Irises In The Garden - Classification And Design Use. Photo

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Irises In The Garden - Classification And Design Use. Photo
Irises In The Garden - Classification And Design Use. Photo

Video: Irises In The Garden - Classification And Design Use. Photo

Video: Irises In The Garden - Classification And Design Use. Photo
Video: Presby Iris Gardens ~ Irises in Bloom ~ How to care for Irises 2024, March
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Garden irises. Watercolor favorites, enlivening the paintings of the impressionists in the garden, amazing both in form and in nature of the plant, it is impossible not to fall in love with the flowering of which … With all the variety, irises are easily recognizable. Admirers of these unique flowering perennials collect hundreds and thousands of varieties. From miniature and touching bulbous irises to the favorites of designers of irises of bearded and unpretentious Spartans, Siberian irises - all of them, irises, as they are sometimes called, are special. In the garden, they will find a place both in the mixborder and on the flower garden, in the border and on the lawn, and even on an alpine slide.

Irises in the garden - classification and use in design
Irises in the garden - classification and use in design

Content:

  • Description of garden irises
  • Simple difficulties of classification of irises
  • Irises in garden design
  • Selection of partners for irises

Description of garden irises

It is no coincidence that representatives of the Iris family are considered one of the most diverse garden perennials. These are unique plants with quivering, delicate flowers, special in structure and texture, which, despite different growth forms, characters, sizes and flowering periods, still remain strikingly similar to each other.

Irises are certainly one of the most ancient flowering crops. The history of their cultivation and selection goes back two millennia, and irises have never survived the period of their oblivion. These are plants that do not lose their popularity, valuable not only for landscape design, but in it they reveal all their diversity and talents.

The name Iris sounds the same anywhere in the world. These beloved plants got their name back in the time of Hippocrates, who, according to legends, compared various shades of the color palette of plants with a rainbow (from the ancient Greek "iris" - "rainbow"), although the name of irises can be associated with the goddess Iris, announcing the will of the Olympians (which is the messenger of the gods).

The myths about the founding of Florence and many legends of the ancient world from Egypt to Japan are also associated with irises. We like to call irises irises, but still the botanical name of the plant is much more popular.

Irises are not at all uniform in their characteristics. Most irises (and their most famous varieties) are rhizome herbaceous perennials. They are already distinguished by the nature of their growth. Vegetative shoots in the form of rhizomes, consisting of annual links with bunches of leaves and adventitious roots, are located on the surface or immersed in the soil. They are combined with generative shoots - annual peduncles.

Special rhizomes that increase individual links every year determine both the peculiarities of care and the specifics of planting. Flower buds are laid by the plant in summer, their quality depends on the number of leaves in the link.

Iris leaves are among the most recognizable on flower beds. Green matte "swords" in fan-shaped beams are hard to miss. Flat, two-row arranged, collected at the base of the peduncles in a fan, linear, xiphoid and rigid, with a unique waxy bloom and light color, iris leaves look spectacular, strict, bright, stand out in any company, bring graphics and structure to the ensembles. Stem leaves in irises are very rare, and even in species that develop medium-sized leaves on peduncles, there are surprisingly few of them.

Irises look perfect in the mixborder and on the curb, on the lawn and even on the alpine slide
Irises look perfect in the mixborder and on the curb, on the lawn and even on the alpine slide

Blooming irises

Despite the beauty of the foliage, irises are prized primarily for their flowering. And they have it, really, amazing. Single flowers or few-flowered inflorescences, in which flowers bloom in turn, look inimitable. Strong, thick, tough, firm shoots are crowned with simple large flowers with a structure that is hard to miss.

The perianth is divided into six lobes - three upper ones, which are called standards in irises, and three lower falls, which form a unique iris flower and differ from each other. Perianth lobes grow together into a tube, more or less pronounced in different species. The upper petals turning upward are smaller, sometimes reduced, the lower ones are larger, horizontal or bent down, wide, quivering, most often they are decorated with unique details in the form of a fringe, border or beard, spots, patterns.

Most of all, irises are famous for their beards, which are not characteristic of all species, but they have become the hallmark of the plant - these are strips of soft, dense spikelets located along the central vein. It is on this basis that irises are divided into bearded and beardless.

