Lily: planting and care, types and varieties, photo. Growing iris in open ground on a personal plot: features of the variety Iris berries

Irises or, as they are affectionately called, cockerels or irises, have been known to mankind since ancient times and are distributed almost throughout the globe. These unpretentious flowers look like orchids and can have a variety of colors, including the entire spectrum of rainbow colors. That is why the plant was named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow, Iris. Flowers make magnificent bouquets (see the picture), which are not ashamed to present as a gift.

Iris is a symbol of hope and trust, friendship and cordial disposition. They are found almost everywhere However, this circumstance does not affect their attractiveness and popularity. There are legends about these flowers, they are elevated to the rank of symbols and endowed with magical abilities, and rainbow cockerels modestly keep silent just giving us their beauty.

Types of irises: description and photo

The genus iris or iris includes about 800 species. The most popular in floriculture are bearded flowers, which are valued for their variety of colors and unusual shape. In bouquets, they look very beautiful. In the scientific world, plants have a rather complex classification, consisting of several levels, but for the layman, the decisive argument when choosing varieties is the color scheme and shape.

Dining and miniature, non-aryl-like and aryl-like, dwarf and small-flowered, undersized and tall - it is rather difficult to understand all this variety of species. Therefore, we will focus on the bearded irises, which have gained the greatest popularity among flower growers, and which can most often be seen in bouquets.

If you want your garden plot to please with its beauty all summer, you can purchase varieties of different flowering times and heights. And then, starting from mid-May, early species will already begin to bloom, gradually passing the baton to varieties of medium-early flowering periods (late May-early June). Throughout June, your garden will be decorated with medium-sized irises. And, finally, late plants will bloom in early July. That is, you can admire these unusual flowers almost all summer.

According to the height of the iris peduncle are divided into the following groups:

tall. Grow more than 0.7 m in height;
medium tall (37-70 cm);
undersized (up to 35 cm).

Whatever type of iris you focus on, flowering plants will decorate any corner of your garden and will never disappoint you.

cultivation

All irises, without exception, are photophilous, however, when choosing a variety, one should take into account their relationship to moisture. On soils with normal moisture, Siberian iris grows well, on swampy, constantly wet soil, species such as bristly, yellow and Kaempfera are grown. On well-drained soils - other varieties and types of bearded irises.

Planting irises is carried out in spring or autumn. To achieve lush flowering, they need to be repotted every 3-4 years, Siberian irises - once every 10 years.

Features of planting bearded irises

Bearded irises are distinguished by their extraordinary beauty, but at the same time they are more capricious and for their good growth and flowering requires several important conditions:

reproduction

Irises reproduce every 4-5 years by dividing the rhizomes at the end of the flowering period (end of July-beginning of August). A piece of one or two years of age with a renewal bud and a trimmed bunch of leaves is separated from the maternal rhizome. Maternal root pre need to warm up in the sun for 5-6 days. Dividing should be planted superficially, sprinkling a thin layer of soil on top. For the winter, young plantings are covered with spruce branches or mulched with sawdust.

Low-growing blue flowers, as well as irises of dry-loving varieties, are planted in the foreground of mixborders and rockeries. Moisture-loving varieties, of course, are best placed near water bodies. Bearded iris combined with lavender, coreopsis, undersized goldenrod, geyhera and peonies form a magnificent variety of colors for mixborders and flower beds.

Pests and diseases

It is generally accepted that these plants, although they have many enemies, but very resistant to their impact.. However, in order for the flowers to delight you with their beautiful appearance, you should still not forget about the proper care of them.

Iris flowers have been known to man since ancient times. On the island of Crete, among the paintings of the Palace of Knossos, a fresco depicts a priest surrounded by blooming irises. This fresco is about 4000 years old. Iris flowers are imprinted in the stone of Oriental and Roman galleries and balustrades. In the Middle Ages, they grew in the gardens of castles and monasteries, from where they were transferred to the gardens of the townspeople. Arabs in ancient times planted wild iris with white flowers on the graves. And in ancient Egypt, it was bred back in the 16th-15th centuries BC, and it was a symbol of eloquence there. In Arabia, on the contrary, they were a symbol of silence and sadness.

Iris has many names: Iris, killer whale, cockerel, pevnik (pikulnik), piskulnik, killer whale, scilla, pigtails, carp, iris, cake, chikan, cockerels, bells, chistyak, wolf cucumber, hare cucumbers, bear cucumbers, pikulnik, pevnik , magpie flowers, chemennik. Among all the names, the most common is the gentle "kasatik", that is, dear, beloved, desired.
In total, in the genus of the Kasatikovye family, or Iris ( Iridaceae) has about 800 species with a rich variety of shapes and shades.

The flower "iris" got its name from the hands of the famous healer Hippocrates, who named the plant in honor of the ancient Greek goddess Irida, who proclaims to people the will of the Olympic gods. The goddess Iris descended on the rainbow to the ground, so the word "Iris" in Greek means rainbow. Carl Linnaeus, who proposed a unified system of scientific names for plants, retained his ancient name for the iris.
But Florence was called Florence by the Romans only because irises grew in abundance around this Etruscan settlement at one time, and the literal translation from Latin into Russian “Florence” means “blooming”. Since then, the Florentine iris has adorned the city coat of arms of Florence.
This type of iris is also famous for the fact that for a long time people learned to extract fragrant essential oil with the aroma of violets from its rhizome. That is why the rhizome of this iris is called violet root. This natural fragrance was used in royal dressing rooms as early as the 15th century. From 1 kg of rhizomes, an average of 7 g of essential oil is obtained, which is used in perfumery. Fragrances are also extracted from flowers.

In Japan, iris protected houses from harmful influences. In any Japanese family with sons, on the traditional Boys' Day (the fifth day of the fifth moon), a magical talisman ("May pearls") is prepared from the flowers of iris and orange on this day, since in Japanese the names of iris and words "warrior spirit". "May pearls", according to legend, should instill courage in the soul of a young man: even the leaves of the plant are very similar to swords.

Among Christians, the iris symbolizes purity, protection, but has also become a symbol of sorrow and pain.

