Plant of the month »The iris (iris)

Plant profile:

• Botanical name: Iris
• Genus: Irises
• Family: Iris family (bot. Iridaceae)
• Height: 50 to 120 centimeters
• Growth habit: perennial with rhizome
• Main flowering time: July to October
• Leaf color: strong green
• Leaf shape: grass-like, with entire margins
• Flower color: purple, blue, white, yellow, orange, red, pink, multi-colored
• Flower shape: single flower, consisting of three pendulous (beard or comb) and three upright leaves (thorn leaves)

origin

In nature there are around 200 different species of iris that thrive in the wild, predominantly in the temperate zones of the northern hemisphere. The wild forms are very similar in their flower shape, but differ in terms of height, flower period and location requirements.

Planting and care

Irises prefer a loose, water-permeable and rather dry substrate. Ideal is a nutrient-rich, not overly compacted one Clay soil. The attractive perennials do not tolerate acidic or wet subsoil.

Preferably plant the iris after flowering. Always place the rhizomes horizontally and not too deeply in the ground and cover them with a centimeter of soil. The planting distance should be at least 40 centimeters.

Care tips

Irises are relatively drought tolerant and only need to be watered when the soil is very dry. Remove what has bloomed from the twice-blooming specimens so that the perennial does not put unnecessary strength into seed formation.

Ripe compost is used for fertilization in spring. Avoid overfeeding as the iris is sensitive to salt. With excessive fertilization, the rhizomes begin to rot.

Multiplication

So that irises do not lose their ability to flower, the clumps should be divided regularly. Proceed as follows:

• In August, after flowering, remove dense rhizomes from the soil.
• Break into pieces about ten centimeters long with the shoot and root.
• Shorten the leaves to ten centimeters.
• Reinsert rhizome parts with sufficient spacing.

Diseases and pests:

The hardy irises are extremely robust and are only attacked by diseases or pests if they are not in an optimal location.

• In damp weather conditions there is a risk of root rot. Dig up the rhizome as quickly as possible, remove any soft spots and place the root in a place where the water can drain well. A drainage layer in the planting hole is recommended.
• Leaves affected by leaf spots should be cut off and the leaves disposed of with household waste.