The amazing Japanese iris plant attracts many flower growers with its exotic appearance. It is considered an unpretentious plant, but only when the planting conditions are met and proper care in the open field is provided. Violation of the requirements will provoke a feature of the iris: it is simple. It will not be superfluous to familiarize yourself with the description of all the agrotechnical nuances of reproduction and wintering in order to preserve the flower. And a photo will help you choose a suitable variety from the whole variety.
The origin has left an imprint on their frost resistance. Therefore, you should choose from varieties adapted by breeders, otherwise the plant will die in winter or will not bloom.
- "Vasily Alferov" is a proven tall variety with flowers up to 20 cm. Starting from the end of June, it will delight you with an exquisite purple color for almost a month.
- "Altai" - a lilac shade of this variety will give aesthetic pleasure for only 2 weeks of flowering.
- “The Phantom of Happiness” - a slightly smaller size of the flower wins due to 6 petals with a delicate lilac color on a white background, the stains of which gradually disappear by the end of flowering, which was the reason for the name.
The huge selection of varieties is limited only by the weather of the growing region, but another important point is to choose a suitable planting site.
Dislocation at the site
Iris Japanese feels good in partial shade - slightly acidic light loamy - ideal;
- alkaline - inhibits growth and blooms poorly.
The place can be with light partial shade, although Japanese iris takes the sun well. It is worth considering the planting site in advance, because irises are perennial plants. If the place is low, you need to raise it.
Advice. Japanese iris does not like transplants - it should be done no more than once every few years.
Growing up, the iris releases roots to the surface, which must be constantly sprinkled with soil so that the young root system gains strength. Therefore, companion plants must have a different root system - with deeper rooting.
Landing
In late May or early September, they are planted. The process is somewhat different from the standard - it's all about the roots of the plant, which require certain actions:
- Planting holes are made at a considerable distance from each other - 30-35 cm.
- A hole is dug with a depth of 7-10 cm with a small mound in the middle, where the central part will be located, and the processes of the roots are distributed evenly around.
- Sprinkled with soil with light tamping. Abundant watering is carried out.
You can plant irises in spring and autumn. As they grow, they monitor the appearance of weeds, which should be disposed of with extreme caution. Loosening carefully as needed. For tall varieties, especially single plantings, tying may be required.
Advice. The main fertilization is done when the flower spends a lot of energy for active growth - the vegetative period.
Fertilizer requirements:
- complex with potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen;
- mullein.
The use of a mullein requires a separate clarification. If there is no opportunity and desire to tinker with this business on your own, you can purchase ready-made variations (in different forms: dry and bottled solution). But its importance for irises can hardly be overestimated, because it contains many useful trace elements for full development.
Special watering
Abundant watering is required for iris only during flowering. But doing this with an exotic flower is also worth doing in a special way: exceptionally soft water. The simplest, most effective analogues of tap water:
- rain;
- well settled;
- filtered;
Water flowering irises abundantly - adding drugs to neutralize;
- adding wood ash.
Irrigation is best done in the evening. Dry periods will be tolerated quite easily, therefore, after flowering, it does not require close attention, on the contrary, since August, some dryness of the soil is useful - this way the iris will winter better.
Wintering
With the onset of cold weather, the leaves of the iris are completely cut off, leaving the top about 10 cm above the ground. Despite the frost resistance, the shelter will still have to be done. It is removed when the weather is steadily warm. If you want more effective development in the spring, you should use special covering materials. They are not removed until the plant begins to actively release leaves.
Irises need shelter for wintering. Reproduction of Japanese variants is carried out by dividing the root, and with a certain skill it is not necessary to dig up the plant, since the root system comes to the surface. You can seed it, but you need a greenhouse for this. It is necessary to store pots with sown seeds in it. Another disadvantage of this method is that it is easy to lose varietal parental characteristics and get an inexpressive plant.
Japanese irises do not bring any particular difficulties in terms of morbidity. The only thing that can harm the flowers is thrips insects. If an infection has occurred, they immediately seek help from insecticides. And in order to protect the iris from misfortunes, prophylaxis is carried out 1.5 months before flowering.
But in general, this is a problem-free plant, it is only important to plant it correctly, water it correctly and save it from frost. And then this exotic flower will delight with flowering and become an object of pride.