In Japanese, "iris" and "warrior spirit" are denoted by the same hieroglyph. On May 5, on the day of the boys, all the people perform hanami - a ritual admiration of flowers in iris gardens, where they grow immersed in water and on this day images of irises appear on all household items. On the traditional holiday of boys, a magical talisman is prepared from iris flowers, which should instill courage in the soul of a young man. Iris leaves are like swords, and the Japanese are deeply convinced that they should awaken strength, courage and courage in the future man. Once upon a time, on the day of hanami, the Japanese prepared a drink called May pearls from flowers of iris and orange. Those who used it were healed of many diseases.
As a religious symbol, the iris first appears in the paintings of the early Flemish masters, and in the images of the Virgin Mary, it is present both together with the lily and instead of it. This symbolic meaning is due to the fact that the name "iris" means "lily with a sword", which is seen as an allusion to Mary's sorrow for Christ.
Among Christians, iris symbolizes purity, protection, but also became a symbol of sorrow and pain, the reason for which was its sharp wedge-shaped leaves, which seemed to personify the suffering and sadness of the heart of the Mother of God from the suffering of Christ. Especially often as such a symbol in the images of the Virgin there is a blue iris. The iris can also symbolize the virgin birth.
In Russia, the word "Iris" appeared as a botanical name for plants in the second half of the 19th century, and before that period they used the popular name "Kasatik", the inhabitants of Ukraine called irises "Cockerel". In Bulgaria, Serbia and Croatia, the iris is called Perunika - in honor of the Slavic god Perun.
The Slavic peoples widely used an iridescent range of colors and shades and bizarre forms of iris inflorescences. They could be seen in folk crafts, in the textile industry, as well as in everyday life decoration: painting dwellings, utensils, clothes (in the ornament of shirts, sundresses, towels, shawls and half-shawls).

Iris Legends
A miracle flower bloomed on one edge. Forest animals and birds began to argue over who it belongs to. They argued for four days, and the dispute resolved itself. The iris seeds ripened, and the wind carried them in different directions.
According to legend, the first iris blossomed several million years ago and was so beautiful that not only animals, birds and insects came to admire it, but also water and wind, which then spread the ripened seeds all over the earth. And when the seeds sprouted and blossomed, the iris became one of man's favorite plants. From a distance, irises seem like small beacons showing the way to sailors.
And here is another legend about irises. Once a rainbow, before disappearing, crumbled into pieces. Wonderful fragments of the rainbow fell to the ground and charming flowers sprouted. The rainbow crumbled into small fragments - that's where the irises bloomed. They sprouted, according to the Pomeranian legend, from the tears of a fisherwoman, who often mourned the separation from her husband.
Another legend tells. When the titan Prometheus stole heavenly fire on Olympus and gave it to people, a rainbow flared up on earth with a marvelous seven-color rainbow - so great was the joy of all life in the world. Already the sunset has faded, and the day has faded, and the sun has gone, and the rainbow still shone over the world, giving people hope. She did not go out until dawn. And when in the morning the sun returned to its place again, where the magic rainbow burned and shimmered with colors, irises bloomed ...

This flower has been known to people for a very long time. Images of iris were found in Crete among the murals of the Knossos Palace, built at the end of the 3rd millennium BC.

For the colorful flowers of all the colors of the rainbow, this plant is named after the Greek goddess Irida, who descended to earth to proclaim to people the will of the gods. And the name "iris", which in Greek means "rainbow", was given to the plant by the doctor and naturalist Hippocrates.

Iris flaunted on the coat of arms of the city of Florence. The Romans named the city, surrounded by white iris plantations, Florence, which means "blooming".

Among Christians, iris symbolizes purity, protection, but also became a symbol of sorrow and pain, the reason for which was its sharp wedge-shaped leaves, which seemed to personify the suffering and sadness of the heart of the Mother of God from the suffering of Christ. Especially often as such a symbol in the images of the Virgin there is a blue iris. The iris can also symbolize the virgin birth.

As a religious symbol, the iris first appears in the paintings of the early Flemish masters, and in the images of the Virgin Mary, it is present both together with the lily and instead of it. This symbolic meaning is due to the fact that the name "iris" means "lily with a sword", which is seen as an allusion to Mary's sorrow for Christ.

The legend of the iris
A miracle flower bloomed on one edge. Forest animals and birds began to argue over who it belongs to. They argued for four days, and the dispute resolved itself. The iris seeds ripened, and the wind carried them in different directions.

According to legend, the first iris blossomed several million years ago and was so beautiful that not only animals, birds and insects came to admire it, but also water and wind, which then spread the ripened seeds all over the earth. And when the seeds sprouted and blossomed, the iris became one of man's favorite plants. From a distance, irises seem like small beacons showing the way to sailors.

Florence was named Florence by the Romans only because irises grew in abundance around this Etruscan settlement, and the literal translation from Latin into Russian "Florence" means "blooming". Since then, the Florentine iris has adorned the city coat of arms of Florence.

This type of iris is also famous for the fact that for a long time people learned to extract fragrant essential oil with the aroma of violets from its rhizome. That is why the rhizome of this iris is called violet root. This natural fragrance was used in royal dressing rooms as early as the 15th century. From 1 kg of rhizomes, an average of 7 g of essential oil is obtained, which is used in perfumery. Fragrances are also extracted from flowers.

The flower got its name from the hands of the famous healer Hippocrates, who named the plant in honor of the ancient Greek goddess Irida, who proclaims to people the will of the Olympic gods. The goddess Iris descended on the rainbow to the ground, so the word "Iris" in Greek means rainbow. Carl Linnaeus, who proposed a unified system of scientific names for plants, retained his ancient name for the iris.

And here is another legend about irises. Once a rainbow, before disappearing, crumbled into pieces. Wonderful fragments of the rainbow fell to the ground and charming flowers sprouted. The rainbow crumbled into small fragments - that's where the irises bloomed. They sprouted, according to the Pomeranian legend, from the tears of a fisherwoman, who often mourned the separation from her husband.

Another legend tells. When the titan Prometheus stole heavenly fire on Olympus and gave it to people, a rainbow flared up on earth with a marvelous seven-color rainbow - so great was the joy of all life in the world. Already the sunset has faded, and the day has faded, and the sun has gone, and the rainbow still shone over the world, giving people hope. She did not go out until dawn. And when in the morning the sun returned to its place again, where the magic rainbow burned and shimmered with colors, irises bloomed ...

Iris flowers have been known to man since ancient times. On the island of Crete, a fresco on the wall of the Palace of Knossos depicts a priest surrounded by blooming irises. This fresco is about 4000 years old. Iris flowers are imprinted in the stone of Oriental and Roman galleries and balustrades. In the Middle Ages, they grew in the gardens of castles and monasteries, from where they were transferred to the gardens of the townspeople. Arabs in ancient times planted wild iris with white flowers on the graves. And in ancient Egypt, it was bred back in the 16th-15th centuries BC, and it was a symbol of eloquence there. In Arabia, on the contrary, they were a symbol of silence and sadness.

In Russia, the word "Iris" appeared as a botanical name for plants in the second half of the 19th century, and before that period they used the popular name "Kasatik", the inhabitants of Ukraine called irises "Cockerel". In Bulgaria, Serbia and Croatia, the iris is called Perunika - in honor of the Slavic god Perun.

The Slavic peoples widely used an iridescent range of colors and shades and bizarre forms of iris inflorescences. They could be seen in folk crafts, in the textile industry, as well as in everyday life decoration: painting dwellings, utensils, clothes (in the ornament of shirts, sundresses, towels, shawls and half-shawls).

The flowers of the iris, which got its name from the Greek goddess of the rainbow Irida, combine the sophistication of the architectural form with a huge variety of bright and delicate color tones. Their beauty has been famous since ancient times.

