When and how to plant Siberian iris in spring, summer, autumn

Planting and caring for Siberian iris in the open field is so simple that even an inexperienced gardener can handle it. Refinement, drought resistance, winter hardiness of culture can be envied even by a marsh and wild species.

Features of growing Siberian irises

Siberian iris is a material for the work of breeders. More than 800 varieties of a cultivated flower are known that do not have a beard. Its petals are narrowed and long, diverging in one plane. From above they are covered with small hairs resembling fluff. Color: lilac, blue, white, yellow, as well as a mixture of these colors.

Siberian iris is popularly called “cuckoo’s tears”

Siberian iris (Iris Sibirica) is considered the hardiest. He is able to survive in harsh climatic conditions, which can be in Siberia. The variety is resistant to diseases and pests. The culture is growing rapidly, but at the same time its diversity is amazing.

Another feature of growing Siberian irises is a different flowering period, which is very much appreciated in landscape design. Some varieties bloom in June, while others – in July, August. Late are remontant varieties that manage to throw out flower stalks twice a season.

An interesting fact is that some types of Siberian iris open the inflorescences with a bouquet, others alternately, due to which the flowering period is extended. There are low, medium and tall specimens.

Irises planted in a dense bush look especially impressive. They can be higher than the foliage, flush with it, and even lower. The former soar in weightlessness, the latter are beautiful framed by greenery, and the third seem to be hiding among the arrow-shaped tops.

Planting and caring for Siberian iris

Both planting the Siberian iris and caring for it will not be difficult. The main thing is to do everything on time and provide him with optimal conditions, which are: moderate humidity, site illumination and soil with neutral acidity. There are simple growing rules that will allow the iris to reveal its beauty.

Planting dates for Siberian irises

You can plant iris several times per season:

1. March to May. It is necessary to plant the Siberian iris in the spring after the soil has completely warmed up, when the threat of frost has passed.
2. In autumn, from August to September inclusive. It is important to have time with planting before a low temperature is established so that the irises are well rooted.
3. Summer: June, July. During these months, iris can also be planted, but it requires special care. Timely watering and top dressing will ensure rapid growth and successful development.

Rhizomes planted in spring and summer do not require winter shelter, and autumn seedlings should be slightly covered so that young cuttings do not die from severe frosts. The following year, this procedure can not be performed.

The Siberian iris loves space, an abundance of light, while it does not bend from a strong wind, therefore it does not require the installation of supports

Site selection and soil preparation

Siberian iris is very sensitive to lighting, especially when cultivated in the middle and northern lanes, so gardeners are advised to plant the plant in well-lit, warm areas. In the southern territories, flowers need places where partial shade will fall on them at noon.

Irises feel great near groundwater. Sometimes lilac flower beds can frame the banks of artificial reservoirs, while the root system does not suffer, which cannot be said about the elite of bearded irises.

How to plant Siberian iris

Having decided on the place and time of planting the iris, they begin to prepare the soil. An excellent option are light loams with high fertility. If the soil layer is depleted, it is necessary to add black soil or compost, dig and make holes. Landing steps to follow:

1. The pits should be slightly larger than the root of the Siberian iris seedling, so that they do not have to be bent when planting.
2. Usually, the landing layer of the rhizome in the ground is located horizontally, so it is also placed in the hole. In no case should it be placed vertically. They are buried in the soil by 7 cm, then sprinkled with earth. A distance of 60 cm is maintained between adjacent iris seedlings.
3. The earth around the Siberian iris is compacted and watered well so that there are no air spaces left inside.
4. To keep moisture in the ground, a layer of mulch (5 cm) is poured, in the form of peat or mowed and chopped grass.

Iris planting material must meet certain requirements: foliage shortened to 1/3, rhizome segments no more than 12 cm.

Aftercare

The rhizome of the Siberian iris is significantly different from bearded irises. It practically crawls along the surface of the flower bed, which makes it difficult to weed and loosen it. Therefore, the main methods of care remain: top dressing, watering and determination for wintering.

Watering and top dressing

To get the maximum flower stalks, irises need timely top dressing. The procedure is carried out twice per season:

• the first time – in early spring, after the snow melts;
• the second – before flowering or after it.

Ammonium and potassium nitrate are perfect as mineral fertilizers for irises.

To maintain soil fertility, mulch should always be present on the surface of the tree circle. It not only retains moisture, but also nourishes the soil, provides coolness in the hot season.

Irises are watered as the earthen coma dries up. The plant tolerates drought well. It is necessary to water every 2-3 weeks, but with plenty of water. During the flowering of irises, irrigation is increased, do it once a week. Siberian irises are also responsive to overhead sprinkling, especially in the morning.

