Kosaćce owes its Latin name to Iris, a winged Greek messenger of the gods, who was able to open a seven-colored bow in the sky, i.e. a rainbow.The goddess was said to have been born in Crete, where one of the first frescoes dating back to 2100 BC, depicting an iris flower, was found on the walls of the Knossos Palace.
Irises have been present for centuries not only in gardens, but also in culture and art. In the Middle Ages, the motif of this flower appears in heraldry, while in Persia and Japan it was used as a decorative element on plates, ceramic dishes and embroidery.Also in Europe, irises were immortalized in their works by Leonardo da Vinci and the Impressionists.Wild irises grow from Spain through southern and south-eastern Europe, the countries of the Middle East and Central Asia towards Japan. About 270 species of this genus have been discovered.
Bearded irises Iris x barbata, belonging to the group of rhizome irises, is the result of breeding work (started at the end of the 19th century), involving the crossing of many European and Little Asian species and their natural hybrids. A characteristic feature of this group of irises is a more or less developed "chin" - a strand of yellow, orange or white hairs at the base of the lower petals.Until recently, these were only tall varieties ranging from 60 to 120 cm in height, now they have also been joined by miniatures (20-30 cm).
Kosaćce are among the most valuable garden perennials. Apart from the spectacular flowering in the colors of the rainbow, the period of which, with the right variety of varieties, may last from mid-May to the end of June (about 6 weeks), is characterized by constant decorative leaves.They are easy to grow and multiply quickly.
The place for irises should be prepared a few weeks before planting.The stand should be carefully weeded and composted manure (at least one year old) in combination with phosphorus-potassium mineral fertilizers.Scythes require soil with a pH of 5-7, moderately rich in nutrients, permeable, not too much light and not dried by tree roots. They do not tolerate excessively humid places. They feel best in a sunny to partial shade position.
Irrigating care comes down to weeding, watering during drought, removing faded flowers and wilted or infected leaves.In late autumn, remove all dead or diseased leaves, and trim the remaining leaves to 1/3 of their height ( this applies to those plants that grow 2 years or more in one place).
From toddler to giant
Bearded scythes are divided into three groups that differ in height.Interestingly, the smaller the iris, the faster it starts flowering.Low beard irises Iris barbata nana grow from 20 cm (blooming in March) to 40 cm (blooming in May / June).
Ideally suited for container cultivation and rock gardens. Medium bearded irises Iris barbata media grow up to 70 cm and show their flowers from April. The tall bearded irises Iris barbata eliator reach a height of 80 to 120 cm. Among them we can find specimens that bloom again in autumn. We plant tall irises either solo or in the back of the rebates.
Iris breeding
1. The best times for dividing iris clumps and transplanting plants are late summer and early fall - about 4-6 weeks after flowering. Kosaćce should be transplanted every 3-4 years, when they start to grow and bloom weaker.
2. When transplanting, the rhizome is divided into fragments with 2-3 eyelets, removing the oldest, semi-dead part.
3. The firm and he althy parts are intended for further cultivation.Cutting wounds should be treated with charcoal or other antifungal agents intended for dressing.
4. Iris rhizomes are planted shallow - they are placed on the top of the mound in such a way that they are flush with the surface of the ground, and their roots should be spread on the sides of the mound 2-3 cm below the ground. The planting distance for tall varieties is 50 cm, and 25 cm for low varieties. Remember that after planting, you need to water the plants well.
The most beautiful varieties of iris
In addition to the popular bearded irises, many other interesting representatives of the genus can be found in trade and breeding.
1. False iris Iris spuria of the 'Sunny Day' cultivar blooms from the beginning of June, it grows up to 100 cm. Likes sunny positions.
2. Iris pallida, cultivar 'Aurea Variegata' blooms in May / June, grows up to 60 cm. After flowering, it decorates the garden with beautiful leaves.
3. Siberian iris Iris sibirica, cultivar 'Coronation Anthem', blooms in May / June, grows up to 80 cm. Prefers somewhat damp growing places.
4. Dutch iris Iris sambucina blooms at the end of June, it grows up to 60 cm. It smells like elderberry.