Irises are valued for the beautiful shape of the flowers, as well as the richness and variety of their colors. They make up a very large genus, consisting of about 300 species of various plants - from tiny rock to giant water irises. Their varieties are suitable for growing in many areas of the garden, especially along the banks of ponds, on borders and in rockeries. The flowering season varies from early spring to mid-summer. There are varieties with repeated flowering. In a warm climate, you can choose varieties and types of irises so that they will bloom for nine months!

Under the right conditions, irises are easy to grow, long-lived, and require only occasional division.

In a typical iris, flower parts are grouped in threes. The three inner tepals are called standards. They are usually upright and serve to attract pollinators. The three outer tepals are called fouls. Falls form a landing area for insects, they are drooping or horizontal. In the center of the flower, three large stigma lobes are visible, which can create an additional decorative effect.

Rhizome irises

This group includes plants with either fleshy above-ground creeping rhizomes, or with thinner underground rhizomes. Depending on the structure of the flower, they are divided into three groups: bearded irises (there is a beard of hairs in the center of the fouls), Beardless irises (there are no hairs on the falls, but there is often a pattern of comte and irises, known as comb, or Evansia (with a fleshy crest on fouls).

bearded irises

All bearded irises prefer neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Among them, two groups are clearly distinguished: the Aril and Arilbreds group (Arillate Group) and the bearded irises proper - the Eupogon Group. The Arillate group is called so because the seeds of these irises have fleshy outgrowths attached to them - arylluses. These plants come from deserts and are very difficult to grow. They need warm and dry conditions, plenty of light and frost-free winters. Irises from the Eupogon group do not have arylluses. These include the most lush irises, blooming in spring and early summer. All of them are more or less winter-hardy, they are easy to grow in a sunny place and with good drainage.

Irises can be bulbous or rhizomatous. Rhizome irises are divided into three large groups: bearded, beardless and comb. Bearded irises, in turn, are divided into miniature dwarf (Miniature Dwarf Bearded, MDB), standard dwarf (Standard Dwarf Bearded, SDB), medium-sized (Intermediate Bearded, IB), border (Border Bearded, BB), miniature high (Miniature Tall Bearded, MTB) and high (Tall Bearded, TV). Beardless irises are divided into Siberian (Sibiricae), Californian (Californicae), water-loving (Laevigatae), spuria irises (Spuriae), Louisiana (Hexapogonae) and little-known (Miscellaneous). Bulbous irises are divided into three groups: reticulate (Reticulata), Juno (Juno) and Xiphium (Xiphium).

The xiphoid leaves of most irises are gray-green, attached in the form of a fan to the top of the rhizome. Flower stalks rise from the center of the fan. At the end of flowering, the leaves on the peduncles die off.

The flowering season of bearded irises depends on their height: undersized plants bloom earlier than taller ones. Depending on the height and time of flowering, bearded irises are divided into six groups.

Miniature pygmy bearded (MDB)

These irises are less than 20 cm tall. Flowers are produced from April to the end of May, usually 5-7.5 cm in diameter. All plants are hardy, but most prefer a sunny location with well-drained soil in a rocky garden or well-ventilated, unheated greenhouse.

I. attica (I. attic)

The plant produces yellow flowers with a green tinge and is not hardy enough in cold, wet winters. Homeland - Greece and Türkiye. Height - 5-10 cm.

I. lutescens (syn. I. chamaeirls) (I. yellowish)

Flowers up to 10 cm wide, white, purple or yellow. Homeland - Yu.-V. France and S.-I. Italy. Height - 15-25 cm.

l. pumila (I. pygmy)

The earliest of the bearded irises that blooms in mid-spring. Flowers up to 7.5 cm in diameter, with down-turned falls, are white, in yellow and purple tones, or yellow with an admixture of brown. Most forms with very short stems, the height of the plant is the flower itself. The plant grows best on an alpine hill. One of the most reliable types of this group. Homeland - Russia, Yu.-V. Europe. Height - up to 10 cm.

Standard Dwarf Bearded (SDB)

These irises bloom at the end of May, their height is 20-38 cm. The flowers are up to 10 cm in diameter. All of them are winter-hardy and are great for borders or rocky gardens.

Aphylla (I. leafless)

Each branched stem bears 3-5 blue-violet flowers with a white or bluish beard. Occasionally blooms again in autumn. The name is given because in the second half of summer the plant completely loses its leaves. Homeland - the south of Russia, Ukraine and Türkiye. Height -15-45 cm, but usually 30-38 cm.

Prolonged hybridization between I. aphylla and I. lutescetis has resulted in the appearance of fragrant flowers on branched stems, which re-bloom quite often.

Numerous hybrids of standard dwarf bearded irises include the following varieties.

Bibury

A cultivar with creamy white flowers and blue beards. Reaches 30 cm in height.

Bibury

"Blue Pools"

The flowers are white with a dark blue spot and a bluish-white beard. The plant grows up to 25 cm.

Jeremy Brian

The variety has light blue flowers with a white sheen and a creamy beard, grows up to 25 cm.

Jeremy Brian

"Kentucky Bluegrass"

In the coloring of the flowers, the cream color is combined with the color of lime green, the beard is dark blue. Variety up to 36 cm tall.

"Kentucky Bluegrass"

"Melon Honey"

The flowers are melon light orange with a cream beard. The plant grows up to 30 cm.

"Sara Taylor"

Lemon yellow flowers with a blue beard. Height - up to 30 cm.

Medium sized bearded (IB)

Medium-sized bearded irises bloom from late May to early June and form flowers up to 10 cm in diameter. Plants reach 40-70 cm in height. They originated mainly as a result of crossing dwarf bearded irises with tall bearded irises.

J. florentina (I. Florentine)

The flowers are white with a bluish tinge, 4-5 are formed on a strongly branched stem. This iris adorns the coat of arms of Florence. It is widely grown in fields for the perfume industry. This species does not winter in central Russia. Motherland - C. Italy. Height - 45 cm.

I. germanica (I. Germanic, Kasatik)

Abundantly blooming iris, bearing 4-5 blue-violet or purple flowers with a whitish beard. Parent species of many hybrids. Winter hardiness is high. Homeland - South Europe. Height - 70 cm.

Hybrids of medium-sized bearded irises include:

Bronzaire

A variety that has golden-bronze flowers with brown beards and grows up to 50 cm tall.

Curlew

Pure yellow flowers with white stripes on the falls. Reaches 48 cm in height.

"Honey Glazed"

The variety forms white-yellow-brown flowers with yellow-orange beards and grows up to 70 cm.

"Maui Moonlight"

The variety has bright lemon flowers with a lighter sheen and lemon yellow beards. Grows up to 65 cm.

"Miss Carla"

The flowers are creamy with a hint of blue and blue beards. The plant reaches 55 cm.