Wintering Siberian Iris

The moment of preparation of the Siberian iris for wintering is very important. Foliage pruning is carried out with the onset of the first cold weather. At this time, the process of laying color buds ends, and the foliage stops developing. The leaves are cut so that 10-15 cm stumps remain. A layer of mulch is poured on top of the rhizome so that the exposed areas do not suffer from the bright winter sun.

More than 800 varieties of Siberian iris have been bred, differing in flower structure and color

The need for transplantation of Siberian irises

A transplant is necessary in the fifth year of iris growth. By this time, in the center of the bush, the rhizome dries up, only the outer shoots remain.

When and how to transplant Siberian iris

It is better to start transplanting in the fall, after the flowering of the Siberian iris. By this time, young roots and annual growths are formed, which can take root well before the onset of frost.

Transfer procedure:

1. The rhizome of the Siberian iris is carefully dug out of the ground.
2. To determine future delenki, the roots are washed out of the hose, removing the remnants of the soil.
3. Iris foliage is cut off, leaving 15 cm petioles.
4. If the rhizomes are separated in long sections, they are shortened with a sharp knife.
5. Prepared bushes are transplanted to a new place.

When cutting seedlings, the foliage should resemble a fan, which will serve as a source of nutrition for the Siberian iris until wintering.

Reproduction of Siberian irises

Reproduction of Siberian iris is possible by separating independent segments from the rhizome or by dividing the bush and seeds. The second method is more laborious and is used less frequently.

Division of the bush

The time for reproduction of Siberian varieties of iris can be autumn or spring. The period is chosen depending on the climatic conditions of the region. In early winter, the procedure is performed in the spring, and in areas with late cooling, iris can be propagated a couple of months after flowering.

Before dividing the iris bush, the foliage is cut off, leaving the lower part. Next, the root is divided in such a way that 2-3 growth nodes are present on each division. Root incisions are made with a sharp knife.

The cut material is kept in a dark place for a week so that the wounds heal, and before planting it is soaked in water so that the roots swell slightly.

Dividing a bush is the most effective way of reproduction.

Growing Siberian iris from seeds

Many gardeners grow irises from seed. There is no increased complexity, but it will take time for the young plant to begin to bloom. Breeding algorithm:

1. The seed box is wrapped with gauze so that after ripening the seeds do not crumble to the ground.
2. Planting material is sown in the garden. Embedding depth – 2 cm.
3. The earth is covered with a heater (agrofibre, synthetic winterizer, isospan, etc.) so that in winter and spring young shoots do not die from frost.
4. With the onset of spring, the shelter is removed.

You can sow iris seeds at home, but for this they must be stratified. They are wrapped in gauze, packed in a plastic container and put in the refrigerator. Sowing begins in February. Sown in individual pots. Future sprouts provide warmth and light. Siberian iris is best planted in the spring, it is right to do this when it becomes warm outside.

Pests and diseases

Diseases often arise due to improper care. The most common diseases of Siberian iris are:

1. Alternaria. Symptoms are black dots or spots on the foliage. Greenery weakens and dries. With a heavy lesion, the flower is eliminated from the flower bed. At the initial stage of development of the fungus, irises are treated with Bordeaux liquid.
2. Ascochitosis. A fungal disease that can be recognized by brown spots resembling burns. Irises are treated with copper-containing products. In addition to vegetation, the soil should be sprayed.
3. heterosporiosis. At high humidity, irises can become covered with white-gray specks. The foliage becomes watery, which indicates the disease. The fungus spreads quickly, so you should treat it with a fungicide and cut off diseased leaves.
4. Mosaic. In the presence of white oblong spots, treatment should be started. Treatment is carried out with any insecticide. For preventive purposes, spraying can be done in the spring.

The root part can also suffer from fungi or viruses (root rot, bacteriosis, fusarium). With a strong defeat, Siberian irises are dug up and destroyed. If the symptoms could be detected in the early stages, then various means are used: potassium permanganate, blue vitriol, folk remedies, fungicides.

Siberian iris may become a favorite food for some insect pests:

• bot aphid;
• onion mite;
• nematode;
• iris fly;
• thrips;
• scoops

Destruction is carried out with the help of insecticides: Iskra, Inta-Vir, Aktellik, Decis, etc. From folk remedies, soap solution, infusions of bitter and odorous herbs are suitable. Carrots, garlic, and other herbs that repel insects are planted next to the Siberian iris.

Frequent diseases of the Siberian iris that occur in the absence of care

Conclusion

Planting and caring for Siberian iris in the open field do not cause any particular difficulties. Severe frosts, winds cannot break the beauty of a flower, but protection from diseases and pests must be provided.