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German iris is a perennial well known to all gardeners around the world. It easily adapts to a new place, does not cause any hassle associated with care and is able to survive even the most severe frosts. The variety of varieties allows every fan of this flower culture to find “their” favorite type of irises.
Description of the German iris
Irises are characterized by a developed root system with weak branching. The stem is straight, hard and powerful, and can reach 1 m in height. The leaves are long, flat and sword-shaped, pointed at the ends. The color depends on the variety and ranges from bluish-green to emerald purple.
Germanic iris is popularly known as iris or orris root.
The flowers of the German iris are bisexual. Formation occurs at the top of the stem. On one crop you can observe up to 10 flowers, each of which remains fresh for up to 5 days, after which it is replaced by another.The Germanic species has a wide palette of shades, which directly depends on the variety of irises. The active flowering phase is May-June. German iris produces fruits in the form of triangular elongated seed pods.
Varieties of German iris
The popularity of the Germanic species has led to the creation of a large number of hybrids. All bred varieties are characterized by an original appearance, ease of care and the ability to create organic combinations with any other crops.
Sultan Palace
The main difference between the German variety is the burgundy-red color of the petals with a curled edge. The spectacular upper dome and light sweetish aroma in the flowering phase (14-15 days in mid-May) make this variety of German iris even more attractive.
Iris "Sultan Palace" is recommended for beginning gardeners
The average height of the plant is 50-60 cm. Flower diameter is 13-14 cm. Iris “Sultan Palace” looks great in a flower garden, great for cutting and creating original flower arrangements.
Windsor Rose
The flowers of the Windsor Rose variety are notable for their rich shade of lavender with splashes of bright scarlet at the base of the petals.
"Windsor Rose" is organic in tandem with juniper
The shoots reach a height of 80-85 cm. The diameter of the flower varies from 12 to 16 cm. The aroma of the iris is light, pleasant and unobtrusive. The unusual shade of the variety sets a playful mood for the entire flower garden, so this variety of German iris is planted in flower beds or alpine hills.
Black Dragon
Luxurious German irises “Black Dragon” in purple, dark blue or charcoal shades are a decoration for any garden. All colors sparkle amazingly in the light of the sun and often become the center of a flower arrangement.
Designers appreciate "Black Dragon" for its long flowering
Shoots are 80-90 cm high with a peduncle and a flower 10-14 cm in size. The number of buds on 1 stem can reach 8-9 pieces. The petals have a corrugated edge. During the flowering phase, "Black Dragon" exudes a wonderful aroma.
Purple Striped
Iris Germanis "Purple Striped" looks like one of the varieties of orchids. White petals are diluted with dark lilac strokes and edging of the same shade. Plant height – 80-90 cm.
“Purple Striped” is notable for its “velvety” effect
The main difference from other varieties is the flowers are small in diameter (up to 7-8 cm). Florists often use this variety when creating “masculine” flower arrangements.
Apache Warrior
One of the most atypical varieties of German iris is Apache Warrior. Small inflorescences of golden yellow color with reddish-brown inclusions reach 8-9 cm in diameter. The variety is also notable for its height - 100-150 cm.
"Apache Warrior" is an excellent decoration option for ponds
German irises "Apache Warrior" bring rainbow variety to the green thicket of the flower bed. They harmonize organically with hostas, conifers and decorative ferns.
Sia Double
The “Sia Double” variety is popularly called “sea” iris. Indeed, the blue color is reminiscent of the palette of a restless sea. This is a species with large flowers (up to 15 cm in diameter) and impressive height (up to 100 cm).
Iris "Sia Double" will bring notes of sea romance to the flower garden
The German variety is frost-resistant and unpretentious. Suitable for both flower beds and ridges. Brings notes of freshness to any color palette.
Orange Harvest
“Orange Harvest” is a fiery flower that demonstrates good adaptation next to any varieties of German iris, but does not tolerate representatives of other families.
"Orange Harvest" does not take root well next to plants of other families
One of the tallest plants (up to 120 cm in height) with bright large flowers with a diameter of 12-15 cm. The color palette varies from peach to fiery orange.
Features of reproduction
Propagation of German iris is accessible even to a novice gardener. There are 2 methods of propagation: seed and vegetative.
Reproduction by seed method is used only for wild species
The first method is used less frequently, since it does not guarantee the preservation of the species characteristics of the Germanic species. Iris seeds are collected from April to May, and sowing is carried out in autumn. In winter, the seeds undergo stratification and in the spring the strongest specimens show their first shoots.
The vegetative method involves dividing the rhizome. It is carefully cleared of soil and divided into several parts, each of which must contain at least 2-3 annual links and 1 leaf fan.
Then the “cut” is treated in a solution of potassium permanganate, dried and the sections are sprinkled with ground charcoal. Before planting, the roots are cut by ⅓ and the leaf fan by ⅔.
Landing rules
German iris is most often planted in early spring. To speed up the adaptation and growth of a culture, it is necessary to choose the right location.