"Rare Edition"

The flowers are pink-violet and white with a lilac-violet border. Grows up to 60 cm.

"Rare Edition"

Raspberry Blush

The flowers are lilac-pink with a raspberry-pink spot and a pinkish-red beard. Plant up to 50 cm high.

Curb bearded (BB)

These are low-growing types of tall bearded irises that bloom in late June. They are usually not widely available. They are bred by professional collectors.

Miniature Tall Bearded (MTB)

These miniature types of tall bearded irises form flowers 5-6 cm in diameter in mid-June. They form thin stems and short leaves. Plants reach 38-63 cm in height.

I. pallida sp. cengialtii (I. pale)

Up to six fragrant blue-violet flowers form on branched stems. The species is not winter-hardy enough in the conditions of central Russia. Homeland - S. Italy, the Balkans. Height - 45 cm.

Tall Bearded (TV)

These powerful irises are especially prized as a cut flower. Flowers 10-15 cm in diameter, bloom from mid-June. Most plants are about 1 m tall, but different varieties can be from 70 to 1.5 m tall.

I. pallida (I. pale)

Among the blue-green leaves, each branched peduncle produces six fragrant light lavender-blue flowers. Good plant for borders and cut flowers. It is widely grown in the south of Russia, but in general, winter hardiness is low. Homeland - Adriatic coast. Height - up to 1 m.

"Argentea Variegata"

Sor has white-striped leaves and grows more slowly than the original species.

"Aurea Variegata"

Variety with golden yellow or cream stripes, grows relatively fast, flowers regularly.

Pallida ssp. pallida (syn. J. pallida var. dalmatica) (I. pale variety Dalmatian)

Similar to a species plant, but more hardy and stable in adverse weather conditions. Winter hardiness is low. From thousands of garden varieties of irises, you can choose from all the colors of the rainbow except pure red. Before buying, it is important to know the expected height of the plant, as the number of flowers per stem varies from 6 to 15 depending on the height. The more flowers, the longer the flowering season. However, one of the main advantages of irises is the elegance and grace of individual flowers, so an excess of them on the stem can create a feeling of crowding, and a lack of them can lead to the fact that the flower looks poor and its flowering will be too short. 8-9 flowers per stem are considered ideal for a garden, the flowering season in this case is quite long, and each flower is clearly visible. All of the varieties listed below usually form 7-9 flowers or more. The laying of flower buds on the rhizome occurs in the previous summer. Especially favorable if it was dry and hot.

Modern hybrids have large corrugated flowers of pure colors on powerful stems.

"Blue Rhythms"

The variety has blue flowers.

To describe the color combinations of hybrids that have a mixed color, special terms have been developed. Irises with white standards and colored falls are called Atoena (Amena).

"Sun Dappled"

The variety has white standards and yellow falls.

"Sun Dappled"

"Champagne Elegance"

Variety with white standards and pink-peach falls.

"Champagne Elegance"

The term Bitone (Two-tone) refers to flowers in the color of which there are two tones of the same color. The two-tone blue-violet flowers are known as Neglecta (Simple). Varieties with two-tone flowers include:

"Gay Parasol"

A cultivar that has white standards with a mauve hue and pink-violet falls.

"Gay Parasol"

"Mystique"

Variety with light blue standards and dark purple falls.

"Pasco"

It produces light lavender standards and dark purple falls.

Warleggan

The variety has bluish-white standards and blue falls.

Bicolor irises are called irises, in the color of which there are two different colors.

Edith Wolford

The variety has dark yellow standards and purple falls.

Terminox M. Plicata (Plicata) designate flowers that have a border of dots and strokes of a darker color along the edges of the tepals. For example, a white center and a blue, purple, or burgundy border can be found in 'Dancer's Veil', 'Going My Way' and 'Stepping Out'. This is a cold scale. The center does not have to be white. A yellow or pink background with a wine-red, brown or pink border is characteristic of warm Plikat.

beardless irises

Beardless irises are called so because they do not have hairs or ridges on the falls. Their falls are smooth and attract insects to the center of the flower with a special "signal" (a spot in the upper part, colored in different colors), which can be developed to a greater or lesser extent. The rhizomes of beardless irises are usually thinner than those of bearded irises and in most cases are sunk into the soil rather than lying on the surface.

The numerous types of beardless irises are divided into five groups for convenience: Californicae, Hexagonae, Laevigatae, Sibiricae and Spuriae. In addition, there is also a mixed Miscellaneous group, containing species that are not included in any of the five main groups.

California irises (Californicae)

From the western coast of S. America come 11 species of irises, known as the Pacific (Pacific Coast Irises, PCI).

They grow best in acidic soil with diffused light, their roots should be in cool conditions and should not dry out. Plants grow well under trees.

The height of the varieties is 15-60 cm. Despite the relationship with the Siberian irises, their winter hardiness is generally lower. Californian-Siberian hybrids (calsibs) have also been obtained, which are more resistant to cold. In general, the success of cultivation in central Russia depends on the successful choice of species and variety. Plants bloom in June.

I. douglasiana (I. Douglas)

Each branched stem bears 4-5 flowers 7.5 cm in diameter. The coloration varies, but is usually blue-violet and lavender with prominent veins on the falls. A species that tolerates limestone soils. Homeland - California. Plants are planted at a distance of 60 cm from each other. Height -30-45 cm.

I. innaminata (I. unnamed)

Each stem often bears 1-2 flowers. Flowers up to 6 cm in diameter, with wide cream, dark yellow, yellow or orange perianth segments with dark brown veins. The leaves are narrow, in areas with a very mild climate they remain for the winter. The view is variable. Homeland - Oregon. Planted at a distance of 23 cm from each other. Height - up to 15 cm.

Hybrids of the Californicae Group include:

Banbury Beauty

Variety with lavender flowers and bright dark purple stripes and spots

"Banbury Melody"

Variety with dark pink flowers with cream spots.

"Banbury Melody"

"Broadleigh Carolyn"

Pure blue flowers on very strong stems.

"Broadleigh Carolyn"

"No name"

Variety with yellow flowers.

"No name"

"Lavendar Royal"

The variety has light purple flowers with darker spots running along the center of the standards and fouls.

"Lavendar Royal"

Louisiana irises (Hexagonae)

Despite the fact that Louisiana irises are often supplied to Russia, these beautiful powerful plants are not winter hardy enough to grow and bloom in open ground in the middle lane. They come from the Mississippi Delta and need a lot of humidity and high summer temperatures. They are best grown in a cool greenhouse where they will bloom from early to mid-summer. They are called hexagonal because their boxes have six sides.

I. fulva (I. brown-yellow)

Terracotta flowers, 7.5-10 cm in diameter, are formed in the axils of the leaves in early summer. The plant blooms only in suitable conditions. Homeland - New Orleans. Height-45 cm.

I. fulvala (hybrid of I. brown-yellow and I. short stem)

It blooms stably, producing red-violet or blue-violet flowers, 10 cm in diameter, in mid-summer. Height - 60 cm.

