Consulta Plantas

Care of the rhizomatous plant Iris germanica or Bearded iris

The genus Iris, family Iridaceae, comprises 300 species of rhizomatous and bulbous plants native to temperate regions of Europe, Asia, Africa and America. Some species are: Iris germanica, Iris foetidissima, Iris orientalis, Iris pseudacorus, Iris unguicularis, Iris pumila, Iris aucheri, Iris xiphium, Iris lutescens.

Common names: German bearded iris, Bearded iris. This species is native to western Europe.

They are rhizomatous herbaceous plants with long sword-shaped leaves traversed by parallel nerves that reach 50 cm (19.68") in length. The attractive flowers are quite large and are usually purple or blue in color; There are varieties of red, yellow, white, etc. They bloom throughout the spring and early summer.

They are used on slopes, to form borders and terraces, and to create colored spots on the lawn.

Iris germanica prefers full sun exposure but can grow in semi-shade. They resist frost.

They prefer calcareous soils but can grow in any soil that is well drained and contains organic matter. The rhizomes are planted in late summer.

Water moderately at the rate of once a week in spring and fall and twice a week in summer if it's very hot. They have a tendency to rot with excess moisture.

Fertilize with compost in the fall.

Prune withered flowers. It's important to control their expansion because they can become invasive.

They are plants resistant to pests but sensitive to excess moisture.

They propagate easily by division of the rhizome in late summer.

Images of the rhizomatous plant Iris germanica or Bearded iris