Iris prefers light soil with good drainage
The area for planting irises must meet the following requirements:
- good lighting;
- absence of drafts;
- low groundwater level;
- high-quality drainage;
- optimal soil composition.
The soil for German irises is prepared in advance by adding compost and potassium-phosphorus compounds. Pre-treatment of the soil with fungicides will not hurt either.
Before planting, the planting material is treated with growth stimulants.
The landing algorithm consists of the following operations:
- Assess the condition of the roots, remove dry and rotten areas, shorten them by ⅔.
- Form a hole 22-25 cm deep.
- Place the “division” in the planting hole, sprinkle the rhizome with soil, and sprinkle a small amount of river sand on top.
- When planting several divisions at the same time, the distance between German irises should not be less than 50 cm.
- Water abundantly.
When moisturizing, it is important not to overdo it, since German iris does not like being waterlogged.
Features of care
Agricultural technology for varietal hybrids of German iris includes watering, fertilizing and shelter for the winter.
Watering is necessary for timely and abundant flowering. It is important to properly organize irrigation in the first weeks after planting.
Moisture deficiency is detrimental to German iris.
Depending on the type of soil, watering is also regulated. When planting in loam or sandstone, German irises must be watered every evening. Irrigation is not carried out during the day, as the moisture evaporates too quickly. Immediately after watering, the soil is loosened.
Irises need high-quality feeding. Over the entire season, fertilizers are applied 3 times:
- When increasing green mass (nitrogen fertilizers).
- 14-16 days after the first feeding.
- During flowering (potassium-phosphorus complexes).
As for shelter for the winter, most varieties of German iris are frost-resistant. However, plants planted in the fall are additionally protected by mulching.
Pests and diseases
The most dangerous disease of German irises is root rot. It leads to rotting of the root system and subsequent death of the crop. Having identified the first signs of wilting, the iris must be removed from the soil, the affected parts removed, treated with a fungicide and additionally disinfected the soil.
Another common disease of German iris is heterosporiosis. This disease manifests itself as brown spots on the leaves. The problem is solved by removing the affected part and disinfecting the plant with copper sulfate.
Heterosporiasis manifests itself in the form of rusty spots on the leaves
Slugs and trips are dangerous for German iris. The first attack during the rainy season, destroying not only the green mass, but also the flowers. The problem of the presence of thrips is solved by additional treatment with a fungicide.
Uses of German iris
The areas of application of German iris are very wide. The plant is actively used by landscape designers, perfumers, pharmacologists and culinary specialists.
In landscape design
Iris is organic when planted in a rock garden in combination with juniper, conifers or small flowers (cornflowers, carnations). Iridariums look especially attractive - iris gardens, where planting is done in clumps, asymmetrically. The space between the bushes is filled with a mixture of light gravel and transparent sea-green pebbles.
Paths in iridariums are lined with small light pebbles or gravel
You can complement the design with picturesque driftwood, antique-looking jugs or discreet ceramic figurines. All details of the landscape should emphasize the natural beauty of the irises without drawing attention to themselves.
In medicine
Iris is widely used in both folk and traditional medicine. Here, the seeds and roots of the plant are used as raw materials to create antiseptic, analgesic and expectorant agents.
A decoction of German iris is used to treat bronchitis, sore throats and other respiratory diseases, is used as a diuretic and antipyretic, and is used for colic and gallbladder diseases.
Homeopaths prescribe iris preparations for chronic pancreatitis
Iris is used both as a separate supplement and as part of numerous herbal infusions. Depending on the condition, the plant causes different effects. For example, fresh root is recommended for vomiting and poisoning, while dry root has a strengthening effect and is useful for bronchitis.
In cooking
Iris often acts as a flavoring agent for alcohol and is used as a spice component for fish. Germanic orris root flour is used in baking.
Orris root flour can be added to cookies and gingerbreads
The product does not contain gluten and is therefore recommended for people intolerant to this protein.
In aromatherapy
German iris has a sweetish, soft and very persistent aroma. The oil made from its extract hardens at room temperature, acquiring a delicate, smooth consistency.
Essential oil is used in cosmetology and aromatherapy
This product not only gives the skin and hair a floral aroma, but also additionally moisturizes and cleanses the dermis, and stimulates the growth of hair follicles.
Aromatherapists recommend combining iris oil with essential oils of cypress, neroli, cedar, rose and sandalwood.
In the perfume industry
The aroma of German iris is very complex. The powdery floral sweetness is offset by notes of green leaf combined with wood and forest violet. Perfumers note the versatility and variability of the aroma and recommend using it without any additives.
The aroma of iris is classified as an aphrodisiac.
Natural iris oil, used in the perfume industry, has a high price ($100 per 1 g), so perfumes with a real oil component cannot be cheap.
Conclusion
The German iris is not just a luxurious flower with many varieties of different shades. This is a plant with a unique history and a wide range of applications: from cooking to the medical industry.