Water-loving irises (Laevigatae)

This group includes irises which grow and bloom in or near water. There are five common species that have hybridized to form a significant number of cultivars. Especially many varieties come from I. ensata (I. xiphoid) originally from Japan. Only I. laevigata (I. smooth) and T. pseudacorus (J. marsh) can be grown in water. All other irises are planted in ordinary garden soil, making sure that it does not dry out in the summer.

I. ensata (syn. J. kaempferi) (I. xiphoid, I. Kempfer)

The flowers are dark purple, appear early to mid-summer, 2-3 per stem, have short standards and broad falls with a yellow band or sheen. The plant differs from other species of the Laevigatae group by the absence of black watermarks on the leaves, which have prominent veins.

This plant is more common along the banks of water bodies (but not in water!) and does not tolerate lime.

In central Russia, it requires dry winter shelter. Height - 0.6-1 m.

From this species came a huge number of varieties known as Japanese irises. The color of the flowers is varied: they can be blue, red-violet, pink, lavender and white. Frequent color combinations. There are monochromatic varieties and varieties with mixed colors, spots and stripes, with colored veins. Flowers 10-20 cm in diameter, may be solitary, semi-double or double.

Variegata

A form with variegated white-gray-green leaves that successfully contrast with burgundy-purple flowers.

Variegata

Rose Queen

The variety has light lavender-pink flowers. Varieties and forms, as a rule, are less winter-hardy than the original species.

Rose Queen

I. laevigata (I. smooth)

The flowers are blue, produced in early to mid-summer, four or more per stem. The leaves are light green with black watermarks on the veins. Fast growing plant, tolerates soil with little lime content. Homeland - Russia, Manchuria, Korea and Japan. Winter hardiness is good. Height - 45-60 cm when planted in water to a depth of 15 cm.

I. pseudacorus (I. false calamus, I. marsh)

Widespread natural species in Russia with yellow flowers up to 12 cm in diameter, which are formed in June. A very large plant, perhaps even too large for small gardens. Height varies from 60 cm in dwarf forms to 2 m in plants with normal height.

Variegata

Spring leaves are striped, with green and cream stripes, but by early summer, when the plant forms yellow flowers, the pattern turns pale and the leaves take on the color of fresh greens. Plant up to 1 m tall.

Variegata

There are forms with cream, lemon, white and golden yellow flowers. They all have black watermarks on the leaves.

"Holden Clough"

The variety resembles a small I. pseudacorus, but its yellow flowers have raspberry-brown veins, and from a distance it looks like the flowers are brown. Good for cutting. Plant 60-75 cm tall.

"Holden Clough"

I. versicolor (I. multi-colored)

Up to nine blue or red-violet flowers form on a branched stem. Standards are shorter than fouls. The plant produces shiny seeds and black watermarks on the leaves. It grows well in water or moist soil and tolerates little lime. Motherland -S. America. Height - 60 cm.

I. virginka (I. virginsky)

The color of flowers varies from dark blue to wine red, standards and falls are the same length. Each branched stem produces up to nine flowers. The plant grows best in water or moist soil and tolerates little lime. Leaves have black watermarks. Motherland -S. America. Height - 50-75 cm.

"Gerald Darby"

Bright blue flowers and black-purple stems that can reach 90 cm.

"Gerald Darby"

Siberian irises (Sibiricae)

These are the most winter-hardy of the irises and grow well in grassy mixborders with soil that is not too dry. They can be used to frame ponds where they add naturalness to the landscape. But remember that Siberian irises cannot stand waterlogging. The leaves are grassy, thin and elegant. Stems that rise above the leaves vary from very short in forms suitable for rocky gardens to 1.2 m in specimens that can be grown anywhere in the garden with suitable sunlight.

I. sanguinea (I. blood red)

The stems are unbranched, in early summer they form two blue-violet flowers, up to 7.5 cm in diameter. Homeland - Siberia, Manchuria and Japan. Height - 1 m.

I. sibirica (I. Siberian)

In early summer, up to five flowers are formed on stems with 1-2 branches, the color of which varies from white to blue. Homeland - Russia, Europe, Türkiye. Height - 1 m.

"Anniversary"

The flowers are white;

"Anniversary"

Butter Sugar

The flowers are white-yellow;

Butter Sugar

"Cambridge"

The flowers are light blue;

"Cambridge"

"Dreaming Yellow"

The flowers are white-lemon yellow;

"Dreaming Yellow"

"Limeheart"

Flowers with a greenish-white center;

"Limeheart"

"Orville Fay"

Flowers in different shades of blue;

"Orville Fay"

"Ruffled Velvet"

The flowers are corrugated dark purple;

"Ruffled Velvet"

Shirley Pope

The flowers are dark purple with white spots in the throat;

Shirley Pope

"Silver Edge"

The flowers are dark blue with white margins;

"Silver Edge"

"soft blue"

The flowers are light blue, formed early;

"soft blue"

"White Swirl"

The flowers are white;

"White Swirl"

Wisley White

The flowers are white;

Wisley White

Siberian irises also include a group of species that require higher humidity - the Chrysographes subseries, a typical representative of which is golden-painted iris. These irises can also overwinter in open ground without shelter.

I. chrysographes (I. golden-painted)

The flowers are dark, wine-red or purple-black, with golden spots on the falls, up to 6 cm in diameter. Flowers form two per stem in early summer. Homeland - the Chinese provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan and Burma. Height - 36 cm.

The flowers are yellow, 5 cm in diameter, with black strokes on the falls, formed in early summer. Standards are placed vertically above drooping fouls. Origin: Yunnan province. Height - 20-45 cm.

Spuria irises (Spuriae)

Flowers 6-10 cm in diameter, with narrow vertical standards and oval falls. These hardy, hardy plants grow well in full sun and partial shade, in both calcareous and decalcified soils, in wet and dry conditions. Height varies from 15 cm to 1.8 m, in most plants 40-100 cm. The leaves are usually shiny green, thin.

I. graminea (I. gramineous)

The flowers are blue-violet, formed in early summer under the gramineous leaves, two per stem. Motherland - Europe. Height - 25-38 cm.

I. kerneriana (I. Kerner)

The flowers are light, creamy-lemon, 5-7.5 cm in diameter, are formed in late spring - early summer, have falls strongly bent back, which usually touch the stem. Height - 30-38 cm.

I. orientalis (syn. I. ochroleuca) (I. oriental)

The flowers are large, white, with a yellow spot on the falls, bent back. Flowers are produced in early to mid-summer, 4-9 on a stem that rises above the shorter leaves. Homeland - Turkey. Height - 1-1.2 m.

Shelford Giant

Yellow flowers. The variety reaches 1.8 m in height.

Shelford Giant

I. spuria (I. false)

Up to 10 violet-blue, yellow or white flowers are produced on each stem of this light plant in mid-summer cultivation. Homeland - Europe and the Middle East. Height - 50-75 cm.

