Garden iris is a perennial plant loved by many gardeners. An unpretentious flower takes root well and easily tolerates wintering. Exceptions may be hybrid varieties, as well as flowers grown in regions with a harsh climate. For beginner gardeners, the question naturally arises: “How to care for irises in the fall?” For advice, we turn to professionals who will share with us the secrets of growing these beautiful flowers.
Garden irises: planting and care in autumn
Theoretically, you can plant, plant and transplant irises from early spring to October. But in order for the plant to take root, it is best to do this during the dormant period that occurs after flowering. If you decide to plant or transplant irises in your area, try to do this at the end of August or in September. Such irises will bloom next spring, but more magnificent flowering will have to wait for the second year.
How to transplant irises in autumn?
If you decide to divide a bush that is already growing in your garden, you need to stop at a well-developed plant. Need itgently dig and shake off the ground. Examine the root. You must divide it so that each separated part has a leaf bundle. The roots will need to be cut to a quarter. Remove old, rotten parts of the roots. Cut the iris leaves, leaving 10-15 cm.
Pay special attention to the roots of the plant. If you find damaged areas, they will need to be carefully cut out with a knife and lowered for 15 minutes into a weak solution of potassium permanganate. After this procedure, it is desirable to dry the roots. All cuts will be processed correctly with crushed coal, it is possible with the addition of sulfur (1: 1).
If you live in a region where there are severe frosts in winter, then try to purchase varieties of irises that are resistant to frost. Take a closer look at what irises grow in your neighbors, how they endure winters. If you have a good relationship, ask them for a sprout when transplanting. Such a plant will take root 100%.
Preparation of holes for irises: planting and care in the fall
In order for the plant to take root well, it must be properly planted. To do this, it is necessary to make a small mound in the prepared hole, on which to lay the rhizome, while spreading the roots well on the sides. The plant is planted to a depth of no more than 3-5 cm. There should be a distance of 30-50 cm between the bushes. The earth around must be compacted and watered well. In the spring you will be pleased with beautiful irises. Planting and care in the fall gives better results than at other times of the year.
Care for irises in autumntime
If you don't intend to replant the plant, you need to work the soil around the irises, remove weeds, loosen the ground. Without a transplant, irises can live in one place for up to 6-7 years. Hybrid varieties are recommended to be repotted more frequently to maintain plant variety.
In order for the buds, and the irises themselves, to be large and not lose their color, they should be fed with fertilizers. In the very early spring, during the growing season, phosphate fertilizers are well suited, and after the plants have faded - phosphorus and potash fertilizers. Irises, like many garden flowers, cannot tolerate fresh manure. If you have very poor soils on your plot, it is advisable to increase the amount of top dressing, but on chernozems it can be reduced. Watering in autumn is reduced to a minimum.
Before frost, cover the tubers with spruce branches or leaves to protect the plants during frost. In the spring, the shelter will need to be removed so that the sun's rays can warm the roots of the plant.
If you follow the simple recommendations, you will be pleased with blooming irises in spring. Planting and caring for these plants in the fall will give you a kind of guarantee that you will admire the many colors of these delicate plants in the spring.
