Description of Japanese iris varieties, planting and care in open ground

By the end of summer, when all the flowers have faded and the flowerbed seems empty and forgotten, the Japanese iris continues to amaze with its attractive appearance. Its unusual, whimsical shape makes it a popular choice among gardeners. It's worth carefully studying the plant's growth habits and cultivation techniques before beginning to cultivate it.

Japanese iris: description and characteristics of the plant

According to legend, irises are beautiful gifts of nature, born from the destruction of a rainbow. The phenomenon didn't vanish on its own, but shattered into tiny fragments and fell onto meadows. In their place, unusual multicolored flowers grew. In Japan, these plants are highly praised. There are even festivals and celebrations dedicated to irises, during which the flowers are ritually contemplated. In their natural habitat, they grow on the edges of forests in China, Myanmar, and Japan.

Advice! If you make a necklace of Japanese irises and wear it, you can get rid of ailments forever..

In their homeland, the plant is considered a samurai and warrior tradition, sharing common traits: hardiness and undemanding nature. Japanese irises are welcome additions to any flowerbed or garden plot, as the plant possesses:

• superficial root system;
• short branched stems;
• large buds, which are located singly or collected in inflorescences, the diameter of which varies from 14 to 25 cm;
• a flower consisting of 3 outer lobes, a perianth, and a small inner lobe;
• impressive sword-shaped leaves ranging in size from 25 to 60 cm;
• in a variety of shades;
• good resistance to diseases, but poor resistance to frost.

This luxurious flower long remained an Eastern plant. When it was brought to other countries, breeders began actively developing all sorts of varieties. As a result, there is a vast array of Japanese iris varieties.

Advantages and disadvantages of using in landscape design

Japanese irises have their pros and cons, so when choosing, you should consider the main characteristics of the plant:

• large original flower;
• resistance to many diseases;
• wind resistance.

Disadvantages of Japanese irises:

• low tolerance to wintering;
• lack of aroma.

Landscape design uses depend directly on the variety's height. Varieties that grow to 1 m or taller are planted in the background of compositions, with any deciduous shrubs serving as a backdrop. Smaller varieties look great in the foreground or in rock gardens.

For rock gardens, lilac or violet flowers are recommended, as this color complements the cobblestones beautifully. A pond decorated with Japanese irises will also look attractive and picturesque. It's important to avoid stagnant water in this area, as this will negatively impact the flowers' vitality. Planting them near borders is not recommended, as their short flowering period makes them impractical.

Tip! A flowerbed can be a great place to combine flowers with different blooming seasons, so the area will remain colorful and pleasing to the eye for a long time.

The most popular varieties

Gardeners prefer the following popular varieties.

Kogesho

The plant grows from 60 to 80 cm tall. The buds are approximately 19 cm in diameter and white with a distinct pink center and yellow flecks. It prefers well-lit, wind-free areas with dry soil.

Nessa no Mai

The plant's height varies from 70 to 80 cm. The bud, up to 15 cm in diameter, is lilac-colored with a white center and yellow flecks. This variety does not tolerate excessive watering well and prefers dry areas. It requires winter protection.

Freckled Geisha

The plant grows to about 85 cm tall. The flower is white with a thin border and a dusting of lilac. It prefers light, loamy soil with a neutral pH. It does not tolerate high humidity and requires winter shelter.

Queens Tiara

This variety is highly winter-hardy and can withstand even the harshest winters. The plant grows up to 90 cm tall. The buds, approximately 15 cm long, are characterized by a light lilac hue.

Good Omen

This variety's vibrant purple buds are eye-catching, bordered by a dark edge with yellow streaks from the center. Stems range from 80 to 120 cm in length. It thrives in sunny locations, well-drained soil with plenty of humus, and high flowing moisture, while being resistant to the negative effects of pathogenic fungi and microorganisms.

Vasily Alferov

The plant owes its name to the renowned breeder who worked hard to create numerous varieties of Japanese irises suitable for growing in Russia's climate. This variety is perfect for lovers of larger-than-life plants. The stems reach approximately 1.1 m in height, and the flowers themselves are over 20 cm in diameter.

Eileen's Dream

A double flower in a violet hue with prominent yellow stalks and a delicate lilac edge. The bud features 9 to 12 petals with a corrugated, velvety surface.

