Iberis flowers: features of growing and care in the open field. Iberis - planting and care outdoors Sun and warm air are important for the beauty of Iberis

It is a common ornamental plant. It can often be seen in flower beds, gardens and front gardens. This is a flowering and unpretentious plant that covers the flower bed with a single carpet. The flowers of the Iberis are so densely arranged that the foliage is almost invisible, the Iberis umbrella is also famous for its pleasant delicate aroma. Gardeners love this plant for its long and beautiful flowering and ease of maintenance.

Iberis belongs to the Cruciferous family, but unlike most plants of this family, Iberis is not eaten. This is exclusively ornamental plant, which is intended for decorating flower beds, lawns, front gardens.

Features of the structure of Iberis:

Iberis umbrella really looks like an umbrella. Its inflorescences are rather flat and wide. From a distance it may seem that this is one large bud, but the inflorescence consists of a large number of small flowers (1 cm in diameter).
The colors can be of different colors: from pure white to bright pink, lilac.
The plant is a perennial shrub up to 40 cm high. The bushes are rather compact with large inflorescences. In their natural environment, these plants are found in the countries of Central Europe. The name of the flower comes from the ancient name of Spain - Iberia. This plant is also called Iberian, a variegated plant.
Iberis does not differ in dense foliage. Usually the stem is rather bare, pubescent with few leaves.

Iberis umbellate is usually grown in open fields, since it is somewhat large for potting. But if you wish, you can decorate balconies and gazebos with this flower. Iberises go well with various flower beds. They bloom for a long time, about a month, so they are ideal for flower beds.

Some argue that Iberis has and healing properties, but the umbrella variety of this flower is rarely used for medicinal purposes.

Usually flowers and seeds are plucked from Iberis, which are then used for medicinal purposes. The ground parts of the plant are quite bitter in taste, but are considered useful for the job. of cardio-vascular system... Also, Iberis decoctions are used for various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, to increase appetite. The flowers have a choleretic, analgesic and tonic effect.

Iberis contains not only useful, but also quite poisonous substances. Medicines from this plant must be prepared with caution and dosage. It is not recommended to use this herb without consulting a doctor. It is also contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women and infants.

Iberis umbrella is propagated, as a rule, by seeds, however vegetative propagation is also possible. The choice of breeding method depends on the wishes of the gardener, but the annual Iberis umbrella is much easier to propagate. by seed method... It is great for beginners.

Iberis breeding methods:

The seeds can be purchased at the store or harvested by yourself. Iberis umbellate forms pods, which contain seeds. The pods are not only formed in autumn, they ripen unevenly throughout the summer, so it is recommended to harvest them as they ripen. The pods are dried, the seeds are removed and stored in a dry, dark place until the sowing process.
Iberis is recommended to be propagated by seedlings, but some growers sow seeds directly into open ground at the first warmth. You need to sow seedlings in March, so that they can be planted in the ground in May. If the seeds are sown directly into the ground, then it is better to do this not earlier than mid-April.
If you decide to propagate Iberis, then the cuttings need to be harvested after flowering. Undamaged cuttings up to 5 cm long are cut off. The cut cut can be immediately planted in the ground and create greenhouse conditions. To accelerate rooting, phytohormone solutions are used. It is worth remembering that Iberis flowers are very lush and grows well. To obtain a dense flower carpet, the distance between seedlings should be at least 15 cm.

Seeds for seedlings are sown not in one large box, but immediately in small containers, since Iberis does not really like transplants and does not tolerate them well. Seedling soil can be purchased at the store. It is slightly moistened, and the seeds are deepened slightly, by 1 mm.

In order for the seeds to sprout well, the containers are placed in a warm, bright place and greenhouse conditions are created: they are covered with foil or glass.

Seedlings must be regularly ventilated to prevent seeds from rotting. Seedlings should be watered regularly, but waterlogging should be avoided. The light should be diffused so that burns do not form on the leaves.

If the seeds are planted directly in open ground, you must first make shallow grooves, and then put the seeds there. Sowing depth - no more than 1 cm.

In order for the Iberis to bloom all summer, you can plant the plant twice a season: in May and in July. Flowering period at proper care reaches 1.5 months.