Existing garden hybrids of false iris form flowers, in the color of which the colors and color combinations vary widely. Most of them are 1-1.2 m tall, but there are also shorter plants.

"Adobe Sunset"

Dark orange-yellow flowers with brown margins and veins. The plant reaches 1.8 m in height.

"Adobe Sunset"

A number of beardless irises do not fit into any of the groups. Some of them are very difficult to grow, but the irises described below are great garden plants.

L. foetidissima (I. smelly)

The species is grown in warm climates, mainly for the bolls that develop after flowering and open in autumn and winter to reveal orange-scarlet seeds. Their flowers are inconspicuous, up to 7.5 cm in diameter, bluish-gray with pink and brown blush, formed in early summer, 2-9 per stem. The leaves are evergreen, dark green, shiny, emit an unpleasant odor when rubbed. Homeland - Britain and other areas of Europe. This species is often supplied to Russia, but it can be grown in open ground only on the Black Sea coast. Height - 50 cm.

The variety has creamy yellow flowers.

I. setosa (I. bristly)

The flowers are bluish-gray or dark purple, formed in early summer. The standards are reduced to bristles, and the falls are wide. One of the most winter-hardy irises. Grows luxuriantly in moist soil. Ideal for growing along the edges of ponds or streams. It is dug up and divided in early autumn. Homeland - Siberia, including Yakutia, Alaska. Height - 15-75 cm.

I. unguicularis (I. marigold)

The flowers are pinkish-purple-lilac, up to 7.5 cm in diameter, with yellow marks on the falls. Flowering begins in autumn and in mild climates continues throughout the winter until March. The leaves can be unkempt, so they are usually cut in the fall before flowering begins.

The plant requires good warming up in the sun, it needs to be provided with the warmest and driest place in the garden and a little shelter from cold winds in winter. The ideal location is the base of the wall facing south.

Homeland -Mediterranean. It does not winter in central Russia. Height - 23 cm.

comb irises

Comb irises have a seeming resemblance to bearded irises. The protruding sections of tissue along the main vein of the fouls really look like beards. Evergreen plants with thin rhizomes grow best in moist, organic-rich soil in a sheltered spot in partial shade. In Russia, they do not hibernate in open ground. They are more suitable for a cool greenhouse or conservatory. The flowers are 4-7.5 cm in diameter, painted in delicate colors and quite elegant. The leaves are shiny, evergreen. Comb irises do not like transplants, and are badly damaged by snails and slugs.

I. confusa (I. mixed)

The flowers are white, 5 cm in diameter, with a yellow crest, and bloom from early to mid-summer. An evergreen plant for a cool greenhouse. Height - 1 m.

I. cristata (I. comb)

The flowers are light lavender, about 5 cm in diameter, with an orange crest, appear in mid to late spring. One of the most resistant species for indoor rock gardens. Homeland - S. America. Height - 10 cm.

I. japonica (I. Japanese)

Dozens of small light lavender flowers with purple and orange streaks are produced on highly branched peduncles from mid to late spring. The leaves are shiny, green, up to 45 cm long. Homeland - China and Korea. Height - up to 1 m.

Ledger's Variety

The variety is slightly more resistant than the original species.

Ledger's Variety

I. milesii (I. Miles)

The plant blooms profusely for several weeks in early summer, producing pink flowers with purple flecks. Prefers sheltered places. Height - 30-75 cm.

I. tectorum (I. roofing)

Each peduncle in late spring - early summer bears two lilac-purple flowers 7.5 cm in diameter, with jagged crests. Plants are susceptible to a virus that causes dark spots on flowers. Homeland - China. Height - up to 45 cm.

bulbous irises

Bulbous irises are divided into three groups - Mesh (Reticulata), Juno (Juno) and Xifium (Xiphium). The smallest irises of the Reticulata group bloom the earliest. The flowers open shortly after the snow melts. They are followed by irises from the Juno group in spring and irises from the Xiphium group in early summer.

Reticulated irises (Reticulata)

Ideal bulbous plants for alpine slides, foreground borders and growing in pots, flowering in early spring. They need well-drained soil and a well-lit location. The bulbs are planted to a depth of 20 cm. The flowers are solitary, up to 15 cm tall. The dry outer scales of the bulbs are distinctly reticulate, which gives this group its name. After the flowers die, narrow leaves lengthen to 30-45 cm (usually a flowering bulb forms two green leaves each). In central Russia, they are quite winter-hardy, but in some regions, due to an unfavorable infectious background, the bulbs become smaller and stop blooming.

It is useful to dig up and dry the bulbs annually.

J. "Cantab"

The flowers are light blue, lighter at the top, have yellow crests with white rims. Height - 15 cm.

I. danfordiae (I. miss Danford)

The flowers are bright yellow, fragrant, bloom immediately after the snow melts. Fouls with a deep yellow or orange crest surrounded by occasional green spots. Homeland - Türkiye. One of the most popular reticulated irises. Height - 10 cm.

J. "George"

The flowers are large and have plum purple standards and slightly darker falls with a yellow crest on a whitish background with purple stripes. Height - 15 cm.

Harmony

Flowers with dark blue standards and magnificent blue falls with a yellow spot surrounded by a white rim. Height - 15 cm.

I. J.S. Dijt"

The flowers are purple, have reddish-purple falls with a yellow spot. Height - 15 cm.

I. J.S. Dijt"

Joyce

The flowers are sky blue, with an orange crest on the falls. Height-12 cm.

Joyce

Katherine Hodgkin

The flowers are large and have bluish-green standards and yellowish-green falls with a yellow spot and bluish-gray veins. Easy to grow, true perennial bulbous plant. Height-12 cm.

I. "Natascha"

The flowers have ivory-coloured standards and fouls or white, golden-yellow crested fouls. Height -15 cm.

I. "Natascha"

I. "Pauline"

The flowers are purple, with dark purple falls that have a blue spot with a white pattern. Height - 12 cm.

I. "Pauline"

I. reticulata (I. reticulated)

The flowers are blue-violet or violet, and have a buttercup-yellow crest in the center of the fouls. A very popular species, which is regularly offered in the domestic market. Homeland - Türkiye, Northwestern Iran and Northeastern Iraq. Height - 15 cm.

J. winogradowii (I. Vinogradova)

The flowers are yellow and appear in early spring. There is a ridge in the center of the fouls surrounded by green spots. The plant needs acidic soil and grows best in peat. Motherland - Transcaucasia. Height - 15 cm.

Juno (Juno)

Plants in this large group bloom during May and require well-drained, relatively dry soil and plenty of sun. Winter hardiness is usually good, but juno bulbs do not like the rainy summers of northern latitudes.

The flowers are 6-7.5 cm in diameter with standards in the form of fine bristles and large falls. Peduncles with alternate stalked leaves.

