A translucent rainbow shimmered gently in the raindrops sparkling in the rays of the setting sun. The people were jubilant. Prometheus, their protector, stole the heavenly fire from the gods and gave it to the peoples so that they could warm up and prepare their own food. It was then that the heavenly arch flashed with delicate colors, which, without fading away, shone all night, as a symbol of tranquility, hope and prosperity. At dawn, the rainbow dissolved in the morning haze and at the same moment the buds of beautiful irises opened …
This beautiful legend is dedicated to a graceful flower with a delicate aroma, the name of which is translated from Greek as “rainbow”.
In landscape design, irises, or “irises”, are used everywhere. The plant is not demanding to care for and, knowing the features of the varieties of this flower, you can decorate with it not only flower beds near an artificial reservoir, but also alpine slides, rockeries, curbs and mixborders.
Unfortunately, irises do not bloom for long, so it is advisable to think in advance about the location of the flower in the flower beds. Its emerald long leaves, like sharp blades, can serve as a backdrop for later flowering plants.
Dwarf varieties of bearded iris up to 45 cm high look great in rock gardens against the background of stones.
Landscape stylists use an interesting trick of contrasts. For example, irises with purple inflorescences are planted against the background of light boulders, and vice versa, bright yellow flowers accentuate attention, standing out against the dark green crown of conifers.
On alpine slides and rockeries, low-growing irises look good in the company of subulate phlox, which covers the rocky soil with a delicate pink cloud.
Irises and subulate phlox
Tall varieties of killer whales can become a spectacular tapeworm.
Some iris varieties that prefer moist soil will be very happy to be next to a babbling stream or pond. Landscape designers grow this species of iris in Japanese gardens, where water is the main stylistic element.
Iris Water Garden (Japan)
In mixborders, slender irises most often occupy positions in the background, but they also look good against the background of ornamental shrubs – bubblegum or barberry with reddish-burgundy foliage.
And of course, one cannot ignore the iridariums – flower beds, and often entire gardens in which rainbow flowers dominate.
In the borders and ridges, the killer whales also found a place for themselves next to the trimmed boxwood and other flowering representatives of the flora.
The beauty of irises is undeniable. We hope that photos with examples of the use of these noble beauties in landscape gardening will help create a small garden of dreams.