It is possible to evaluate the structural features of the pistil only after the flower wilts. It is divided into three lobes, crowned with ridge-like outgrowths, which protect the stigma from getting wet and look very impressive in some species. But the three-nested boxes, ripening on peduncles, do not look too decorative; they are very rarely stored in private gardens to obtain seeds.

Irises are characterized by an amazing fragility of flowers: in some species, they unfold literally for one day. The unique tenderness of the texture of the petals is combined with an amazing ability to unfold the perianth lobes almost by magic and the same almost elusive wilting with a change in texture to translucent. Iris flowers live for a maximum of five days. Due to the fact that the plant one by one, from top to bottom, opens flowers in the inflorescence, the entire flowering period is stretched.

The flowering period of irises lasts the entire first half of the gardening season. From May to early July, and for new late varieties - until mid-summer, different species and varieties delight with a unique watercolor parade.

Bulbous irises, in contrast to their rhizome counterparts, form a medium-sized bulb with reticulate fibrous outer scales, filamentous dying roots and ground faceted leaves. Single-flowered peduncles are quite strong, crowned with an elegant flower, typical for irises, up to 7 cm in diameter.

The six-part perianth corolla consists of internal lanceolate, upwardly directed lobes and oval or ovoid three external lobes - with a short marigold and a lanceolate scapula with a comb-like protrusion. Dissected columns and lanceolate anthers do not distract from the beauty of flower colors.

The color scheme of irises is difficult to describe. All the subtle nuances of colors from snow-white to pale blue and cream, shades of blue, lilac, lilac, violet, purple, dark red, ink, cherry, beige, brown and even yellow and orange colors - you can find unforgettable colors.

Pure monochromatic colors are very rare among irises. Spots, erosion, strokes, stripes, contrasting barbs or details, borders, rims, specks in two-, three- or even multi-floral combinations, from contrasting and bright combinations to subtle and almost elusive shades - plants are inimitable in the play of watercolor halftones. And the texture of the quivering and delicate petals of irises, as if shining with mother-of-pearl, silk-satin, velvety, only emphasizes all the nuances.

The group of bearded irises is difficult to confuse with any other
The group of bearded irises is difficult to confuse with any other

Simple difficulties of classification of irises

Irises offer a choice between plants with such different characteristics that sometimes it is very difficult to understand their classification. Bearded irises, the business card of the whole family and the main favorites of all gardeners, are familiar to everyone. But in addition to these favorites, there are many irises among the irises that may not be noticed in the shadow of the main stars.

In the botanical classification of irises, more than 200 plant species are distinguished. The number of varieties and hybrids of bearded irises is measured in tens of thousands. As with most stellar flowering perennials, the decisive statement in the classification of irises is the approval of the AIS, the American Iris Society, which maintains a register of varieties and is the most significant authority among fans of this plant. It was this organization that developed the basic horticultural classification of rhizome irises.

The main division of all irises, as well as the main disputes about their classification, occurs according to the type of rhizome and the form of plant growth. In world horticulture, bulbous and rhizome irises are considered as two groups of varieties of the same plant, related and with equal right called irises.

In the domestic landscape design, plants used to be divided into different genera and still have not come to a consensus. Since most of the bulbous irises on the market are of Western breeding, and the expansion of the range of varieties occurs mainly in the West, in the catalogs these not quite irises appear with the name Iris, and in the registries the old generic names are today considered only one of the synonyms of the representatives of the genus Iris.

So, all Xiphions (Xiphion), Iridodictyums (Iridodictyum) and almost all Junos (Juno) were re-qualified to irises, and, accordingly, all the hybrid plants received from them by the best world centers.

The garden classification of rhizome irises is rather complicated and is hardly used in practice. Two different versions of the general classification distinguish 15 classes of irises. It is not difficult to recognize plants, the principles of their separation are obvious, but a huge number of additional conventions, abbreviations, international standards and marks makes deciphering the characteristics of varieties a very difficult task.

A large classification of irises, as well as the terms in which fans of these plants need to navigate, deserve a closer and separate consideration.

A simplified classification according to the main criteria allows even novice gardeners to navigate in the variety of irises. Plants popular in landscape design represent only two groups:

  1. Bearded irises are a famous luxuriously blooming group of varieties with beards on the lower petals, among which eight classes of irises are distinguished separately - retro, dwarf, medium-sized, tall, etc.
  2. Beardless irises are varieties that are devoid of a fluffy strip of hairs and are much more unpretentious. Within this group, separately consider:
  • Siberian irises - varieties and hybrids derived from Siberian and blood-red iris;
  • Japanese irises, obtained on the basis of the xiphoid iris and differing in the size and shape of the flower;
  • spuria irises - amazing varieties of irises with an orange-red color range;
  • There are six more groups of irises that are almost not found in gardens, which can be admired in the collections of devoted admirers (Evans irises, remontant, Pacific, aryl irises and arylbreds, Louisiana).

The botanical classification of irises is not used today, even for the registration of varieties, because it is so extensive and diverse that only experienced specialists can navigate in it. According to it, irises are divided into subgenera, sections and subsections (such as subgenus Iris, Limniris, Xiridion, Crossiris, Tenuifolia, Eremiris, Regelia sections, etc.), using as criteria the presence of a beard and its features, origin and drought resistance, winter hardiness and much less obvious characteristics.

Siberian irises
Siberian irises
Japanese irises
Japanese irises
Spuria irises
Spuria irises

Irises in garden design

Irises are classic herbaceous perennials from the group of flowering plants. They cannot boast of extraordinary duration or abundance of flowering. In most species, the flowers even last, at best, for several days, but this does not prevent irises from being absolutely irreplaceable. In the ranks of the flowering favorites, they are proudly credited along with roses, tulips and peonies. This is a plant without which almost no garden can be imagined.

In fact, all irises are seasonal plants. They retain the beauty of their leaves for most of the gardening season, but bloom remains the highlight of just a few weeks, an unforgettable touch and the long-awaited peak of a great garden show.

The seasonality of irises traditionally ties them to spring and its riot of colors. Delicate, watercolor, bright, touching, original, irises allow you to place special accents in compositions or create special palettes from early spring to the beginning of the summer heat.

From the first irises, which are only slightly inferior to primroses, to the main parade of bearded handsome men and much more modest, but no less beautiful beardless species - in the first half of the season, it is difficult to remain indifferent to the appearance of blooming irises.

While the flowers are the focus of irises, the influence of foliage on compositions - a potential tool for playing with visuals - cannot be ignored. The xiphoid leaves of all irises look strict, neat and, with their lines, give order to any chaos.

The iris foliage shows an amazing ability to contrast even with the xiphoid leaves of other plants. For all neighbors from the category of herbaceous crops and ornamental shrubs, it is one of the most beautiful contrasting partners. Iris leaves adorn the ensembles not only during the flowering period, their character, graphic quality, severity can be used to create any decorative ensembles.

Irises are called watercolors or picturesque plants for a reason. They inspired Monet and Van Gogh and are considered an exemplary example of a watercolor palette of colors - not just multicolored, but "blurry" transitions of delicate midtones, unique shades and almost magical effects, which are only emphasized by the special texture of the petals.

The water color of irises seems to have been created for a natural style - natural compositions and pastoral landscapes. But irises are not only plants for a landscape garden or projects with elements of imitations of nature. They are indispensable for romance and nostalgic styles, thanks to their xiphoid foliage, they are used in graphic modern projects, strict regular design. They can become a classic touch, a solemn element or a delicate spot - it all depends on how they are planted and how they approach the selection of partners.

Iridariums, a special type of mono flowers, made up so as to maximize the flowering time, create a harmonious collection of varieties and species with a thoughtful or variegated color scheme, help to reveal the beauty of irises in all their unique diversity.

Iridariums, like rose gardens, require special care and are more common in large gardens. This is entertainment for fans of irises, those who can allocate both a place and a time for their favorite perennials. Today, mini-iridariums and container iridariums are especially popular - compositions composed according to narrower criteria, which are easier to care for.

Irises are plants whose beauty is enhanced in groups. The more irises are planted in one place, the better. This rule applies to both tapeworms and complex compositions. It is believed that the most spectacular iris spots occur when at least 15 plants are combined. But if we are talking about flower beds and flower beds, then irises are used in groups of at least 5 bushes.

It is believed that the most spectacular iris spots occur when at least 15 plants are combined
It is believed that the most spectacular iris spots occur when at least 15 plants are combined

The use of irises in garden design by height

Plant height is a major factor in the use of irises in garden design. The short and dwarf irises play a slightly different role than the medium-sized and tall varieties.

Low irises (both bulbous and rhizomatous) are not so much the foreground stars of compositions as ensembles relying on decorative soil filling, front or parterre flower beds, rockeries and alpine hills. They can also add accents where low spring spots are needed, but they show their beauty most fully surrounded by stone chips, decorative mulch and boulders. Dwarf irises shine in spring, surrounded by ground covers and seem to be touching treasures against the backdrop of typical rock garden vegetation.

Regular medium-sized and tall irises are used in decoration:

  • classic discounts;
  • mixborders;
  • blooming spots or seasonal islets;
  • flower beds of any type and size;
  • massifs and landscape groups;
  • mono-groups, series of mini-rings or spots on the lawn (one variety or several plants of different varieties);
  • as a tapeworm, a single accent (large varieties are good against the background not only of lawns or "flat" areas, but also near bushes, hedges, in boring places, suitable for emphasizing sculptures, etc.);
  • rockeries and rock gardens in the company of large boulders.

Irises are some of the best plants for planting trees and shrubs, especially those that are afraid of tree-trunk landscaping. A short rhizome that does not compete for resources with the main large plants allows irises to create a charming edge under their favorite apple or cherry trees.

Among the irises, there are also plants that adore swampy ground and are suitable for decorating not only various water bodies, but also wet beds or natural filters. Irises yellow and smooth are the invariable stars of the coastlines of ponds and streams, a charming addition for mobile ponds and a plant that can bring the tenderness of irises even to the most atypical places for this culture.

Many irises are suitable for decorating not only various water bodies, but also wet beds or natural filters
Many irises are suitable for decorating not only various water bodies, but also wet beds or natural filters

Selection of partners for irises

Irises, with their picturesque pastorality and severity at the same time, are plants that easily stand out against any background. Significant restrictions on the selection of partners are imposed by the peculiarities of the required growing conditions, and the perfect unique beauty of irises is far from being displayed by every neighboring plant in a favorable light, which must be taken into account.

In the selection of companions for irises in the garden, several important rules are observed:

  1. Always take into account the low competitiveness of bearded irises, the risk of suppression by powerful plants with deep and voluminous roots, the need to leave sufficient space for the free development of irises and control changes in compositions over time.
  2. Choosing color combinations, avoid combining fawn, pale irises with any bright partners - both other irises and other perennials.
  3. Contrasts in the compositions of irises are based on the play of light and dark shades, and not on a combination of pale and saturated colors.
  4. Dark-flowered irises are combined only with plants with light, variegated or original colored foliage.
  5. In compositions, at least one plant with a non-standard leaf color is always introduced - gray, blue, silver, golden, bronze, purple, etc., adding nobility to the texture of greenery in the same way as iris flowers and their leaves enrich the composition as a whole.

When choosing companions for irises in the garden, first of all, you need to consider classic combinations - with those plants that have the same status of flowering classics or no less watercolor perennials. Poppies, peonies, roses, lupins are the obvious choice for most rhizome irises.

Usually, at least one classic partner is introduced to any ensemble with irises, and then they play with textures, contrasts and effects, creating the desired character, catchy and style of composition.

Irises are often combined with daylilies, asters, delphinium. Badan, variegated hosts, Byzantine chastetz, milkweed, oregano can also be excellent partners for irises.

From shrubs, not only roses, but also lilacs, spireas, barberries, euonymus, and cinquefoil will become an excellent background for irises. From ground cover and cushion perennials, the best partners for irises are saxifrage, periwinkle, European hoof and bristly phlox. Irises can be supplemented with early or late blooming bulbs for more stable compositions, including combining with lilies, daffodils and tulips.

For irises near water bodies, in shade or in wet areas, astilbe, primroses, marigolds, swimwear, forget-me-nots, hosts, ferns, aquilegia are considered classic partners.

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