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Dwarf iris is often used for decorative purposes. This is an unpretentious plant that does not require specific care. Iris is practically insensitive to diseases and rarely attracts pests. Thanks to these features, this flower is an ideal solution for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
Description of dwarf irises
It is a low-growing perennial plant. Most types of dwarf iris (Iris pumila) do not exceed 20 cm in height. Some varieties reach 40 cm.
Despite the low growth, the size of the buds is practically no different from other, taller flowers. The color depends on the variety. Irises can be purple, yellow, lilac, or another shade.
Irises bloom for up to 1 month
Each bush grows a large number of flower stalks. 2-3 flowers appear on them.
Unlike tall iris species, dwarf iris begin to bloom in the second year after planting. Such bushes also have abundant dark green foliage, which remains attractive until late autumn.
Varieties of low-growing irises
There are a large number of varieties that differ in external characteristics. Therefore, you should consider the main varieties of dwarf iris with photos and names.
Cats Eye
The variety Iris Pumila Cat’s Eye is one of the most common among low-growing irises. The height of the plant is 18-20 cm. During the flowering period, flower stalks appear on it, due to which the bush increases to 30 cm.
Iris Cats Eye blooms from late April
The flowers of the plant have a double color. The upper part is plum-pink, and when blooming takes on a slightly golden hue. The lower lobe is velvety. The petals have cherry spots in the center and whitish streaks at the base.
larrikin
The Iris pumila Larrikin variety has a unique lilac color. The plant has a large number of basal linear leaves with a faint bluish tint.
Flowers on the dwarf larrikin iris reach a diameter of 15 cm
The budding period occurs in early May. Subsequently, a large number of dark flowers appear on the plant. They are lilac in color with light spots in the center of the petals. The flowering period is from late May to mid-June.
Blue Denim
The dwarf hybrid variety Iris pumila Blue Denim is characterized by resistance to cold and other unfavorable factors. The height of the bushes is 20-25 cm.
Iris Blue Denim is best planted in partial shade to protect the petals from fading.
During the flowering period, which lasts from late March to mid-April, light blue flowers appear on the dwarf iris.The petals have slightly corrugated edges.
This variety is best suited for planting in rockeries and rock gardens. After flowering, they decorate the area with their dense foliage.
Galleon Gold
The Galleon Gold variety is a standard dwarf iris. The height of the bushes is 20-30 cm. The plant is used for landscaping, in flower arrangements and for single planting. The leaves of this iris are bluish, long, and dense.
Due to its frost resistance, Galleon Gold iris is grown in any climate zone
Flowers up to 10 cm in diameter. Color – bright yellow with a purple beard. Flowering lasts up to three weeks. It usually starts in mid-May and ends in early June.
Cherry Garden
The Iris pumila Cherry Garden variety is a low-growing plant with several central and lateral stems. It has long, feather-like, dark green leaves. The flowers are dark purple with a lilac tint.
Iris Cherry Garden blooms at the end of May
The flowering period lasts 3-4 weeks. After this, the plant retains its decorative properties due to its abundant green foliage.
This variety is recommended to be planted in well-lit areas. Given enough light, the plant can bloom again in the fall.
Daemon
The Iris pumila Daemon variety has a unique jet-black flower color. The height of the plant is standard for dwarf irises and does not exceed 30 cm. The plant blooms at the end of April throughout May. In the future, the bush performs a decorative function, landscaping the area with dense foliage.
The duration of flowering directly depends on the mineral content in the soil
The Demon variety is recommended to be planted in well-lit areas.Planting in the shade negatively affects the development of the dwarf iris and may result in it not blooming.
Brassey
The variety Iris pumila Brassie is a standard dwarf iris, height 20-25 cm. The plant is used for group planting in open areas, in rockeries and alpine slides.
Iris Brassey is planted in shaded areas so that the petals do not discolor in the sun.
The budding period lasts from the beginning to the end of May. Subsequently, bright yellow flowers with a diameter of 8-10 cm appear on the dwarf iris. Up to 30 buds are formed on each bush.
Dwarf irises in landscape design
They are usually planted next to other ornamental plants that bloom in spring or summer. In the photo of dwarf irises it is noticeable that they go well with other low crops.