Japanese irises: video
Irises have long excited the human imagination with their bizarre shapes and bright shades. They inspired artists, philosophers and other creative people. According to ancient frescoes, these flowers were already widely popular over 4,000 years ago. In those days, these amazing plants adorned the territories of creators, gardens of noble people, temples. Today they are popularly called "cockerels" or "iris".
Our article is for those who would like to see Japanese iris in the open field in their area, especially cultivation and other questions for our readers.
In Japan, flowers are quite popular, and the most popular and most beautiful Japanese varieties include:
Vine Raffles (wine-red or maroon flowers with a bluish-yellow center, with double petals);
Queens tiara (large flowers up to 20 cm in size with purple petals on top and white ones below (photo above left));
Agrippinella (bright purple petals and crisp white center);
Kiyozuru (purple flowers with pinkish veins);
Cent s interest (sente s interest) (purple or blue flowers with yellow tongues);
White Lediz (white double flowers);
Momogasumi (pink petals with yellow blotches);
Crystal halo (bluish flowers with white edging);
Ocean Mist (blue double flowers);
Freckled Geisha (corrugated white petals with lilac dusting);
Valveti Queen (purple large flowers);
Persephone (large, bright purple inflorescences).
The varieties Hana Shobu, Rose Queen, Kogesho and Light Et Don belong to the xiphoid Japanese irises. This name is associated with the shape of their leaves.
In the photo, Iris Japanese Freckled Geisha
Iris White Ledies
Iris crystal halo
Japanese irises have both advantages and disadvantages. Amazingly beautiful large flowers, expressive and bright colors, resistance to diseases and pests, ease of cultivation - all this refers to the pluses. But the low resistance to frost and the lack of a pronounced aroma stop some gardeners in their choice.
Planting Japanese iris outdoors
Irises are similar in care and growing conditions; Japanese varieties prefer quiet, windless places and bright sun. In contrast to the "bearded varieties", in the Japanese ones, the rhizomes that have come out to the surface should not be left untouched, so you constantly need to add soil.
Sandy soil or loam is selected for planting. It is better to dilute clay soil with sand or peat. Flowers, although they love moisture, do not tolerate stagnant water near the rhizomes.
You can use rhizomes for planting. In autumn, preferably in mid-September, the soil is well dug up and loosened up. Sand is added to the soil, then small pits 12-15 cm deep are made. In the center of the holes, make a small embankment at the bottom, place the rhizome on it so that the roots are distributed along the slopes of the embankment. Fill in the recess so that the upper part remains above the ground. It is good to moisten the soil if the weather is not cloudy or rainy. It is not required to insulate the soil for the winter.
Another method of planting outdoors is with bulbs. They are also planted at the end of September, dipping into prepared recesses. Between the bulbs, you need to leave 15-20 cm, and it is better to plant in a circle. In the future, it will look very decorative. For the winter, the plantings are covered with mulch until the end of the frost.
If necessary, transplant plants, they are transferred to any other bright and warm place after flowering in 12-14 days. Dig up the bulbs together with the soil, carefully transfer to the prepared beds. First, fertilize the soil, humus, a little lime. In one hole 40-50 cm wide, you can plant 5-6 flowers at once. Water the plantations immediately with abundant water.
Japanese iris care
Plants are perennials, they need appropriate care. In the open field, Japanese iris does not like it when many weeds sprout in its neighborhood. It is better to remove them by hand so as not to snag the root part. The soil must be loosened periodically.
Before wintering, yellowed leaves are removed, ideally half of all foliage is cut off. Plants are wrapped in foil or covered with a thick layer of oak leaves. With the first warming, the shelter must be removed so that tender shoots can germinate easily.
Fertilizers are applied only in spring, when the soil is well warmed up and dry. Initially, nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers are introduced, and after 2 weeks potassium and nitrogen are added. After the Japanese irises have faded, the soil is fertilized with a complex composition that includes all three trace elements.
Watering is necessary intensive and regular, especially in the heat. Humidification decreases starting from August. Evening time is suitable for watering, you need to try so that water does not get on the flowers.
You can arrange a garter for fragile irises if the weather is often windy.
Of the pests for Japanese irises, gladiolus thrips, naked slugs, wireworms, winter scoops are dangerous. To destroy them, the compositions "Aktara", "Mosilan", "Confidor" are used. On the flowers themselves, bronzes can be found - large beautiful beetles. They are afraid of the cold, so it is enough to spray the flowers with cold water and carefully collect the insects in water or kerosene.