Features of agricultural technology for Japanese irises

Every experienced gardener agrees that plants shouldn't be overly cared for, but there are still some requirements. When growing Japanese irises, it's important to adhere to certain agricultural practices and observe all planting conditions.

Requirements for conditions and location

When growing Japanese irises in your garden, it's worth considering the conditions these plants thrive in in the wild. They're often found in damp meadows, so the area allocated for growing them should be well-lit and well-watered. If such a spot isn't available, the plant will adapt to light shade, and any lack of water will have to be replenished manually.

Important! Planting directly into a pond is not recommended, as the plant is not a hydrophyte. A site with high humidity is sufficient.

Japanese irises prefer slightly acidic soils; they don't thrive in alkaline soils, as they don't tolerate excess calcium. Before planting, fertilize the soil with organic fertilizer, clearing it of weeds first.

Japanese irises can also be grown in containers, but due to the characteristics of their rhizomes they do not grow in width.

Timing and rules for planting flowers

Japanese irises can be planted in spring or late summer. In northwestern regions, it's best to plan planting beginning in the third ten days of May. The planting algorithm consists of the following steps:

1. Prepare planting material.
2. Dig small holes at a distance of 30-35 cm.
3. Place the rhizome in a prepared hole at a depth of 5-7 cm from the surface.
4. Cover thoroughly with soil and compact.
5. Cover with fertile soil and water generously.

Proper planting is the key to successful rooting, growth, and flowering. Depending on the variety, it is recommended to replant irises every 5-7 years.

Watering and fertilizing

It's important to remember that Japanese irises require plenty of water, especially rainwater. Many gardeners recommend building special borders to ensure that all water drains to the roots during rainy weather. Japanese irises are considered easy to care for, but regular fertilizing is essential 2-3 times a year during the growing season. For this, use a complete fertilizer containing all the essential macro- and micronutrients. Organic fertilizers are also essential. A 10% mullein solution will positively impact the growth and development of irises.

Mulching and fertilizing is required around the plant, since it does not grow horizontally, but rises upward.

Pests and diseases of Japanese irises: prevention and treatment

Japanese irises are quite resilient and rarely suffer from bacterial and fungal diseases. However, in waterlogged soils, they can develop rot. As a preventative measure, when planting, create a drainage layer and mix the soil with sand or fine expanded clay. This prevents acidity and waterlogging. Additionally, improper care and unsuitable climatic conditions can lead to:

1. Bacterial blight. There is no treatment for this infection; affected plant parts must be burned.
2. Heterosporium. Increase phosphorus fertilizers as a preventative measure, and appropriate fungicides are used to control the disease.
3. Botrytis. If symptoms occur, triazole medications should be used.
4. Leaf mosaic. Remove damaged leaves and treat the plant with a 0.2% copper oxychloride solution.

Thrips are considered a dangerous pest for Japanese irises. If signs of infestation are detected during a systematic inspection, it's important to promptly treat the affected plants with insecticides. In the fall, collect and burn the petals and leaves to prevent re-infestation the following season and remove the insect eggs.

Trimming

Sanitary and formative pruning of Japanese irises is carried out in several stages:

• after flowering;
• if the foliage turns yellow or is damaged;
• during transplantation or propagation.

This procedure helps the root zone concentrate on accumulating nutrients and improve the quality of future bud formation. When pruning, do not remove the entire leaf, leaving only 20 cm of the fan (one-third of the total length).

Wintering

It's important to begin preparing Japanese irises for winter as early as mid-October. To do this:

• cut the plant by 15 cm;
• cover the soil with a thick layer of mulch made from dry leaves;
• cover with plastic wrap.

In spring, the cover must be removed promptly, not immediately after the first warm spell, as unexpected frosts will ruin the gardener's efforts.

Potential difficulties when growing

The main problem is the lack of buds throughout the growing season. There are several reasons why a Japanese iris doesn't bloom:

1. Planting depth can negatively affect the development of the flower; if the rhizome is planted too deep, the plant will not bloom.
2. Moisture and soil quality. Irises are sensitive to standing water and lack of sunlight. If they are planted in damp, cold soil, they will not bloom.
3. Age. If a plant grows in the same spot for 4-5 years, the buds become exposed, immunity weakens, and the rhizome dries out or rots.
4. Mechanical damage or disease.

Knowing the reason for the lack of blooms, you can correct it and admire the beautiful buds. The vibrant colors, graceful shape, and ease of cultivation have made the Japanese iris a favorite garden flower.