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Evergreen Iberis (Iberis sempervirens) is a low-growing perennial that is one of the first to please with its flowering with the arrival of spring warmth. This crop is a member of the Cruciferous family. It comes from Spain, which in ancient times was called Iberia, for which the plant got its name. Despite its southern origin, the perennial has taken root well in countries with more severe climatic conditions. Planting and caring for the evergreen iberis is not difficult, but you should pay attention to some details when growing this plant.
Iberis evergreen during flowering exudes a pleasant aroma
Description of evergreen iberis
This plant is characterized by undersized bushes, the height of which does not exceed half a meter. Iberis evergreen forms numerous strongly branching shoots. As they grow, they become woody at the bottom, and remain flexible at the top. The branches of the evergreen Iberis are sprawling, erect or creeping, depending on the species.
The leaves of the plant are oblong, narrow. Their length reaches 3-5 cm, and their width is not more than 0,5 cm. The plates have a dark green tint with a sheen.
The flowers of evergreen iberis are simple, no more than 1,5 cm. They are collected in umbrella inflorescences. Their diameter is about 5 cm. Depending on the variety, the shade of the petals can be white, pink, lilac. There is also the Gibraltar evergreen Iberis, which has a beautiful lilac tint to the petals.
The plant forms numerous buds. The first lush flowering occurs in May. Its duration is 8 weeks. In the presence of favorable conditions, the perennial may bloom again in August, but not so magnificently.
The fruits of Iberis evergreen are double-leaved pods of an oval or round shape. They are slightly flattened on the sides and have a small notch at the top. Inside each there are numerous seeds of a dark brown hue. When ripe, the pods burst and pour out the contents. In this way, self-seeding of the plant can occur.
During the flowering period, the leaves of the plant are almost invisible.
Top Grades
There are about 40 species of this culture. They are the basis for breeding new varieties. All species are similar to each other and have a high decorative effect.
Evergreen Iberis Tahoe
This variety is characterized by compact bushes up to 30 cm high and up to 40 cm wide. Tahoe is distinguished by an earlier flowering period, which occurs 2 weeks earlier than other species. The color of the petals of this variety is white.
Evergreen Iberis Tahoe is characterized by increased frost resistance.
Evergreen iberis Snowflake (Snowflake)
Low growing variety. The height of its bushes reaches 25 cm, and the width is about 45 cm. It is undemanding to the composition of the soil, but needs good drainage when planted in heavy clay soil. The evergreen Iberis Snowflake has snow-white, fragrant flowers.
This variety is able to winter without shelter in the southern regions.
Evergreen Iberis Whiteout
A novelty variety characterized by voluminous bushes. The height of the plant does not exceed 25 cm, but the diameter reaches 60 cm. The leaves are dark green up to 7 cm. The size of white flowers reaches 1,5 cm, they are collected in umbrella inflorescences, each 6 cm. The Whiteout variety is ideal for rock garden.
The name of the evergreen Iberis Whiteout means “Whiteout”
Evergreen Iberis Fire Ice
A lush-flowering variety with snow-white flowers, which are collected in umbellate inflorescences with a diameter of 5 cm. It forms bushes up to 40 cm high and about 50 cm wide. During the flowering period, leaves are not visible. The plant begins to form buds at the end of May. The duration of budding in Iberis Fire Ice is 20-25 days.
Fire Ice prefers sunny open areas.
Evergreen Iberis Snowfall
Another variety with snow-white and fragrant flowers. The plant forms umbrella-shaped inflorescences with a diameter of about 6 cm. The height of the perennial Snowfall does not exceed 30 cm, and the width is about half a meter. Flowering time is 25 weeks under favorable conditions.
Evergreen Iberis Snowfall remains decorative throughout the season
Findell
A variety with compact low-growing bushes, up to 25 cm high. The plant grows up to 40 cm wide. The variety is characterized by white flowers with a purple tint. The diameter of the inflorescences of the Findel variety reaches 5 cm.
Evergreen Iberis Findell needs shelter for the winter
Little Jem
One of the smallest varieties of culture. The height of the plant does not exceed 12 cm, but the diameter can be 40-45 cm. It forms umbrella inflorescences consisting of white flowers up to 1 cm in size. The Little Gem variety shows maximum decorativeness when planted in loamy or stony soil.
At the same time, Iberis Little Jam can form up to 200 inflorescences
Dana
Another dwarf variety of evergreen iberis. The height of the bushes does not exceed 15 cm, and the diameter is about 50 cm. The Dana variety is distinguished by small flowers no larger than 1,0 cm in size, which are collected in inflorescences. During the budding period, the leaves are completely hidden behind them.
The duration of flowering in the Dana variety is about 6 weeks.
Application in landscape design
Evergreen Iberis is popular with beginner gardeners and professional landscape designers. This is due to its ability to fit perfectly into any composition and create a bright accent in group and single plantings.
The plant can be used:
- as a foreground in a multi-level flower bed;
- for framing garden paths;
- on alpine slides;
- for borders, rabatok;
- in rockeries.
Iberis is also suitable for planting in flowerpots, which can later be used for landscaping balconies, terraces, the entrance to the gazebo, on the stairs.
Iberis evergreen looks great in combination with rocky boulders
Features of reproduction
Evergreen iberis is easy to propagate by seeds, cuttings, dividing the bush. Each of these methods has its own characteristics that must be considered.