Iberis umbrella is famous for its unpretentiousness. It only takes minimal maintenance to grow this plant. Even a beginner can grow Iberis. However, it is not worth throwing the flower at all. In order for the plant to bloom magnificently for a long time, you need to follow simple rules for caring for Iberis:

Iberis needs regular watering, but does not tolerate clay soils, where moisture is retained. Before planting it, you need to choose a place with sandy or stony soil, which will allow air to flow to the roots. If the soil is dense, good drainage is essential. Iberis needs to be watered with a small amount of water as the soil dries up. If the summer is too hot, water more often. It is impossible to flood the plant too much, to allow stagnation of water, since the roots of Iberis quickly begin to rot.
Usually by the fall, the Iberis is pruned, but the Umbelliferous Iberis is an annual, so there is no need for pruning. It is enough to collect the seeds. Withered flowers must be removed. This will heal the plant and give the flower bed a neat appearance.
The flowerbed must be weeded regularly so that it does not interfere with the growth of the shrub. The weeds are taking nutrients from the soil and impoverish it.
Iberis does not need frequent feeding. It is more important not to overdo it than to underfeed. For the most lush and long flowering 2 dressings per season will be enough: when the first leaves appear and at the beginning of flowering. For feeding, you can use complex, purchased in specialized stores.
Iberis loves light and tolerates heat quite well. The plant blooms best in full sun, but can grow in partial shade. It should be borne in mind that shading can affect the size and number of flowers.
The annual Umbelliferous Iberis is removed entirely in the fall. It is advisable to dig up the soil, remove all roots and large stones. This will help avoid weeds.
It is also important to periodically loosen and weed the soil. This will allow the roots to be saturated with oxygen, and moisture will not stagnate. Without loosening, a crust forms on the surface of the soil, which prevents air from penetrating to the roots.
It is better to burn dead plants after removal, since they can contain the larvae of various insects.

Iberis diseases can be associated with improper care (fungal diseases due to waterlogging) or with various pests, insects that feed on plant sap:

False powdery mildew... This disease affects Iberis with an excess of moisture: too frequent or heavy watering, prolonged rains. The disease is caused by a fungus, the spores of which successfully overwinter in the remains of shoots and leaves, which is why it is recommended to burn the remains of plants. The course of the disease can stop on its own in dry and hot weather, the absence frequent watering... You can treat the disease with special drugs or folk remedies like a garlic solution.
Keela. This disease affects cruciferous crops. The infection may not be noticed immediately, since it starts from the root. The root system of Iberis is covered with growths and swellings, deformed. Due to root damage, nutrients from the soil do not enter the plant. It begins to dry out, grows poorly, does not bloom. The diseased plant most often dies. To avoid further contamination, you need to process the soil, greenhouse frames, seeds.
Blackleg. it fungal disease, which causes the death of the plant even at the seedling stage. To protect plants from this disease, you need to carefully process the soil with a solution of potassium permanganate, sterilize or buy a ready-made, sealed one in a store.
Earthen fleas. These are small bugs that feed on plants and can jump. Earthen fleas prefer to feed on seedlings or young plants. Bugs leave rounded holes in the foliage of the plant. Earthen flea larvae can lay on leaves or in the soil. Flea beetles are scared away by common tansy. It needs to be spread out between the rows.
Mealybug. Mealybug affects garden plants, it sucks in and draws nutrients from the plant. Pests leave a white, viscous substance on the plant. You can get rid of insects with a regular soap solution or special disinfectants.

It is best to cultivate the soil before planting the Iberis in advance. Special preparations will allow you to disinfect the soil, destroy insect larvae and fungal spores that cause rotting.

More information can be found in the video:

Both in Latin and in Russian, the name sounds the same - Iberis. People call it Iberian and Peppermint. More sophisticated names are not uncommon: variegated, stennik. It belongs to the cruciferous, the growing area is large: the southern regions of Ukraine, the lower reaches of the Don, the highlands of southern Europe. It is also ubiquitous in Asia Minor.

The genus Iberis is very large and includes at least 40 species. Some live only a year, others (for example, perennial Iberis) will delight beautiful flowers long time... What care for an Iberis plant will depend on its thermophilicity. Some varieties are drawn to light and warmth, others are not even afraid severe frosts... There are shrubs and herbaceous species.

This plant looks great in a flower garden near the house.

Iberis planting is recommended for creating alpine slides, masonry, effective design of flower beds. Even in a bride's bouquet, evergreen Iberis is not such a rarity. It perfectly copes with the functions assigned to it.

Features of Iberis

Below we will consider the features of evergreen Iberis, since it is the most popular in our country.

The roots are pivotal. That is why transplanting Iberis into open ground is not an easy task.
Shoots. It all depends on the species. They are erect, creeping.
Leaves are miniature.
Iberis flowers are made in the shape of an umbrella, they consist of small elements with a diameter of no more than a centimeter. Iberis bloom is very exuberant. Sometimes there are so many inflorescences on it that the leaves are completely closed. The color ranges from white to red. Iberis perennial begins to bloom in May or late summer. Duration - 2 months. Iberis annual blooms much shorter. The flowers are fragrant in most species.
Fruit. Who would have thought that a plant of the genus Iberis has an intricate pod fruit? It is oval or round, slightly flattened.

