Mesh iris (iridodictium) can decorate any flower bed. This is an amazingly beautiful flower that many flower growers prefer to see at their site. He will delight the eye for more than one year, and is absolutely not picky about leaving. The article gives a detailed description of this plant.
Description and variety varieties
Reticulated iris refers to small bulbous plants. As a rule, it grows to a height of 15-17 cm. Flowering occurs in early spring. With the advent of summer active sun and heat, the aboveground part of the plant dries up.
Did you know? The ancestors of the Western Slavs associated irises with the thunder god Perun. They believed that these flowers grow in the place where lightning hit.
Small flowers are blue, white, purple, pink or red. In diameter, they are usually 6-8 cm. There are species with spotted flowers. For planting in the ground, they must be collected in the middle of summer, it is during this period that they ripen. From the plant, you can collect seeds that are formed in boxes.
Ash jam
A popular view among florists. Large flowers and a high leg often allow you to use it for solemn bouquets. The height of the plant reaches 15–20 cm. The diameter of the inflorescences can be 15 cm. They have a beautiful purple-violet hue.
Did you know? In the Christian faith, iris is related to the Virgin Mary. It symbolizes her sadness and purity.
A feature of Ash Jam is the color of the petals. Some of them are spotty, covered in yellow, black and white. They look very impressive. The flowering period begins in May.
Alida
Alida is a miniature representative of mesh irises. They grow, as a rule, 10–15 cm high. Despite the small length of the stem, the flower on it is large (diameter 6–8 cm). The color palette is diverse: from delicate to saturated blue, violet, blue shades. Flowering occurs in late March - early April.
Pauline
Paulina is one of the most beautiful types of mesh irises. As soon as spring replaces winter, the plant begins to bloom. The height of the iris can reach 25 cm. The flowers have a rich purple color. The size of one in diameter is on average 7–8 cm.
The leaves are green, oblong in shape. The bulbs are oval and slightly elongated. They are completely covered with dense and fleshy scales. If you want the plant to please its beauty as early as possible, it must be planted in open ground not earlier than mid-September.
Harmony
During flowering, it is covered with small flowers (1.5 cm), this happens in early spring, when the temperature becomes warmer at night, the frost weakens. Harmony has large bulbs. Due to the dense scales on them, they rarely undergo freezing. The color of flowers can be different: purple, white, orange, red, yellow, and blue are found. Less often you can see two-color petals.
Healing properties
The chemical composition of irises is rich in useful elements:
- carotenoids;
- essential oil;
- flavonoids;
- tannins;
- vitamin C;
- sugar;
- fixed oils;
- glycosides.
The leaves of the plant contain vitamin C in a large dosage. Their use can protect body cells from premature aging. They are also able to increase immunity. Particularly often, iris is used in cosmetic products for the care of sensitive skin. If you dry and grind the roots of the plant, then the resulting powder can be applied to the face as a powder.
The roots of the flowers are used to make potions that help in the treatment of diabetes. Iris has bactericidal properties. Due to this, it is used in the preparation of eye drops for people and animals. Traditional healers recommend using it to treat coughs and colds. They also argue that it can be given to young children whose teeth are being cut - it helps to remove pain.
Essential oil is an indispensable tool for the production of perfumes.
Growing Features
If you want irises to be beautiful, bloom as long as possible, you must adhere to the rules of planting and take good care of the plant.
Landing rules
First you need to prepare the site. It is better if at the chosen place there will be a slightly acidic or neutral type of soil. Not every plot of land is suitable for this plant. If the soil has an increased acidity, then its amount can be reduced by adding dolomite flour, ash, lime mortar or chalk to the planting pit.
Important! The soil acidity level for irises should not exceed 6.8 pH. If this indicator is higher in the planting area, the plant may stop flowering.
An equally important factor for the growth and flowering of irises is the lightness of the soil. The selected area must be dug before landing. Repeat the procedure several times during the vegetative period. Heavy soil can slow down plant growth. Experienced growers recommend planting in late summer or early fall. If you tighten with this case, then the seedlings can take root poorly in a new place.
Landing pattern:
- the depth of the holes should not exceed 15 cm, for small bulbs 10 cm is suitable;
- the optimal distance between the pits is 20–25 cm;
- between rows - 50 cm.
The subtleties of care
Net iris care includes the following actions:
- Watering. It is necessary to moisten the plant regularly, as this contributes to good growth. It should be said that a lot of water can lead to root rot. Watering is necessary 2 times a week. Experienced growers recommend using warm water for this.
- Fertilizer. Irises can not be fed with chemical additives. The plant has an increased sensitivity to them and may disappear from such fertilizers. Organic matter (compost, wood ash and humus) must be added to the soil once a year.
- Pruning. Every year, before the winter, flowers are pruned by pruners.
- Warming. After pruning, the place where the bulb is located must be covered with dry leaves or straw (height should be about 5 cm).
Pests and diseases
The plant is prone to disease. Experienced gardeners often have to deal with such a problem. The most common net iris disease is bacteriosis. Especially it often manifests itself in areas with high humidity or in the rainy season. Also, the cause may be excessive watering. To prevent disease, the bushes need to be treated with insecticides.
This is an effective method of control, which quickly scares away carriers of infection. Pests can also destroy the plant. Most often, an insect - a bear, is found on the flowers. It feeds on the stem and root of the iris, which leads to the death of the flower. You need to deal with the pest by regularly digging the site. During loosening, ammonia must be added to the soil.
Bear
Iris in landscape design
Irises are popular in landscape design, perfectly combined with many other plants and flowers. Especially often they can be seen on the Alpine hills, any glade will give brightness. Thanks to the varieties of mesh irises and a wide color palette of flowers, you can create a very spectacular flowerbed.
Important! Iris is especially well combined with hyacinths, primrose and crocuses.
Among flower growers, mesh irises have long been in demand. The flowers are incredibly beautiful and delicate, symbolizing the beginning of spring and warmth. Such decoration will make your site bright and elegant.
