Many years ago, when choosing flowers for my site, I was looking for simpler options so that they would not be capricious in their care and could save time and effort. On this principle, I chose irises. The beauty of these flowers amazed, the variety of colors and shapes bewitched. But most of them did not survive the first winter.
To avoid these mistakes, I decided to figure out how to properly prepare plants for wintering. It turned out that the same preparation is suitable for all species and varieties, both rhizome and bulbous.
I'll tell you about everything in order.
Pruning irises
Dry, rotten leaves on a plant can very often develop diseases or become a place where insects hibernate. Therefore, I cut all bad leaves by 10-15 centimeters. In our region (middle lane), pruning is best done in early November, ahead of the frost. In the north, taking into account the cold snaps, it can be done earlier, and on the south side - later. But, if you don't want to bother and keep track of the deadlines, you can follow my example and prune the plants during the rains. The water will not stagnate and the soil will be better ventilated.
To prevent rotting from starting when the irises have faded, I cut off the flowers and ovules, and after a couple of weeks - the stems. I leave only 2 centimeters of peduncles.
Planting and transplanting
Both spring and autumn are suitable for planting. But I prefer to do this in the fall, because planting at this time, according to my observations, gives them that they will bloom again. And in order for the flowers to grow and winter better, I plant them on a hill, where there is better air circulation and lighting. Because once from the stagnation of moisture and dense soil, most of my flowers died.
Process:
- I start after the leaves have dried.
- I peel the bulbs, separate the baby.
- I dry the material for further planting.
- I plant in another place at the end of September.
- Cover tightly before winter.
How to properly cover irises
Irises are divided into three categories for winter hardiness:
- Sensitive - bulbous (Dutch, Japanese, Spanish varieties), rhizome (lake, nameless), tall varieties of bearded iris.
- Resistant - iridodictium, British bulbous varieties, rhizome (dwarf iris and leafless).
- Persistent - wild beardless iris (marsh, Siberian, yellow, etc.)
Before the shelter, I loosen the ground between the rows and treat the top, rhizomes and leaves that remain with fungicides. Periodically fertilize before winter with mineral complexes that do not contain nitrogen.
Stubborn irises can only be done with pruning and processing. And I prepare the rest better:
- I cover with the first frost, after the end of the rainy period. This is usually mid-November. If done earlier, the soil may rot.
- I use peat or shavings, but you can also use humus and straw.
- I spread a layer of 10 centimeters and place spruce branches on top of it.
I dig up varieties that constantly freeze out for the winter. When the leaves are dry, I prune, process the bulbs and dry them for a month at a temperature of 25 ℃. I store it in the garage as it is cool and dry.
I also recommend covering the varieties that are resistant to cold weather. Mandatory in the first year of life and after 3 years, when the roots are visible above the ground.
What to do if the plant is frozen
Irises are resistant to temperature extremes, so I open them immediately after the snow melts. If the plant is frozen, I do this:
- I remove all the gruel from the leaves that have died, down to the hard tissue.
- I process the cut with potassium permanganate. I dilute it to a rich wine color.
- I fill the wounds with coal. Ash can be used.
All these procedures are great for saving my plants, and they bloom again.
You can always leave everything to chance and be content with what happened. Or you can make an effort, pay more attention to irises, and they will become a wonderful decoration for your garden.
Read also: To help beginner gardeners: common mistakes when pruning grapes
Friends, do not forget to subscribe to the channel and LIKE if the article is useful!
#shelter of irises for the winter#irises#planting irises