In rare cases, infection with bacteriosis occurs - with rotting of the root. The plant must be dug up and destroyed, and it is better to dig out the soil from its place completely.
Japanese irises are perfect for decorating flower beds, garden paths and paths.
The development of the culture of Japanese irises in the Central region of Russia is still an unresolved task. The main efforts on this difficult and, we admit, fraught with many disappointments path have been and are being made by amateur flower growers.
Japanese irises are the name used in relation to varieties of xiphoid iris (Iris ensata). At home, in Japan, these beloved and revered plants are called "hana-shobu". A characteristic feature of Japanese irises is the unfolding of the perianth lobes in one horizontal plane.
The peduncle of the classic Japanese hana-shobu bears a single flower with downward perianth lobes of lilac, purple, white. It is such an iris, which we sometimes arrogantly consider outdated and unattractive, is sung by Japanese art, becomes for the Japanese a source of meditation and poetic inspiration. Modern trends in the development of hana-shobu culture are focused on breeding large, soaring, corrugated double (double), having six external perianth lobes or multi-petal (multi-petal) flowers. Above the wide-spread "plates" of modern varietal irises, short combs (styles) and additional petals-petals rise, which often have a bizarre shape and form a spectacular composition in the center of the flower, a kind of crown crowning this whimsical work of nature and man.
All over the world, the work of hybridizers is primarily aimed at promoting Japanese irises to the north and at overcoming their calciophobia. The achievement of hybridizers, who managed to cross the "Japanese" with marsh iris, was the emergence of yellow-flowered varieties. The attractiveness of these delicate and sophisticated plants to the iris grower is enhanced by their flowering time. In the suburbs around the end of June - beginning of July, when the blooming of the undisputed favorites of our gardens - tall bearded irises - comes to an end, hana-shobu bloom. The timing and duration of their flowering may vary depending on weather conditions, however, three to four additional weeks of joyful communication with your favorite plants are provided to the grower.
The first serious attempts to "tame" the capricious "Japanese" in the Moscow region are associated with the name of the Moscow State University professor V.M. Nosilova. While practicing agrotechnical methods of working with the khana-shobu culture near Moscow, the florist drew conclusions about the destructive influence on it of such factors as acidification of the soil (especially podzol with peat) and the presence of lime in the soil. Also in the suburbs he worked with the culture of Khan Shobu V.T. Palvelev, who identified another negative factor - the destructive effect of too high concentrations of mineral salts.
The main factors that complicate the work with this crop are the lack of the annual sum of positive temperatures and special requirements for watering and soil composition (especially intolerance to calcium). In search of agrotechnical methods that would ensure stable growth and flowering of Hana-shobu, Russian iris growers tried different options: growing in containers that can be immersed in water during the growing season and flowering of plants, and transferred indoors for the winter; the use of "decorative greenhouses" that protect the khan-shobu plantings from cold winds.
In the collections of lovers of the Moscow region, hana-shobu are still a rarity. There are varieties bred in St. Petersburg by G. Rodionenko (Vasily Alferov, Altai, Dersu Uzala). They are distinguished by winter hardiness, since they were obtained by crossing varietal hana-shobu with xiphoid iris of the wild flora. Recently, varieties of Australian and American origin have been added to the varieties of foreign breeding previously found in the middle latitudes, such as Patrocle (France), Oyodo (Japan): Janet Hatchinson, Dural Peacock, Summer Storm, etc. achieve an increase in the vitality of these sissies and make them bloom; however, as a rule, foreign varieties next to Russian ones look oppressed, bloom poorly, and often die. Varieties from the Far East, a significant part of which was bred by one of the leading Russian experts in the field of iris growing - L.N. Mironova (varieties Primorye, Rozovoe Cloud, Lilac Dymka, etc.), are distinguished by exceptional beauty. Unfortunately, even these natives of the warm, humid Primorye, although less capricious than foreign varieties, in the middle lane do not achieve that level of unpretentiousness combined with decorativeness, as in their native Far Eastern penates.
Shelter for the winter, installation of tunnels over plantings in spring and autumn, careful adherence to the norms and timing of watering and fertilizing during the season help the plants get used to the conditions of the Moscow region. However, the most effective way of breeding new varieties, originally obtained and grown in the middle lane. Since 1997, a number of varieties of Japanese irises of domestic selection have been officially registered by Russian flower growers. Undoubtedly, the leaders in the introduction of new varieties of khana shobu in Russia are professionals who work with the culture of irises in botanical gardens - G.I. Rodionenko (St. Petersburg) and L.N. Mironov (Vladivostok). In the Moscow region, the first steps towards breeding varieties of "Japanese" near Moscow were made by amateurs - at the turn of the new century, members of the "Flower growers of Moscow" club M.E. Kaulen and N.I. Khimina. Seedlings originating from the irises of Primorye (the original seed material was provided by V.I.Naumenko), showed resistance in the conditions of our region and good decorative qualities. Introduced in 2000 by the author of these lines, the varieties Expectation and Autumn Sky (double, large, slightly corrugated) are distinguished by their elegance and have been blooming annually since 1998. This allows us to hope that after a few years, subject to persistent work on selection, selection of new seedlings and further improvement of agrotechnical methods, the problem of zoning Japanese irises in the Moscow region will be basically solved. We look forward to the entry into bloom of the next generations of "Japanese near Moscow", hoping for an increase in both resistance to the conditions of our region, and decorative qualities.
JAPANESE IRISES
By the end of July, after taking care of your favorite plants and admiring the garden, you slowly turn into an "angry gardener" from a children's counting room. But for "I'm tired of all the flowers" there is an excellent remedy - Japanese irises. This flower surprises, enchants and inspires.
In the scientific literature, they were called differently: the xiphoid iris (Iris ensata), and Kempfer's iris (Iris caempferi), and even as a kind of smooth iris (Iris laevigata). Since these irises have been cultivated in Japan for more than 500 years (they are called hana-shebu there), gradually the name "Japanese" was assigned to them in scientific and commercial use. This gave rise to a new academic and practical misunderstanding, quite significant for those who grow plants, for example, in Russia. We can grow Japanese irises, but Japanese iris cannot. Iris japonica is an evergreen subtropical plant with different growing conditions, a different root structure and fringed upper petals.
JAPANESE IRIS CULTURE
Wild xiphoid irises are found in Primorye, Sakhalin, Kuril Islands, the Korean Peninsula, in northeastern China. The largest number of wild forms grows in Japan, but the Japanese adopted the fashion for irises and their cultivation culture from China. In the middle of the 17th century, the garden of the Tokugawa prince (shogun) occupied an area of about 25 hectares, and it was the iris that was chosen as the symbol of the future capital of Japan, and its image became an indispensable attribute of one of the most popular Japanese holidays - Boy's Day.
The peak of the passion for irises came at the end of the 19th century, by this time
The number of created varieties has exceeded 1000, and admiring their flowering has become a national cultural tradition that has shaped the appearance of a classic Japanese iris garden. It is supposed to look at the flowers from above in order to see the core, where the “soul of the flower” dwells. The garden is located in a lowland, during flowering the iris field is flooded with water, therefore bridges are laid instead of paths.
After flowering, the field is drained, but very few people see it, so most people believe that irises are grown in water. And this is the most persistent misconception about Japanese irises.
Irises in water are a purely Japanese aesthetic phenomenon, conditioned by the history and traditions of the country, but by no means a condition for their cultivation.
In the 17th century, Japan was embraced by the "cult of irises", the nobility competed in the splendor and size of iris gardens, they needed a lot of space, and fields formerly occupied by rice often left for setting up a garden. These were specially dug hollows, on the bottom of which a layer of clay was laid, on top a layer of earth. Then rice was planted, rains, floods or specially supplied water flooded the field, covering the plantings. At the beginning of the ripening of rice, the clay bottom was punched, and the water went down, the field dried up. When rice gave way to irises, a long-standing agricultural practice defined the aesthetic of planting a new culture. This is how a garden on the water appeared - a unique image of beauty.
In every Japanese home there is a special niche - tokonoma, in which there should be something sublimely beautiful, intended for contemplation and a sense of harmony. This is where the blooming iris is placed, at this time it becomes an indispensable participant in another traditional action - the tea ceremony. It is not customary for Japanese varieties to indicate the name of the originator of the variety. This is a traditional tribute to breeders' respect for the work of their predecessors in the centuries-old history of irises in Japan.
Xiphoid irises naturally grow on flooded meadows; in Japan, they are quite rightly considered one of the most unpretentious and hardy plants. Iris is a samurai flower symbolizing the fortitude of a man and a warrior. The greatest need for water is experienced by irises during flowering, after which they perfectly tolerate long periods of complete drying out of the soil.
Japanese irises are able to develop normally even in a very small volume of soil and are champions in life expectancy
Japanese iris, variety "Kamionomukashi" 
flower. The flower of most bearded irises at room temperature lives for two days, in wild xiphoid iris up to five, and in varieties of Japanese selection - a week.
VARIETIES AND CLASSIFICATION
In the 19th century, "excesses of form" abhorred the Japanese criteria of good taste, the three-petal iris was called the classic, the terry form was considered vulgar. The reverse side of such orthodox preferences was the active work of breeders in the field of color and texture of the flower. Thousands of varieties have captured all imaginable shades and color distribution options, all kinds of edging, specks, veins and streaks. In recent years, fashion trends and the logic of the development of the breeding process began to put forward searches in the field of flower shape in the first place.
The concept of "double" or "multi-petal" in relation to Japanese irises was rather arbitrary. The terry effect in outstanding varieties of the recent past was created not by changing the number of petals, but by varying the size of 6 petals and 3 columns, changing the spatial arrangement, and the originality of the corrugation. The use of modern technologies in hybridization, allowing to change the genetic basis, has significantly expanded the group of multi-petal varieties (from 10 or more petals). The cherished dream of breeders also came true - Japanese irises of yellow color were created - a group of hybrids obtained as a result of interspecific crossing of the xiphoid iris with the marsh iris (Iris pseudacorus).
Japanese iris, variety "Mikawa Itsuhashi" 
There are three classes of irises in the Japanese classification. The Aise class includes old varieties with peduncles the same height as the leaves, or lower, and narrow "petals" (perianth lobes). Edo class - peduncles above the leaves, with simple or double flowers, the "petals" of which are located horizontally or slightly lowered. The Higo class unites the most modern varieties with a high peduncle and large flowers, the wide petals of which fold or find on top of each other. Irises of this class are especially effective in bouquets and in container culture.
Japanese irises Edo and especially Higo have gained wide recognition in Western Europe and the United States, where many new varieties were created in the 20th century, including those resistant to cold. The height of Japanese irises ranges from 60 cm to 1 m. According to the size of the flower, varieties are divided into small - less than 14 cm, medium - up to 17 cm, large - up to 20 cm and very large - from 23 cm and above.
Japanese iris, variety "Mizutamaboshi"
AGROTECHNIKA
Japanese irises are practically not susceptible to disease, which greatly simplifies their care. To minimize it, a competent planting, taking into account the peculiarities of the culture, will allow. Japanese irises are oppressed by calcium, therefore, limed soils should be avoided; planting in fertile, loose soil with a slightly acidic reaction or a soil mixture of loam, rotted organic matter, peat and phosphorus fertilizer is optimal. When planting and dividing, it is important not to allow the roots to dry out, foliage and roots are shortened by two-thirds. It is better to plant the plots a little deeper than they grew earlier, as the iris grows up, it will grow up, over time, forming a "bump".
A small side of turf or soil around the plot for irises will facilitate watering, the need for moisture is maximum during the period of budding and flowering. The sides will also hold back the soft rainwater, which Japanese irises love so much. Having surrounded the irises in the Japanese manner with water, be sure to provide for its drainage. Constant exposure to water, especially stagnant water, and soil acidification provoke the development of rot even in plants that are resistant to them, such as Japanese irises.
For stable flowering, a sunny place and a not too deep planting are also important for Japanese irises. A layer of earth about 3 cm will protect the thick rhizome from drying out and will not interfere with heating. The best solution is to mulch the plantings with coniferous litter, crushed bark or cedar shells - the plants will warm up well and will not dry out.
Japanese irises reproduce easily in spring and autumn, both by dividing the bushes and by seeds. The seeds have excellent germination capacity. Seedlings sometimes bloom even in the second year and, as a rule, are more hardy than their "parents".
In the Moscow region, Japanese irises suffer not so much from winter frosts as from a lack of heat from spring to autumn. The sum of positive temperatures during growth affects the setting of flower buds, determining the nature of future flowering. To preserve heat and extend the growing season, a film shelter on a frame can be installed over plantings in spring and autumn. In our garden, we "warm" irises in the summer: we dig wine bottles with the neck down between the bushes, leaving only the bottom above the surface. The sun heats the glass, the heat is transferred to the soil.
Japanese irises are very responsive to care, for additional attention to themselves they will certainly "thank" the abundance of large flowers on strong tall peduncles. Top dressing is best applied in liquid form. The root is applied in the spring (infusion of mullein 1:10 or complete mineral fertilizer), in the summer the foliage is watered with a solution of microelements in a chelated form (iron and manganese).
The soulful beauty of Japanese irises awakens the mind and imagination. It is pleasant to know that now in our gardens they will have to dispel many delusions and find their own traditions.
In October, preparations for winter begin: the leaves are cut to a height of 10-15 cm.Without shelter in the Moscow region, the highest species xiphoid iris and varieties of our wonderful breeders winter winter ('Altai', 'Vasily Alferov', 'Dersu Uzala', 'Uncle Styopa 'G. Rodionenko;' In Memory of the Archer ',' Polenitsa ',' Dobrynya ',' Vivat, Rodionenko '3. Dolganova;' Lilac Haze ',' Dark Night 'by L. Mironova.
Irises of foreign selection are covered with a layer of soil, oak leaf or spruce branches. If you put a plastic container or plastic wrap on top, you get the most reliable shelter - "dry wintering" for the most valuable varieties of southern origin.
The Japanese believe that one should look at the iris from above, so one can look into the soul of a flower. Variety "Imosechigiri". 
When the first half of summer is left behind, many flowers have time to bloom, which makes the flower beds look less elegant. But there are flowers that continue to delight the eye with their beauty until autumn. Among them is Japanese iris, known for its graceful and whimsical shapes. In total, there are about a thousand subspecies of this plant, and in this material we will talk about the most famous varieties of this flower. You will also learn about the intricacies of planting this perennial and about the features of caring for it.
A bit of history
There is a legend that beautifully tells about the appearance of graceful and unusual irises on earth. One day the rainbow did not disappear, as it usually happens, but shattered into colored fragments. Falling to the ground, pieces of it turned into multi-colored variegated irises.
In the Land of the Rising Sun, this flower is treated with the greatest respect. Large-scale festivities dedicated to irises are held here. One of them is called Cebu no sekku, or Boys' Festival, and is celebrated on May 5th. At this time, there is a ritual contemplation of these flowers in the gardens. In the Japanese language there is a separate word for this process - "hanami".
Because the narrow leaves of the iris look like sharp blades, the Japanese associate them with samurai swords. By the way, in the language of this country, the words "iris" and "military spirit" are spelled the same way.
According to legend, if you make a necklace from Japanese irises and put it on, then it will save you from sins and ailments of the body.
The roots of flowers are used by the Japanese in the production of perfumes, exquisite alcoholic beverages and sweets.
Description
If you believe that irises originated from fragments of a rainbow, then in the Japanese city of Savara, its particles fell into the water. The most beautiful water garden of irises is located here. It is known that in Japan, meadows with these flowers are sometimes flooded with water, but this is permissible only during the period of their active flowering. Despite this inspiring and picturesque example, you should not follow this tradition and try to recreate the water garden of irises in our climate. Usually, such experiments do not bring the desired results, but flowers can rot from excess moisture.
One of the main features of these flowers is that they only need watering when they bloom. The rest of the year they "doze" in the ground and practically do not need watering.
This makes the Japanese iris a welcome guest in summer cottages, city flower beds and adjacent territories. Another distinguishing feature of the plant is its large flowers with a diameter of 14 to 25 centimeters, which makes them noticeable against the background of other inhabitants of flower beds. Their structure includes 3 external lobes, a perianth and small internal lobes. The leaves of this perennial are even more impressive in size - from 25 to 60 cm.
Traditionally, these flowers grow in swampy meadows and edges of Asian countries, but the word "Japanese" is rooted in the name. The flower remained an exclusively oriental plant for quite a long time, but when it was taken to other countries, the breeders began to breed various forms. Thanks to the work of such specialists, today we can choose from the widest range of varieties of Japanese iris. They differ in flowering time, cold resistance, shapes and shades. In the Land of the Rising Sun, these flowers are preferred to be planted in lowlands, irises are very fond of moist soils, and in this position, the water can stagnate longer.
These beautiful exotic plants came to Russian soil more than a century ago. Botanist Eluard Regel wanted Japanese irises suitable for growing in temperate climates. As a result of trial and error, several varieties have been obtained that can take root in our rather harsh climatic conditions. His work was continued by the scientist Vasily Alferov, who received the groups popular today.
Note that in their homeland, these flowers are distinguished by the Higo category, which includes 3 thousand subspecies. They are grown in containers, so Higo is used as both garden and indoor crops. They can perfectly dilute house flowers familiar to the eye and add bright colors to a room greenhouse.
Disadvantages and advantages
These beautiful flowers have their pros and cons that summer residents and gardeners need to know about. The disadvantages include the following qualities:
- weak frost resistance;
- lack of aroma;
- the life of flowers is from 3 to 5 days.
The undoubted advantages of the flower are:
- tolerance of many diseases;
- large flowers.
Varietal variety
"Crystal Halo"
Its lower petals are large and round, they are decorated with a light border and purple veins, and the upper lilac flowers have white spots and a yellow middle. Although the flowers are small - only 15 cm in diameter - they look very impressive. On a stem up to 0.9 m high, 3 inflorescences huddle. Looks advantageous with white irises and daylilies.
Eilins Dream
The double purple flower has yellow arrows with a lilac border. There are from 9 to 12 petals. They have a velvet surface and a corrugated texture.
Kita no seiza
Lilac 14-centimeter inflorescences are decorated with yellow blotches at the base of the petals, and the border between the green base and the bright pigment of the petal has a very sharp transition. There are 15 petals in total, they are covered with graceful white veins.
"Rose queen"
Its stems grow up to a meter, they are covered with hard narrow leaves emanating from one point. Lilac flowers have a pleasant pink tint. Fouls are decorated with yellow inclusions and dark purple streaks. A successful breeding option would be pre-landing in containers, and then immersion 7 cm into the reservoir.
The variety is good for its resistance to cold weather - it tolerates winters with temperatures down to -15 degrees.
"Variegata"
It has variegated leaves, that is, leaves with a mutated color - they are green with light golden stripes. The stems are adorned with large deep purple flowers. The growth of the stems is not the highest - up to 0.75 m.
"Vasily Alferov"
Named after the breeder who had a hand in the creation of numerous varieties of Japanese irises, suitable for the climatic conditions of our country. The height of the stems of this variety reaches 1.1 m, and the flowers themselves are quite large - 20 cm in diameter. This is a suitable option for lovers of large irises.
How to plant?
Choosing the right place for flowers is the key to their healthy growth and lush bloom. They love sun-drenched areas, ideally the area should be well lit. Also, these exotics can take root in partial shade, and in very dark places they are unlikely to be able to bloom. Weakly acidic loams are well suited for these perennials. They also love compost fertilization, but due to potassium intolerance, Japanese irises will not grow in open ground with lime. Alkaline soils are not to the taste of these capricious beauties.
Before immersing the stem in the ground, the leaves and roots are slightly shortened. The grooves for flowers should be placed in increments of 30-35 cm. Stick the stems into the soil to a depth of 3-7 cm. If you decide to divide an already growing shrub, then the resulting stems need to be sunk into the soil deeper than they grew before. After the plants are planted, they need to be watered.
How to take care of it properly?
Despite the fact that Japanese irises are resistant to many ailments and pests, they have their own weaknesses. One of them is the need for gentle care.
Most flowers of this species do not like frost, but with the appearance of the first spring rays, they rush to growth.
Give them a good covering material so that the accidental drop in temperature does not overcool them. Mulching is best done with pine nut shells, coniferous waste or crushed bark.
The land beloved by irises is filled with rainwater. In order to create such a "mini-pool" for them during flowering, summer residents sometimes enclose their site with peculiar bumpers so that water is retained in them. But in such a design, it is necessary to provide for a drainage system so that flooding does not happen.
Diseases and pests
Japanese irises rarely fall prey to pests. Their resistance to infectious diseases is also high. Of the pests, thrips can harm them, and insecticides will help get rid of them. After removing dried leaves, burn them to get rid of eggs laid by insects. It is worth cutting off the spoiled leaves only after the onset of cold weather, otherwise this process will negatively affect flowering.
Examples in landscape design
- The place of planting of irises in compositions is determined based on the maximum height of a particular variety. Those that reach the meter mark or higher are traditionally planted in the background or in the middle plane of the compositions. An excellent background for these irises becomes thickets of juniper, thuja, barberry, currant, gooseberry or any deciduous shrub.
