Iris

Iris collection is representing a remarkable cultivar of decorative ornamental plants, more important Lithuanian cultivars and the most valuable hybrids of Lithuanian breeding. The genus belongs to the Iridaceae family. Recently, about 300 species are known worldwide. Iris naturally distributed in Europe, North America, Asia, and North Africa. In Ancient Greek mythology, Iris was the goddess of rainbows. The flower was named after her because of its many different color cultivars. Two native Iris species growing naturally in Lithuania wetland forests and marshes: the yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus L.) and the Siberian iris (Iris sibirica L.).

Irises are perennial rhizomatous or bulbous plants. In Lithuanian climate zone they usually flowering in May-June. The size of the flowers varies from 2,5 cm to 25 cm. A single flower blooms for 2-3 days and the whole plant for about 3-4 weeks. Every year a new cultivars of irises are originating around the world, which are distinguished by the diversity of blooms color, by the height and other valuable features that are typical for this genus. Vilnius University Botanical Garden collects and take care the most adapted plant species and cultivars to grow in Lithuanian climate conditions. Iris are selected based of their decorative characteristics, which represent the wide range of iris diversity.

The first five irises (Iris) were mentioned in 1799 in S.B. Jundzill plant list:

I. sibirica;

I. graminifolia;

I. germanica;

I. pumila;

I. pseudacorus.

It is assumed that these irises could be leavings of J. E. Giliberts collection. Nevertheless, intensive cultivation of Iris in Lithuania started around 1929-1930. Meanwhile the collection in Vilnius University Botanical Garden (Kairėnai) began to collect in 1992, when the then Department of Floriculture was established. Winter hardiness and soil moisture is one of the most important factors determining the survival of a plant. In order to prevent the irises from freezing during the winter, the collection is being expanded with species and cultivars that fall into groups 4-5 in terms of hardiness. One of the selection criteria for the collection is the color of the blooms. Irises come in almost all colors and shades of flowers, with the exception of bright reds and greens (greenish yellows are accessible). The height of the plant is also an important feature to take into account when forming an iris collection. Particular attention is paid to the collection of Lithuanian iris cultivars and the most valuable Lithuanian hybrids.

IŠSAMUS KOLEKCIJOS PRISTATYMAS (ATSISIŲSTI)

		Iris reticulata M.Bieb. Bulbous iris, 10 cm tall. Leaves are narrow, linear. Stem erect, cylindrical. Flower color is dark blue, the lower petals mottled with yellow and white spots. Plants blooms early in March. Grows well in a bright, sunny conditions in high soil permeability, fertile, alkaline soil, pH 7. They are hardy but do not tolerate excess moisture. Iris reticulata are used in floristics.
		Iris barbata 'Crinoline' Perennial rhizomatous plant 100 cm tall. Leaves are flat, sword-shaped. The flowers are composed of 3 upper and 3 lower petals, with a yellow beard on the lower petal. The upper petals are dark purple, the lower petals are white and bordered by a purple color. Blooms from April to July. The site should be sunny, dry and not waterlogged. Irises should not be planted deeply in the soil - the upper part of the rhizome must be visible on the ground. Planting should be done with the rhizome on the south side. This cultivar has a strong, pleasant scent. Author - Schreiner, 1965.
		Iris barbata 'Song of Norway' Perennial rhizomatous plant 100 cm tall. Leaves are flat, sword-shaped. Flower stem cylindrical. The blooms are composed of 3 upper and 3 lower petals, with a bluish-white beard on the lower petal. The color of the bloom is bluish. Blooms from April to July. The site should be sunny, dry, not waterlogged, slightly sandy, pH 7,5. Iris tubers should not be planted deeply in the soil - the upper part of the tuber must be visible on the surface of the ground. Planting should be done with the rhizome on the south side. Author - Walter Luihn, 1979.
		Iris halophila Pall. Perennial rhizomatous plant 40 cm tall. Leaves narrow, lanceolate. Stem is cylindrical. The flower consists of 3 upper and 3 lower petals. The color of the flower is yellow. Usually starts flowering in June and continues until July. The soil must be sufficiently moist for growth. Suitable for growing not only in normal soil, but also in wet pond margins. Due to their narrow foliage, reminiscent of ornamental grasses, they are also widely used in naturalistic landscapes.