanic iris, but does not tolerate representatives of other families.
“Orange Harvest” does not take root well next to plants of other families
One of the tallest plants (up to 120 cm in height) with bright large flowers with a diameter of 12-15 cm. The color palette varies from peach to fiery orange.
Features of reproduction
Reproduction of the Germanic iris is available even to a novice florist. There are 2 methods of reproduction: seed and vegetative.
Propagation by seed is used only for wild species.
The first method is used less frequently, since it does not guarantee the preservation of the specific characteristics of the Germanic species. The collection of iris seeds is carried out from April to May, sowing – in the fall. In winter, the seeds undergo stratification and in the spring the strongest specimens show the first shoots.
The vegetative method involves the division of the rhizome. It is carefully cleaned of soil and divided into several parts, each of which must contain at least 2-3 annual links and 1 leaf fan.
Then the “delenka” is treated in a solution of potassium permanganate, dried and sprinkled with ground charcoal slices. Before planting, the roots are cut by ⅓, and the leaf fan by ⅔.
Rules of landing
The landing of the Germanic iris is most often carried out in early spring. To accelerate the adaptation and growth of culture, you need to choose the right place.
Iris prefers light soil with good drainage.
The site for planting irises must meet the following requirements:
- good illuminance;
- lack of drafts;
- low groundwater flow;
- quality drainage;
- optimal soil composition.
The soil for German irises is prepared in advance by introducing compost and potassium-phosphorus compounds. Pre-treatment of the soil with fungicides will not interfere either.
Before planting, planting material is treated with growth stimulants.
The landing algorithm consists of the following operations:
- Assess the condition of the roots, remove dry and rotten areas, shorten them by ⅔.
- Form a hole with a depth of 22-25 cm.
- Place a “delenka” in the planting pit, sprinkle the rhizome with earth, pouring a small amount of river sand on top.
- When planting several divisions at the same time, the distance between German irises should not be less than 50 cm.
- Produce abundant watering.
When moisturizing, it is important not to overdo it, as the Germanic iris does not like waterlogging.
Features of care
Agrotechnics of varietal hybrids of German iris includes watering, fertilizing and shelter for the winter.
Watering is necessary for timely and abundant flowering. It is important to properly organize irrigation in the first weeks after planting.
Moisture deficiency for Germanic iris is detrimental
Depending on the type of soil, watering is also regulated. When planting in loam or sandy loam, German irises need to be watered every evening. Irrigation is not carried out during the day, as the moisture evaporates too quickly. Immediately after watering, the soil is loosened.
Irises need high-quality feeding. For the whole season, fertilizers are applied 3 times:
- When building green mass (nitrogen fertilizers).
- 14-16 days after the first feeding.
- During flowering (potassium-phosphorus complexes).
As for shelter for the winter, most varieties of German iris are hardy. However, plants planted in autumn are further protected by mulching.
Pests and diseases
The most dangerous disease of German irises is root rot. It leads to decay of the root system and subsequent death of the culture. Having identified the first signs of wilting, the iris must be removed from the soil, the affected parts removed, treated with a fungicide and additionally disinfected the soil.
Another common disease of the German iris is heterosporiosis. This disease manifests itself as brown spots on the leaves. The problem is solved by removing the affected part and disinfecting the plant with copper sulphate.
Heterosporiosis manifests itself in the form of rusty spots on the leaves
Slugs and trips are dangerous for Germanic iris. The first attack during the rainy season, destroying not only the green mass, but also the flowers. The problem of the presence of thrips is solved by additional treatment with a fungicide.
The use of German iris
The areas of application of Germanic iris are very wide. The plant is actively used by both landscape designers and perfumers, pharmacologists and cooks.
In landscape design
Iris is organic when planted in rockeries in combination with juniper, conifers or small flowers (cornflowers, carnations). Iridaria look especially attractive – iris gardens, where they are planted in curtains, asymmetrically. The space between the bushes is filled with a mixture of light gravel and transparent sea-green stones.
The paths in the iridaria are lined with small light pebbles or gravel.
You can complement the design with picturesque snags, antique-looking jugs or discreet ceramic figurines. All landscape details should emphasize the natural beauty of irises without drawing attention to themselves.
In medicine
Iris has a wide use, both in folk and traditional medicine. Here, the seeds and root of the plant are used as raw materials for the creation of antiseptic, analgesic and expectorant drugs.
A decoction of Germanic iris is used to treat bronchitis, sore throats and other respiratory diseases, is used as a diuretic and antipyretic, and is used for colic and gallbladder diseases.
Homeopaths prescribe preparations from iris for chronic pancreatitis
Iris is used as a separate supplement, and as part of numerous herbal preparations. Depending on the state, the plant causes a different effect. For example, a fresh root is recommended for vomiting and poisoning, and a dry one has a fixing effect and is useful for bronchitis.
In cooking
Iris often acts as a flavoring for alcohol, is used as a component of fish spices. Germanic iris root flour is used in baking.
Butterfly root flour can be added to cookies and gingerbread
The product does not contain gluten, therefore it is recommended for people with intolerance to this protein.
In aromatherapy
Germanic iris has a sweetish, mild and very persistent aroma. The oil made from its extract solidifies at room temperature, acquiring a delicate, smooth texture.
Essential oil is used in cosmetology and aromatherapy.
This product not only gives the skin and hair a floral aroma, but also additionally moisturizes and cleanses the dermis, stimulates the growth of hair follicles.
Aromatherapists recommend combining iris oil with cypress, neroli, cedarwood, rose, and sandalwood essential oils.
In the perfume industry
The aroma of Germanic iris is very complex. Powdery-floral sweetness is set off by notes of green leaf in combination with wood and forest violet. Perfumers note the versatility and variability of the fragrance and recommend using it without any additives.
The aroma of iris belongs to the group of aphrodisiacs
Natural iris oil, used in the perfume industry, is distinguished by a high price ($100 per 1 g), so perfumes with a real oil component cannot be cheap.
Conclusion
Germanic iris is not just a luxurious flower with many varieties of various shades. This is a plant with a unique history and a wide range of applications: from cooking to the medical industry.