Composition with Iberis

Growing Iberis from seeds

For those who are going to plant Iberis at home, growing from small seeds is presented the best option... And that's why. First, the seeds are easy to harvest by yourself. Secondly, they can be purchased at any flower shop at a reasonable price. There is also a vegetative method, but it is more complicated and requires more time.

For most species (Iberis bitter, Iberis umbrella, Gibraltar, growing from seeds is recommended in April. There is one simple way to prolong flowering. Seeds collected from Iberis or bought in a store are planted with a difference of 15-20 days. The appearance of the first seedlings can be expected within a week, however, do not panic if nothing happened after 7 days, shoots may appear in 10-14 days.

Sowing and seedling a plant

To create the optimal moisture content of the substrate, the container is covered with glass, transferred to a warm, well-lit place. Watering in moderation, only when absolutely necessary. Necessarily using a sprayer. Picking when growing for seedlings is not provided.

Growing from seeds (video)

Landing in open ground: questions and answers

We answer popular questions related to Iberis, its landing and leaving for open ground.

When to plant?

In order for the plant to take root well, planting in open soil is carried out when the frost has passed. This is usually mid-May. Choose a site with good access to the sun, rocky ground. Too wet soil will not work. Stagnation forms in the roots, which has a bad effect on root system.

How is the disembarkation done?

The seedlings are removed from the container in which they were grown. The procedure is performed very carefully so as not to injure the root. To do this, you can take a seedling along with a lump of earth.
Bushes are planted in the soil at a distance of 12-15 centimeters.
The earth is carefully rammed, the sprouts are watered.
A little trick for those who would like to get Iberis different color and decided to plant a variety of varieties. Maintain a decent distance between the bushes - they can get dusty.

Further reproduction is possible by cuttings, division.

Planting Iberis is better late spring, after the last frost

Subtleties of care

If we talk about perennial Iberis, planting and further care are completely simple. Even novice gardeners can handle this challenge.

Watering. Only in severe drought.
Top dressing. There is no urgent need for it. However, in order for the flowering to be violent and lush, it is fed 1-2 times per season with a universal fertilizer.
All wilting flowers are promptly removed. The procedure is absolutely simple, but it contributes to normal growth and development.
When the bushes have bloomed, the shoots are shortened by a third. The plant immediately takes on a nice, neat look.
At the age of 5 years, perennial Iberis is planted. If this is not done, all subsequent flowering will be less spectacular, and the flowers will decrease in size.

Common diseases and pests

Let's start with the pests that pose a danger to Iberis. Earthen fleas feed on leaf plates - they eat out large holes in them. Mealy worms and aphids settle on the flowers, from which you should not expect anything good either. Good remedy potash soap is considered to fight aphids. Dissolve 200 g of the substance in 5-6 liters of water. The resulting solution is used to treat infected flowers. After seven days, the procedure is repeated.

How to get rid of mealybugs that have chosen evergreen Iberis? The bushes are treated with phytoverm, mospilan. After 7 days, it is recommended to repeat the procedure to consolidate the result.

Fungus is another common attack of the Iberis genus. The easiest way to prevent the problem is to try to cure plants already affected by the fungus. Before planting, a plot of land is treated with fungicides. Are the roots already rotting? Affected specimens are dug up and burned, the place of growth is carefully processed.

There are not so many pests of this plant, therefore, with proper care, Iberis will not create problems for you.

Seed collection

To properly collect the seeds, the pods are cut off and dried in a warm place. Then the seeds are removed. Store in a dry place until spring.

Many varieties of Iberis reproduce excellently by self-sowing. Even if the seeds are not harvested, dense shoots will appear in the spring. All that remains for the gardener is to thin them out in time.

Despite the good frost resistance, for the winter, the peppercorn is covered with spruce branches. The part of the bush located above the soil surface is cut off.

Popular varieties

Among annuals, only two species are in demand: Iberis amara (bitter), I beris umbellata (umbrella). We will talk about them.

Umbrella view

The luxurious appearance of the annual is the main reason for its popularity among gardeners. Reaches 40 cm in height. Shoots are smooth, branched, the leaves are lanceolate. The flowers have an unsurpassed aroma, the color varies from white to purple. Within ten weeks, the first flowers appear. Umbrella Iberis has been cultivated since the 16th century. Two varieties deserve special attention:

Red Flash. Reach 30 centimeters. The flowers are bright red.
Fairy Mixture. Height does not exceed 25 cm. A successful mixture of pastel colors.