For seed propagation, you can collect planting material yourself. To do this, it is necessary to cut the fruits of a perennial at the stage of technical maturity. Then dry on the windowsill, wrapped in paper to keep the seeds inside.
For propagation of evergreen iberis by cuttings, it is necessary to cut them from the tops of last year’s shoots 5-7 cm long. After that, remove the leaves in the lower part and powder the cut with any root former. Land in a mixture of peat and sand, pre-moisten it.
The division of the bushes is used in early spring, when the perennial vegetation begins. During this period, it is necessary to dig up a bush of evergreen iberis, cut the shoots by 1/3 of the length, and then divide them into 2-3 parts with a knife or shovel. After that, immediately land in a permanent place and water abundantly.
Growing seedlings
To get well-developed seedlings by the beginning of the season, it is necessary to plant seeds of evergreen iberis in early March. To do this, prepare wide containers, up to 10 cm high with drainage holes. They should be filled with a soil mixture of turf, peat, sand and humus in a ratio of 2:1:1:1.
Before planting, the soil surface should be leveled and watered abundantly. After that, spread the seeds of the evergreen iberis at a distance of 3 cm from each other and sprinkle with a layer of sand no more than 0,5 cm thick. Cover the containers with foil to create a favorable microclimate, and put in a dark place with a temperature of +22 degrees. After germination, after 10-14 days, the containers should be placed on a sunny windowsill. Seedlings should be watered sparingly when the soil dries out.
It is best to use a spray bottle for watering seedlings.
Planting care for evergreen iberis in the ground
In order for this perennial to fully develop and annually please with its flowering, it is necessary to properly plant it on the site and choose the best place. You should also familiarize yourself with what problems you may encounter when growing.
When to plant
It is necessary to plant young seedlings of evergreen iberis in a permanent place when the earth warms up well to a depth of 20 cm and the threat of return frosts passes. Therefore, in the southern regions, planting should be carried out at the beginning of May, and in areas with a temperate climate – at the end of this month.
Site selection and preparation
For evergreen iberis, you need to choose sunny open areas, since even with light shading, the decorative effect of the plant decreases, and the bushes become loose. At the same time, this perennial is not very demanding on the composition of the soil. The main thing is that it be loose and have good moisture, breathability.
2 weeks before the procedure, you need to dig the area to a depth of 20 cm, carefully remove the roots of perennials. You should also add humus to the soil at the rate of 5 kg per 1 sq. m. After that, level the surface.
Landing algorithm
Planting a plant is carried out according to the standard scheme, so a novice gardener can also cope with it.
Algorithm of actions:
- Prepare wells 10 cm deep at a distance of 30 cm from each other.
- Pour and wait until the moisture is absorbed, sprinkle with wood ash.
- Carefully remove the seedling along with a clod of earth from the container.
- Put it in the center and sprinkle with earth.
- Seal the surface at the base.
Watering and fertilizing schedule
This perennial does not require special care. It should be watered only as a last resort with a long absence of rain, since waterlogging negatively affects the development of evergreen iberis.
Top dressing should be applied in early spring at the beginning of the growing season. During this period, you can use organic matter. The second time to fertilize is recommended during the formation of buds. At this time, it is necessary to use phosphorus-potassium mineral mixtures. This will not only prolong flowering, but also increase the frost resistance of the evergreen iberis.
Trimming
In late autumn, faded flower stalks should be removed. It is also recommended to cut off all broken and damaged shoots of evergreen iberis. In addition, during the season it is recommended to periodically cut the tops of the shoots that stand out from the total mass.
Preparation for winter
In the southern regions, this perennial does not need shelter for the winter. It is necessary to warm the plant only when grown in the central regions. To do this, it is necessary to lay mulch on the soil under the bush with a layer of 3 cm from peat or humus, and cover it with spruce branches on top.
Diseases and pests
Iberis evergreen has increased resistance to diseases and pests. But in the case of a cold and rainy summer, the plant’s immunity decreases.
Possible problems:
- Cruciferous keel. Soil fungus that forms growths on the roots. As a result, Iberis ceases to grow and bloom. The leaves turn yellow, and the bush completely fades. Sick plants cannot be treated. For prevention, you need to use the drug “Maxim”.
- Phytophthora. Brown spots appear at the base of the shoots, disrupting metabolic processes in the tissues. This causes the affected branches to wilt. For treatment, it is recommended to use Bordeaux mixture.
- Cruciferous flea. Small black pest. It feeds on young shoot tips and foliage. This leads to slow growth and lack of flowering. To fight, you should use the drug “Aktellik”.
- Mealybug. A small pest that breeds in the upper layer of the soil. It affects the aerial part of the plant. You can determine by cotton pieces, which are localized at the base of the leaves. For the fight should be used “Inta-Vir”.
The need for a transplant
Iberis evergreen is able to grow and bloom luxuriantly in one place for about 10 years. In the future, the bushes of the plant are recommended to be updated, as their decorative effect and resistance to negative factors are reduced.
Conclusion
Planting and caring for an evergreen iberis is not particularly difficult. Therefore, this plant can be recommended to all gardeners who do not have experience in growing ornamental crops. The perennial is able to please with its annual flowering, even in the absence of top dressing and timely watering. The main thing is to plant it in an open area, away from tall plants.
