One of the most common varieties of iris is marsh. The area of its growth covers almost all continents, with the exception of Antarctica. A rather unusual appearance and unpretentiousness in care make these flowers very popular among many gardeners. In this article we will tell you all about the care and planting of the swamp iris, and also share the advantages and disadvantages of the methods of its reproduction.
Description
Swamp Iris (aka false or pseudoair) is a perennial herb belonging to the Irisov or Kasatikov family. The Russian-language name for this iris was given due to a common habitat - a swamp. Wild flowers, as shown in the photo of the swamp iris, have a bright yellow color. Breeders, on the other hand, have brought out a host of other different shades, for example, lilac, white, purple and motley.
The stem of the iris has a height of at least 80 centimeters and has sufficient branching. Unlike the Siberian iris varieties, the marshy has at least 12 flowers on each stem, while the Siberian irises have no more than three. The upper petals of the flower most often remain not fully developed. The rhizome of the plant develops horizontally and has many branches. The leaves of iris have a xiphoid shape and are able to reach two meters in length. Flowers are formed on elongated peduncles and are collected in neat inflorescences.
Swamp iris is very often used to create green fences and compositions with various ornamental shrubs.
Landing
For the cultivation of wetland iris, it is important to have good lighting. Orcas are very light-loving plants that tolerate ultraviolet stress. If the area intended for their cultivation is in partial shade, then you should not worry - irises will feel great even without a long stay in the sun. In addition, the landing area should be protected from drafts, as well as moist and shallow. Only subject to the above conditions, you can get a lush and blooming swamp iris. Landing is carried out not earlier than the second half of August-early September. These dates are empirically tested by many gardeners and guarantee the best survival.
When choosing a soil, a heavy and acidic substrate should be preferred. Before planting, it is advisable to fertilize the soil with organic matter, for example, compost, humus or rotted manure. Fresh manure can be a source of various harmful insects.
Care
One of the most important criteria for successful iris cultivation is high soil moisture. These plants tolerate spring flooding, but with the slightest drought, the flowering period is reduced and the flowers themselves lose their decorative qualities. Only those plants that have been planted along water bodies do not require additional watering. Iris is completely unnecessary for top dressing and trimming. It is enough to provide regular and plentiful watering, as well as the availability of good lighting.
Of the pests that affect swamp iris, gladiolus thrips can be noted, which damage the green part of the plant. Almost any insecticidal drug helps to cope with it.
Breeding
Reproduction of marsh irises is possible in different ways. The most used is the seed method, despite the complexity and duration of the process. Some gardeners propagate the plant by dividing an adult bush.
In the first case, the collected seeds are planted in the moist soil in the fall, and in the spring the first seedlings will appear. However, such an iris will begin to bloom no sooner than after 3-4 years. In addition, in the future, the plant requires a transplant every 5-7 years.
In the vegetative method, a small part is separated from the mother bush and transplanted. The cut off part should have a well-developed rhizome, buds and healthy leaves. Moreover, the latter are removed by 2/3 before landing. This is done so that the main forces of the plant are aimed at engraftment, and not the growth and development of greenery immediately after transplantation. Reproduction by dividing the bush is possible throughout the entire growing season, but autumn is considered the most preferred period. The main thing is not to divide the bush during flowering, because at this moment the plant is most weakened.