Iris - an incredibly beautiful flower, translated from Greek, this word means "rainbow". Its sophisticated shape and variety of colors fascinate not only lovers, but also professional gardeners around the world. An ancient legend tells of the first iris, which was so beautiful that the wind and water, fascinated by its splendor, spread flower seeds throughout the earth. And indeed, in many parts of the world you can meet this miracle that conquered many with incredible perfection and grace. The iris does not cause much trouble to gardeners. Home care is pretty simple.
Features after flowering
Irises are not capricious, they grow well without the close attention of their owners. But the period of colors and splendor can be prolonged, if you still take care of the flowers a little. Caring for irises after flowering has some features. Even during the growth period, flowers that fade should be removed daily. And after complete drying, the peduncles should be completely removed (broken). This must be done as carefully as possible so as not to damage the leaves themselves. At this time (approximately mid-August), you need to stop watering the plant, its loosening and weeding, in order to prepare the flower for wintering as best as possible.
Caring for irises after flowering consists in radical methods. Some experienced gardeners prefer not just to remove the flower stalk, but to cut the plant immediately at the root. They believe that this is exactly what will help the abundant growth and bright colors of the flower next year. Withering of flower stalks indicates that you can do plant transplantation, if necessary.
If the irises are properly looked after, the necessary actions are taken in a timely manner, the plant will be healthy and will delight its hosts for a long time. In one place, these wonderful flowers can grow for about five years. After this, the rules of care require division and transplantation of the plant. This simple procedure is carried out in September and is considered as a care for irises after flowering. To make the plant tolerate division less painfully, use a sharp and clean garden knife. Rhizomes must be divided so that on each segment there are several leaves. Next, all parts of the plant need to be dried in the sun, sprinkled with ash slices and planted in the ground.
Features of spring care
Caring for irises in spring is not particularly different from caring for other flowers. It is necessary to loosen the soil, feed the plant, remove weeds, fight diseases and pests, and water. But there are some features. In the spring, as soon as the snow falls, you need to gently pitch the shelter with a pitchfork. They remove it completely when the soil begins to thaw. First, rhizomes are freed by removing the ground. Next, they cut off last year's leaves and conduct a thorough inspection of the plant. Pay special attention to rhizomes, they should be quite hard. If rot has appeared, it must be cleaned to a healthy tissue. In the spring, mineral fertilizers must be applied.
Caring for irises after flowering does not require special skills, but it is necessary to maintain the health of the whole plant.