I. magnifica (I. magnificent, Juno magnificent)

From the beginning of May, large light lilac flowers bloom above the shiny green leaves on the stems. Usually each peduncle forms several flowers.

Fouls have a yellow spot in the center. Homeland - Central Asia. Height - up to 60 cm.

I. bucharica (I. Bukhara, Juno Bukhara)

Golden yellow or almost white flowers have green, brown or light purple spots on the falls on both sides of the yellow crest. Flowers fragrant, produced 2-6 per stem in late spring. Bright green belt-like leaves with whitish edges, Motherland - Central and Central Asia. Height - 45 cm.

Iris Xifium (Xiphium)

This group of bulbous irises includes a variety of hybrids: Dutch, Spanish and English irises. Plants bloom in early summer, forming a strong stem among narrow leaves, bearing 1-2 large flowers. In Russia, they can often be seen for sale as cut flowers, but it is not so easy to grow flowering specimens in the garden. For successful flowering, these irises need coolness, but have a negative attitude to winter frosts.

Dutch irises

This group of cultivars was bred by hybridization of F. xtphium and I. tingitana and is intended for greenhouse forcing at any time, which allows cut flowers to be sold all year round. Flower color varies from white and yellow to blue and purple, flowers are 10-15 cm in diameter, with narrow vertical standards. These plants need plenty of light and good drainage and reach 38-60 cm in height.

Entering the village garden on a warm June day, you will surely see an overgrown curtain of elegant cockerels. Simple and unpretentious, but no less charming. The folk flower also has a more euphonious name - iris, there is a rich pedigree and its own elite. The magnificent varieties of irises with photos and names described in this article will appeal to amateur flower growers and professional garden designers.

Iris - the personification of grace and grace

rainbow flower

The rhizomatous perennial belongs to the Kasatikovye family and has almost 800 species distributed almost all over the planet. It is difficult to find a person who does not know what an iris looks like - his flower is so unusual that once you see it, you will not forget it. But if there are, we offer a description of the plant.

Its rhizome is creeping, divided into annual links. A fan of flat xiphoid leaves sprouts from each segment in spring. A thick strong peduncle emerges from this bunch, on which from 1 to 6 single flowers bloom.

The flower itself is large - 7.5–11 cm high, up to 18 cm in diameter, consists of 6 petals (lobes) - three internal and three external. The inner petals are usually raised up and form a "crown" or "glass". The outer shares, they are also called fouls, diverge to the sides horizontally or lowered down.

Both the variegated colors of the petals and the palette of numerous varieties of irises confirm the name of the flower, which is translated from Greek as “rainbow”. There are a variety of tones and combinations:

plain (self) - white, pastel, saturated, almost black;
combinations with the traditional combination of colors - white with blue, yellow with brown;
contrasting combinations of tones and shades, for example, pink with lavender;
variegated (speckled, bordered).

There is no unified international classification of the plant - in our country only rhizomatous perennials are called irises, in Europe bulbous relatives of the flower are also included in the same genus. And the domestic garden classification for a simple amateur gardener does not add clarity. If you do not go into botanical details, the following types of irises are most often grown in gardens and parks:

bearded (the most numerous, widespread and demanded group);
Siberian;
Japanese;
Spuria irises;
bulbous hybrids (Dutch or English).

Before purchasing collection irises, carefully read the assortment and resistance of the specimen you like to the climatic conditions of your region. Many of the hybrids bred in the USA, Japan, Holland, Australia are thermophilic and cannot withstand the frosts of the middle zone, not to mention Siberia or the Urals.

bearded irises

More than 500 varieties and interspecific hybrids - bearded iris can boast of such a large family.

A powerful, resilient and unpretentious perennial according to the height of the bush is divided into 3 groups:

dwarf varieties (21–40 cm);
medium height (41–70 cm);
tall (from 71 cm).

In the tall group, forms are bred that grow up to 110-120 cm with powerful peduncles, which simultaneously bear 5-12 flowers. The higher the plant, the larger and more massive they are, with dense, corrugated petals, a “lace” edge.

A distinctive feature, because of which the iris received its specific name, is the so-called beard. This is a shaggy strip of dense short hairs located at the base of the central vein of the outer fouls. In color, it can either match the main background or contrast with it.

View advantages

It is no coincidence that bearded irises are so popular. In addition to the magnificent appearance and the most extensive palette of colors and shades, they have a lot of other advantages.

The plant grows rapidly and intensively.
Blooms profusely and for a long time.
A large number of frost-resistant varieties have been developed that do not need to be covered for the winter.
The flower is hardy, rarely gets sick, resistant to pests.

Bearded irises are good in the flower bed and in the cut. Dwarf varieties are appropriate in borders and on alpine slides, solo and in composition with other perennials. Tall specimens are indispensable for tapeworms, they look great in company with lilies and peonies.

Overview of popular varieties

We offer a small selection of varieties of bearded irises with photos and names. This is only a small part of the assortment offered by domestic and foreign breeders, for which we chose spectacular specimens that have proven themselves in our conditions.

Supreme Sultan is a two-color hybrid of American selection, a powerful plant with a height of more than a meter. The inner petals (standards) are of a rich yellow-ocher color, collected in a crown, the falls are cherry-burgundy with a yellow beard, lowered low. The edge of the petals is corrugated. The flowering period is May-June.
In the photo - the American variety Supreme Sultan
Thornbird is a popular variety of green-flowered "bearded men", tall (over 80 cm) with a strong peduncle and a luxurious fan of leaves. The flower is large (ø 13–14 cm), orchid-shaped, with creamy standards and greenish-mustard falls, on which a yellow beard with a violet-brown horn stands out. Blooms in June-July, luxuriantly and abundantly. Suitable for growing in the middle lane.
Green-flowered cultivar Thornbird
Sultan Palace refers to the spectacular monochromatic hybrids of the Dutch selection. The height of the bush is about a meter, the flower is large with a diameter of up to 15 cm. The upper and lower petals are dense, velvety, rich reddish-brown in color with burgundy veins along the field and a slightly corrugated edge, the beard is yellow. The flower smells good. The plant belongs to a highly winter-hardy group, will delight with long and lush flowering.

Red - one of the most elegant irises
Vibrant is a variety of irises for those who love yellow flowers, so magnificent in the flower bed. The color is monophonic, dense, golden yellow, the petals are strongly corrugated along the edge, yellow-orange beards are barely visible at the base of the falls. The flower has a light refined aroma. The plant itself is of excellent quality, tall (from 85 cm), large-flowered, does not degenerate during the growing season. Blooms early.

