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German iris is a perennial well known to all gardeners in the world. He easily adapts to a new place, does not cause the hassle of leaving and is able to survive even the most severe frosts. The variety of varieties allows every fan of this flower culture to find "his" favorite type of irises.
Description of the Germanic iris
A well-developed root system with weak branching is characteristic of irises. The stem is straight, hard and powerful, it can reach 1 m in height. The leaves are long, flat and xiphoid, pointed at the ends. The color depends on the variety and ranges from gray-green to emerald purple.
Iris Germanic is popularly known as iris or violet root
Flowers of iris germanis are bisexual. Formation takes place at the top of the stem. On one culture, 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 phase of flowering is May-June. Iris Germanicus bears fruit in the form of triangular elongated capsules with seeds.
German iris varieties
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, unpretentious 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. A spectacular upper dome and a 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 novice flower growers
Average plant height - 50-60 cm. Flower diameter - 13-14 cm. Iris "Sultan Palace" looks great in a flower garden, perfect for cutting and creating original flower arrangements.
Windsor Rose
Flowers of the Windsor Rose variety are notable for a rich shade of lavender interspersed with bright scarlet color at the base of the petals.
Windsor Rose is organic in tandem with juniper
Shoots reach a height of 80-85 cm. The diameter of the flower varies from 12 to 16 cm. The aroma of 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 Germanic iris is planted in flower beds or alpine hills.
Black Dragon
Luxurious Germanic irises "Black Dragon" of violet, dark blue or charcoal shades are the decoration of any garden. All colors shine amazingly in the light of the sun and often become the center of a flower arrangement.
Designers appreciate Black Dragon for its long bloom
Shoots 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. In the flowering phase, Black Dragon exudes a wonderful aroma.
Purple Stripe
Iris Germanic "Purpl Stryped" outwardly resembles 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 Stryped" is notable for the effect of "velvety"
The main difference from other varieties is small flowers (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 a golden-yellow color with reddish-brown blotches in diameter reach 8-9 cm. The variety is also notable for a height of 100-150 cm.
"Apache Warrior" is a great decoration for ponds
German irises "Apache Warrior" bring iridescent variety to the green thick of the flower bed. They harmoniously harmonize with hosts, conifers and decorative ferns.
Sia Double
The Sia Double variety is popularly called the "sea" iris. Indeed, the blue-blue color resembles the palette of a restless sea. This is a species with large flowers (up to 15 cm in diameter) and an impressive height (up to 100 cm).
Iris "Sia Double" will bring notes of sea romance to the flower garden
The German variety is frost-hardy and unpretentious. Suitable for both flower beds and flower beds. Brings fresh notes to any color palette.
Orange Harvest
"Orange Harvest" is a fiery flower that demonstrates good adaptation next to any varieties of German iris, but at the same time 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 12-15 cm in diameter. The color palette ranges from peach to fiery orange.
Breeding features
Reproduction of German iris is available even to a novice florist. There are 2 ways of reproduction: seed and vegetative.
Seed propagation is used only for wild species.
The first method is used less often, since it does not guarantee the preservation of the species characteristics of the Germanic species. The collection of iris seeds is carried out from April to May, sowing - in the fall. In winter, the seeds undergo stratification and in the spring the strongest specimens show the first shoots.
The vegetative method involves dividing the rhizome. It is carefully cleaned of soil and divided into several parts, each of which must contain at least 2-3 annual links and 1 leaf fan.
Then the "delenka" is treated in a solution of potassium permanganate, dried and the cuts are sprinkled with ground charcoal. Before planting, the roots are cut by ⅓, and the leaf fan by ⅔.
Landing rules
The planting of German iris is most often carried out in early spring. To accelerate the adaptation and growth of a culture, it is necessary to choose the right place.
Iris prefers light soil with good drainage
The site for planting irises must meet the following requirements:
- good illumination;
- lack of drafts;
- low groundwater flow;
- high-quality drainage;
- optimal soil composition.
The soil for Germanic irises is prepared in advance by adding compost and potassium-phosphorus compositions. 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 "delenka" in the planting hole, sprinkle the rhizome with earth, pouring a small amount of river sand on top.
- With the simultaneous planting of several divisions, the distance between the Germanic 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 swampiness.
Care features
Agrotechnics of varietal hybrids of German iris includes watering, feeding 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.
Deficiency of moisture for German iris is fatal
Depending on the type of soil, watering is also regulated. When planting in loam or sandy loam, it is necessary to water the Germanic irises 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. For the entire season, fertilizers are applied 3 times:
- When growing green mass (nitrogen fertilizers).
- 14-16 days after the first feeding.
- During flowering (potassium-phosphorus complexes).
As for the shelter for the winter, most varieties of German iris are frost-hardy. However, plants planted in autumn are additionally protected with mulching.
Pests and diseases
The most dangerous ailment of Germanic irises is root rot. It leads to decay of the root system and the subsequent death of the culture. Having identified the first signs of wilting, the iris must be removed from the soil, removed the affected parts, treated with a fungicide and additionally disinfected the soil.
Another common disease of Germanic iris is heterosporiosis. This disease manifests itself with brown spots on the leaves. The problem is solved by removing the affected part and disinfecting the plant with copper sulfate.
Heterosporia appears as rusty spots on the leaves.
Slugs and trips are dangerous for the iris. The former attack during the rainy season, destroying not only the green mass, but also the flowers. The problem of thrips presence is solved by additional fungicide treatment.
Application of Germanic iris
The fields of application of German iris are very wide. The plant is actively used by both landscape designers and perfumers, pharmacologists and culinary specialists.
In landscape design
Iris is organic when planted in rockeries in combination with juniper, conifers or small flowers (cornflowers, carnations). Iridariums look especially attractive - iris gardens, where planting is done in curtains, asymmetrically. The space between the bushes is filled with a mixture of light gravel and transparent pebbles of sea green.
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 root of the plant are used as raw materials for the creation of antiseptic, analgesic and expectorant drugs.
A decoction of German iris is used to treat bronchitis, tonsillitis and other diseases of the respiratory tract, used as a diuretic and antipyretic agent, used for colic and diseases of the gallbladder.
Homeopaths prescribe iris preparations for chronic pancreatitis
Iris is used both as a standalone supplement and as part of numerous herbal preparations. Depending on the condition, the plant produces a different effect. For example, a fresh root is recommended for vomiting and poisoning, and a dry root has a fixing effect and is useful for bronchitis.
In cooking
Iris often acts as a flavoring agent for alcohol and is used as a spice ingredient for fish. Flour from the root of iris germanis is used in baked goods.
Toffee root flour can be added to cookies and gingerbread
The product does not contain gluten, therefore it is recommended for people with intolerance to this protein.
In aromatherapy
Iris Germanic has a sweet, soft and very persistent aroma. The oil made from its extract solidifies 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 scent, but also additionally moisturizes and cleanses the dermis, 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 iris germanis is very complex. Powdery floral sweetness is set off 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 belongs to the group of aphrodisiacs.
Natural iris oil, used in the perfumery industry, has a high price ($ 100 per gram), so perfume with a real oil component cannot be cheap.
Conclusion
Iris Germanic is not just a luxurious flower with many varieties of various shades. It is a plant with a unique history and a wide range of applications: from culinary to medical industry.
