Iris bulbous - the perfect choice for any corner of your site

Iris bulbs for a long time attributed to the genus of irises, highlighting them in a separate group of bulbous. And only in the middle of the last century, "false" irises were identified as an independent genus. Iridodicium - shallow irises. Xifium - large-scale representatives of irises. It must be said that these two species are completely different. And if with the second you have to tinker, then the first completely unpretentious plants. It is about them that we will go further.

Iridodiciums (bulbous irises) have exquisite flowers that really resemble iris flowers. In Russia they are also called "tangents", which means - coveted, lovely. They differ in unpretentiousness in growing, and different periods of flowering will help you to enjoy for a long time. They appear at one time with crocuses. Unlike large-iris irises, flowers develop earlier than leaves.

The very first will appear iris bulbous "danford" - impatient crumb (height 10 cm) with yellow small flowers in speckles of greenish color. This staunch soldier will bravely resist the night frosts and other troubles of early spring. This plant was found in the mountains of Turkey, and in the cultural planting introduced by Mrs. Dunford, hence the name of the variety.

Bulbous iris netting is the most popular iridodicium in culture, there are more than 20 varieties. They begin to bloom in early April, almost at the same time with large-flowered crocuses. Flowering lasts up to 3 weeks, the plant is unpretentious in growing, perfectly reproduces vegetatively. For a year it forms up to four young bulbs, 3-4 cm in length, and a diameter of no more than 1.5-2.5 cm, while the bulb has a mesh-fibrous membrane. The height of these irises reaches 15 cm, fragrant flowers 5-7 cm in size. They can be juicy blue, blue or violet, on the lower petal a white or bright yellow-orange spot. The most popular varieties are "edward", "harmony", "spider", "canteb". But the varieties "Natasha" and "Alba" will be white.

As mentioned above, it is not difficult to grow bulbous iris. It is a winter-resistant, not requiring special care culture. For it, solar, open areas with neutral, drained or slightly alkaline soil perfectly suit. The only condition is dry maintenance during the summer rest period. In its natural nature, it can be found in the mountains and foothills of Central and Asia Minor, as well as in the Caucasus.
Therefore, a spring with precipitation, dry summer, and winter snow and without thaws are desirable for this plant. If your climate does not correspond to this, but, on the contrary, provides a too rainy summer, the iris bulb should be planted near a large tree (on the south side) or on a raised hill. Even in the summer, bulbs can be excavated after blossoming, this should be done as soon as the leaves begin to lie, and their upper part turns yellow. Store the bulbs in a dark place in the sawdust. And since the end of September and in October, they are again planted at a depth of 7-8 cm, with a distance between plants of 10-15 cm. Iridodiciums are excellent for spacious flower beds, for flowerpots in the yard, for alpine hills and lawns with large stones. Thanks to the early flowering and rich colors, they give special pleasure after a long and monotonous winter.