These include:
- daffodils;
- tulips;
- Pushkinia;
- alyssums;
- rhizomes;
- phlox.
Often, dwarf varieties of iris are used to frame borders, artificial ponds, and other elements of garden decor. Such flowers can be planted in gardens.
Due to their compact size, dwarf irises are ideal for planting in containers, flowerpots and pots. They are often used to make hanging decorations on verandas and terraces.
Features of reproduction
The most convenient way is to divide the roots. The procedure is carried out in the summer, after flowering has ended.
Procedure steps:
- Choose a healthy bush, at least 3 years old.
- Dig out from the soil.
- Extract with the root ball.
- Clear away any hard pieces of soil.
- Separate the root segment with several buds.
- Place the mother bush back into the soil.
- Place the delenka in a manganese solution for 2 hours and then dry.
After the procedure, the divisions must be dried in the open air.
Planting material is planted in July or August. Then the young plants will have time to take root, survive the winter well and bloom the next year.
Planting low-growing irises
It is necessary to take a responsible approach to choosing a site for a dwarf plant. For low irises from the Red Book, well-lit places are best suited. Some varieties can be planted in partial shade. However, in areas where the bushes do not have access to sunlight, iris cannot be planted.
Soil acidity for irises is neutral. The optimal indicator is 6-7 pH. Plants do not tolerate stagnation of liquid in the soil. Therefore, it must contain a drainage layer.
Dwarf irises are planted from April to early autumn. The plant quickly adapts to a new place, takes root and grows actively.
Landing algorithm:
- Choose a suitable location.
- Clear the area of weeds and dig it up.
- Apply 30 g of nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer per 1 square meter to the soil. m.
- Dig shallow holes.
- Place the divisions in them so that the root collar is located on the surface.
- Water generously.
- Mulch the soil with fine gravel or coarse sand.
Abundant watering is recommended for the first 5 days. In the future, it is gradually reduced.
Features of care
Dwarf irises are among the undemanding plants. They grow well without regular feeding.
It is recommended to apply fertilizers in the spring, before budding begins. For these purposes, potassium and phosphorus solutions are used.
In late spring and throughout the summer, the plant requires abundant watering. Under each bush it is necessary to add 5-6 liters of liquid. It is best to do this in the evening to reduce water evaporation in the sun.
Caring for dwarf irises also involves the following activities:
- loosening the soil - 1-2 times a month, depending on the speed of compaction;
- mulching the soil – 2-3 times during the growing season;
- regular removal of weeds near bushes;
- pruning faded flower stalks, dried shoots and leaves.
Every 5-6 years, irises should be divided and replanted in a new location.
This procedure is usually carried out in the autumn. However, it can also be done in the summer. In this case, surface shoots are removed from the plant at a height of 6-7 cm.
Diseases and pests
Irises are resistant to infections. However, they can be affected by fungi or viruses due to improper care.
The most common diseases are:
- bacteriosis of rhizomes;
- rhizoctoniasis;
- fusarium rot;
- botrytis;
- leaf spot;
- rust.
Most diseases cause gradual wilting of irises.
In the photo of a low iris, it is noticeable that due to infection, its flowers began to become deformed and dry out. This usually happens due to improper care of the bushes and gross violation of growing technology.
To treat the described diseases, complex fungicidal preparations are used. They must be used in strict accordance with the instructions. If leaves and flowers are damaged, they must be cut off to prevent the infection from spreading to healthy bushes.
Preventive recommendations:
- Prevent stagnation of liquid in the soil.
- Avoid fertilizing with fresh manure and droppings.
- Use disease-resistant varieties of irises for planting.
- Apply lime to the soil to reduce acidity.
- Follow the watering schedule.
- Avoid drought.
- Do not replant bushes during flowering.
Similar recommendations help in preventing pest damage. In spring and after flowering, dwarf irises need to be treated with insecticides. This will prevent damage to mole crickets, slugs, and aphids.
Conclusion
Dwarf iris is a low-growing ornamental plant with large flowers. This perennial has gained popularity among landscape designers, despite its relatively short flowering period. The demand for different varieties of dwarf irises is explained by the fact that they are easy to grow even for inexperienced gardeners.
