The xiphoid iris is a decorative perennial flower. This species has existed for several thousand years, and its beauty has been appreciated by people from different eras. He owes his popularity to a brightly colored inflorescence, which can have almost any rainbow color.

Grade description

The xiphoid iris got its name thanks to the leaves, which resemble swords in their shape. The leaves themselves are light green, with a reddish tinge on the base and a yellow streak in the center. The leaf can reach a height of 60 cm, but as a rule, it is cut off when it reaches 10-12 cm.

Did you know? Red iris is a symbol of Florence, which is depicted on the flag of the province. Curiously, true red varieties do not exist in nature.

The growth of the iris does not exceed 80 cm, and its diameter is 15–22 cm. From the stem, 1 to 4 large flowers grow. Despite the fact that the inflorescence can have different colors, a feature of the variety is the predominance of purple tones.

Healing properties

Few people know that iris is used not only as an ornamental plant. For example, iris root contains essential oil, which is used in medicine and perfumery. Dried root is used against headaches.

Also, a decoction is cooked from the root, which stimulates hair growth, and eliminates dandruff. Large leaves can also be used. They are a rich source of vitamin C and you can brew a decoction from them. And in India they make a diuretic out of them.

Did you know? The origin of the name of the flower is associated with the Greek goddess Irida, who personified the rainbow. And if you recall what a variegated variety of colors the iris has, then the comparison with the rainbow is well-deserved.

Growing Features

Iris is not the most demanding plant to care for. However, if you do not know certain rules, then nothing practical will come of it. In order for the flower to please the eye, you need proper care for it. But first of all, it must be properly planted.

Landing rules

The most important points to pay attention to:

• the landing site should have good lighting or at least partial shade;
• iris is very fond of moisture, but it is not a hydrophyte, so you do not need to plant it in water. The most suitable soil is slightly acid loam, especially if it is fertilized with compost;
• the plant does not tolerate cold and, in particular, the winter season. Therefore, it is necessary to take additional measures before wintering: mulch the place of planting with peat and dry leaves.

Important! In autumn, leaves turn yellow not only on trees, but also on irises. It is very important to cut them, because pests like to settle on them.

As for the landing itself, it consists of several successive steps:

1. Preparation of all necessary materials for planting.
2. Small pruning of rhizomes and leaves.
3. Plants should be planted at least 35 cm apart. If the landing is a group, then the distance can be reduced.
4. The depth of the landing pit should be 3-5 cm.

After following all the recommendations, all that remains is to water the flower abundantly. The optimal rate for one iris bush is 5 liters of water. Watering is necessary once a week.

The subtleties of care

The main care of the plant is to feed. They should be done 2-3 times a year and the vegetative period is the best time for this. Complex fertilizers are the best choice for iris. Mullein solution (10%) is also suitable.

Before wintering, the plant needs special care. All leaves are trimmed to a length of 15 cm. If any leaf is yellow and withered, then it should also be cut.

If summer turned out to be extremely hot, then it is better to transfer watering in the evening. It is important that the water does not fall on the flower. Also, in windy weather, it is better to tie the plant so that it does not break.

Pests and diseases

Each problem needs its own approach. Plants are no exception. Potential pest threats and necessary control measures:

1. Pests that may harm the iris: wireworm, scoops, gladiolus thrips, and slugs. You can fight them with the help of "Confidor", "Mospilan" or "Actara". Use the product no more than once a week. As a preventive measure, a flower can be sprayed 1.5 months before flowering.
2. A measure against slugs will be earth, sprinkled with ash, mustard powder or eggshell.
3. We should also mention bronze beetles. These are large insects with a characteristic green metallic color. Their weakness is in fear of the cold, so it is not necessary to use chemistry to fight them - it will be enough to spray the flower with cold water.

In addition to parasites, there is a threat of flower disease. The most dangerous rot and bacteriosis.

If rot is detected, do the following:

1. A plant digs out of the ground. The affected part of the root is excised. All other parts need to be coated with iodine or potassium permanganate.
2. Then the flower is left under the sun for the whole day. Roots need to be turned periodically.
3. The soil in which the plant grew needs to be dug up and replaced. You will also need to cut off old leaves.

To prevent the appearance of rot, the plant must be planted to the correct depth. Rotting occurs due to too deep landing.

Important! If summer turned out to be extremely hot, then it is better to transfer watering in the evening. Also, in windy weather, it is better to tie the plant so that it does not break.

Iris in landscape design

Iris is actively used as a decoration for gardens and flower beds. Given its height, which sometimes can reach more than 1 m, it looks best on medium and long-range plans. Next to the flower, any herbaceous plants will harmoniously look. The main thing to remember is that they should have similar requirements for watering and lighting.

For example, it can be: phlox paniculata, hosta, frankincense and euphorbia multiflorum. Ornamental shrubs are also suitable: barberry, derain, Forsythia and gray spirea. And berries like gooseberries and gooseberries. The xiphoid iris, due to its more violet tones, will harmoniously look with decorative stones in light shades.

Due to its color variety, iris can be attributed to universal colors. It will look good in any garden and flowerbed. If you put it in the right soil, this will help to avoid most of the work with it, so it will not be difficult to take care of it.