A flower for lovers of sunny irises
Vizir is a magnificent tall variety with large monochromatic flowers. A rich palette of petals plays with raspberry-violet, cranberry, pomegranate hues. The petals are corrugated with "bubbles" along the edge. An orange beard stands out on bright falls. In the photo - a variety of irises Vizir
Champagne Waltz is a tall two-color hybrid of the American originator. The standards are a delicate peach hue with apricot venation, the falls are white with an apricot-yellow border, lowered low. The petals are dense, corrugated, with a velvet texture. The beard is red-orange.
Border on the edge of fouls - a new trend in the selection of irises, Champagne Waltz variety
Immorality is an amazing white iris, shown in the photo below. Standards, fouls, beard - everything in this flower is pure snow-white, the petals are slightly wavy, with a velvet texture. The height in the peduncle is 75–85 cm. The uniqueness of the variety is in remontance. The first time blooms in May, again, under favorable weather conditions - in September. Differs in good frost resistance.
Re-blooming iris variety Immorality
Toronto is a tall mid-early hybrid of the American originator. The flowers are large (ø 13–16 cm), two-colored, soaring. The inner petals are a warm pinkish-peach color with a wavy edge, the falls are a contrasting maroon tone, turning along the edge into a burgundy-pink "lace" frill. A red-orange beard stands out clearly on a dark foul. Very colorful, elegant flower!
In the photo - Toronto iris
Super Model is a tall solid handsome man with large lavender flowers. The shape of the flower is orchid with soaring falls, the petals are corrugated, with a fringed edge, decorated with an orange beard with white tips. Iris of this variety smells good. Blooms in July, winter-hardy.

Elegant variety - a real Supermodel
Super Hero is a real superhero with a hat of large heavy flowers on a strong high peduncle. The crown is formed by white standards with a golden border, the falls are horizontally located, with an ocher area in the center, turning into maroon, almost black edges. A golden yellow beard stands out as a bright spot on the petal.

Siberian irises

Our compatriot Siberian iris in the photo looks like a bearded relative, but has a number of differences in structure, agricultural technology and description of the flower.

The shape of the flower is similar, but it is somewhat smaller, without a beard, the petals are narrower and elongated. Although in fairness it must be said that some modern varieties in terms of flower size can compete with beard irises.
The plant grows into large bushes and kicks out just a huge number of flower stalks.
The foliage of this species is brighter and more elegant, it serves as a decoration of the garden even after flowering.
The view is extremely hardy, cold-resistant, more reliable in adverse weather conditions.
Unlike the bearded iris, this flower can grow and bloom in shade.

Unfortunately, Siberian irises do not smell. But this does not detract from the decorative possibilities of the flower and the interest in it from breeders.

Assortment of Siberian irises

Dozens of varieties and hybrids of Siberian irises have been bred in the world for every taste, some of them we have collected in this collection with photos and names.

The Snow Queen is a tall "Siberian" with bright green foliage and an incredibly elegant medium-sized flower (ø 10 cm). Petals are snow-white, in places of bends of fouls - with a bright yellow back. Blooms in July. In especially cold winters, in order to avoid freezing of generative buds, it is better to cover.
Cambridge is a time-tested, reliable and highly decorative variety. The height of the bush is 80–100 cm. The flower is medium in size, graceful, with soaring azure-blue petals and a yellow base. Grows fast, blooms profusely. The variety is resistant to severe frosts.
Sky Blue Iris Cambridge
Impression is a medium-sized representative of Siberian irises with half-meter peduncles. The flower plays with a mixture of purple-red and amethyst with brindle strokes at the base of the lower petals, the styles are almost white.

Amethyst Iris Impression
Magnum Bordeaux is an impressive hybrid with a very large soaring flower on a 70 cm peduncle. The petals are slightly corrugated, with a velvety texture, very elegant. The rich purple color is complemented by blue-yellow spots at the base of the falls and purple streaks.
Double Standard is a representative of the collection of terry Siberian irises. The flower is blue with a lavender tint, there is a contrasting yellow spot on the falls. The petals are velvety, dense, slightly corrugated. Blooms in June. The variety is recommended by leading flower growers as unpretentious, frost-resistant, intensively growing.
Ginge Twist is a tall, early, profusely flowering "Siberian". The flower is two-tone - the upper lobes are light fawn with lavender spots, the falls are ocher-yellow, turning into a mustard edge, with brown venation and small patches of lavender. One of the few smelling varieties of Siberian irises.

Japanese irises

Sword-shaped irises growing in Japan and in our Far East are called Japanese. This is not a specific, but rather a collective term. For a long time they were considered unsuitable for cultivation in the northern regions, they were grown in Primorye, the Caucasus, the Black Sea coast. Breeders are trying to actively promote the culture to the north, more or less frost-resistant varieties have appeared, but in general, the “Japanese” in the middle lane do not have enough heat and light.

The flower of the Japanese iris is very interesting - large (ø up to 25 cm), similar to a saucer. All 6 lobes are bent horizontally, only branches of pistils (styles) with an openwork scallop at the end are raised up. In addition to monochromatic and two-color varieties, speckled, bordered, with contrastingly colored veins are common. Let's take an example of a few of them.

Vasily Alferov is one of the first winter-hardy cultivars of domestic selection. Standards are white, fouls are speckled blue-orange. Snow-white styles are completed with a fringed scallop. On the arrow-shaped peduncle there are 3-4 flowers with a diameter of up to 20 cm.
Kogesho is a xiphoid hybrid of Dutch selection, tall (80–120 cm). The leaves are light green with a central purple vein. The flower consists of a double row of lilac-white petals with a yellow spot at the base, the styles are white with a coquettish comb. The variety hibernates under cover.
Lyon King is a magnificent hybrid with a very large flower. It consists of 9 shares, collected in a fluffy layering "skirt". Petals with snow-white centers and purple-pink corrugated edges, a yellow stroke is noticeable at the base of the central vein, styles are white. The variety is thermophilic.
Crystal Helo is a frost-resistant plant with strong growth and lush flowering. The upper and lower petals are slightly corrugated along the edge, lowered down. The main field and styles are blue-lavender in color with purple veining; bright yellow strokes run along the central vein of the fouls.
Freckled Geisha is a terry hybrid with nine shares. The petals are snow-white with lilac-purple specks and the same border, corrugated along the edge. The branches of the pistils are white with a lilac comb. Plant height - up to 85 cm.

Bulb relatives of irises

Bulbous xifiums are flowers very similar to irises. In the English, Dutch tradition they are called bulbous irises.

The main difference is the presence of bulbs instead of rhizomes. Their leaves are narrower, grooved, more like a daylily, peduncles are thin and tall. The flowers are identical in structure to cockerels - they consist of 6 lobes, some species have a nail bent up on the falls, as can be seen in the photo below.

In the southern regions, this flower is cultivated quite successfully, but in the north it does not take root, and even if it blooms in some years, then it withers and disappears.

Another flower, reminiscent of either irises or daylilies, is the now fashionable alstroemeria.

In the photo - alstroemeria

This is a South American rhizomatous perennial that grows up to 1 m. The flowers are six-petalled, variegated, multicolored. The plant is thermophilic, therefore it can be grown in the garden only in the south, in the middle lane - only in closed ground.

Video about the types and popular varieties of irises: