Garden iris is a perennial plant loved by many gardeners. Unpretentious flower perfectly survives and easily tolerates wintering. Exceptions may be hybrid varieties, as well as flowers grown in regions with harsh climates. For beginner gardeners, the question naturally arises: "How to care for irises in the fall?" For advice, we will turn to professionals who will share with us the secrets of growing these beautiful flowers.
Garden irises: planting and care in the fall
Theoretically, you can plant, plant and transplant irises from early spring to October. But in order for the plant to take root, it is best to do this during the dormant period that occurs after flowering. If you decide to plant or transplant irises in your area, try to do this at the end of August or in the month of September. Such irises will bloom next spring, but more lush flowering will need to wait in the second year.
How to transplant irises in the fall?
If you decide to divide the bush, which is already growing in your garden, you need to stop at a well-developed plant. It must be carefully dug up and shaken off the ground. Inspect the rhizome. You must separate it so that each separated part has a leaf bundle. The roots will need to be cut a quarter. Remove the old, rotten parts of the roots. Cut the leaves of irises, leaving 10-15 cm.
Pay particular attention to the roots of the plant. If you find damaged places, they will need to be carefully cut with a knife and lowered for 15 minutes in a weak solution of potassium permanganate. After such a procedure, it is desirable to dry the roots. All slices will be correctly processed with crushed coal, it is possible with the addition of sulfur (1: 1).
If you live in a region where severe frosts occur in winter, then try to acquire varieties of irises that are resistant to frost. Take a look at what irises grow in your neighbors, how they tolerate winters. If you have a good relationship, ask them for a sprout when transplanting. Such a plant will take root 100%.
Preparation of pits for irises: planting and care in the fall
In order for the plant to take root well, it must be planted correctly. For this, it is necessary to make a small knoll in the prepared hole, on which to put the rhizome, while spreading the roots well to the sides. The plant is planted to a depth of not more than 3-5 cm. There should be a distance of 30-50 cm between the bushes. The ground around must be compacted and well watered. In the spring you will be pleased with beautiful irises. Planting and care in the fall give better results than at other times of the year.
Care for irises in autumn
If you do not intend to transplant the plant, you need to cultivate the soil around the irises, remove weeds, and spread the soil. Without a transplant, irises can live in one place for up to 6-7 years. Hybrid varieties are recommended to be transplanted more often in order to maintain the plant variety.
In order for the buds, and even the irises themselves to be large and not lose their color, they should be fed with fertilizers. In the very early spring, during the growing season, phosphate fertilizers are well suited, and after the plants bloom - phosphorus and potash. Irises, like many garden flowers, do not tolerate fresh manure. If your soil area is very poor, it is advisable to increase the number of top dressings, but on chernozems you can reduce it. Watering in autumn is reduced to a minimum.
Before the frost begins, cover the tubers with spruce branches or leaves to protect the plants during frosts. In the spring, shelter will need to be removed so that the rays of the sun can warm the roots of the plant.
If you follow simple recommendations, in spring you will be pleased with blooming irises. Planting and caring for these plants in the fall will give you a kind of guarantee that you will enjoy the multicolor of these delicate plants in the spring.