Iberis variety Fairy Mixture

Bitter look

A relatively short annual - only 30 sentiments. Flowers reach 2 cm in diameter, can be painted exclusively white, slightly purple colour... The leaflets are inverse lanceolate, the edge is serrated.

Iberis bitter

Among the common varieties are:

Tom Tumb. Up to 15 centimeters, white flowers.
Hyacintenblutige Riesen. 35 centimeters, lilac shade.
Weiss Riesen. 30 centimeters, white flowers.

Perennials are successfully cultivated by gardeners. Let's consider them in more detail.

I beris gibraltarica - gibraltar perennial

You can distinguish it from other varieties by its many small flowers. color pink... Iberis Gibraltarian is semi-evergreen, 40 centimeters in diameter and 25 centimeters in height. Please note that Gibraltar Candytaft has purple flowers but turns white over time.

Gibraltar Iberis

Iberis simplex - Crimean Iberis

The bushes are very small, no more than ten centimeters. The leaves are spatulate. It is noteworthy that the buds are purple in color, but when opened, the flowers are always white.

Crimean Iberis

Iberis saxatilis - rocky Iberis

Reaches 15 centimeters. When blooming, a unique effect is created, as if the petals are covered with snow.

Rocky iberis

Iberis sempervirens - evergreen Iberis

Perhaps the most popular perennial. Height 40 centimeters, leaves are elongated by 7 centimeters. They have a characteristic dark green color, the diameter of the inflorescence is 5 cm. It blooms for 3 weeks very luxuriantly and brightly, repeated flowering is possible. It first began to be cultivated in the 17th century.

Evergreen Iberis

Iberis evergreen has several varieties, among which are in great demand:

Dana. 15 centimeters bush, abundant flowering.
Findall. 20 centimeters high, very large in diameter.
Miniature flock. Usually it can be seen on stony masonry, the height of the bushes is 15 centimeters.

Outcomes

The light charm of fragrant iberis blossoms will be a good addition to any landscape. Plants feel great in our climatic zone, they are easy to care for. If you plant a pepper pot along the edges of the curb, they will shine with new colors, they will look very extraordinary. The gentle palette of the stennik goes well with any culture, therefore, in the rock gardens and rocky hills, a representative of the cabbage genus will definitely take its place. A particularly successful ensemble will turn out in combination with large-flowered bells, undersized marigolds, phlox. And with neighbors such as cypress and dwarf pine, Iberis will always live peacefully and amicably.

All about Iberis (video)

Iberis (iberis) perennial or wall-maker- a plant that is well known to lovers of arranging picturesque alpine slides.

This is interesting groundcover the cruciferous family is not at all like their closest relatives - cabbage and radish.

At first, Iberis is inedible, and secondly, it has an excellent appearance, which allows you to grow it to decorate the garden, and a very pleasant aroma.

Devote a little of your time to the wall-builder - and the unsightly bare earth of your garden will turn into a blooming carpet.

The most popular variety flower growers have a stencil with white flowers, although today enough varieties with lilac, purple and even red inflorescences have been bred.

Iberis flowering period- about one and a half months at the height of summer. All this time, its persistent rich aroma will hover over your site.

Perhaps, outwardly, this plant may seem insufficiently effective to someone, but there are simply no people indifferent to its amazing smell!

Description

Iberis comes from Asia Minor and Southern Europe. It is a small (up to 30 cm) subshrub with evergreen oblong leaves up to 7 cm long, shiny, whole-edged, dark green in color.

The flowers are small (up to 1.5 cm), white, collected in umbellate inflorescences up to 5 cm, with strong smell... It blooms in June for 20-25 days, very profusely, completely covering the green leaves with flowers. Therefore, from a distance, blooming Iberis resembles white clouds.

The rest of the year has a wonderful decorative view... Bears fruit.

Iberis species

In total, about 40 varieties of this plant are known. Several of them have taken root well in our climate:

Iberis evergreen (i.sempervirentes)- a short shrub with narrow leaves and long white inflorescences, blooming in the second year after sowing;

Iberis rocky (i. saxatilis)- a miniature plant with creeping leaves up to 10 cm high, with flowers appearing in late spring - early summer on an umbrella inflorescence;

Iberis gibraltar (i.hiblartarica)- the so-called "youngster" (often cannot stand the second winter): it blooms with lilac inflorescences, which turn pale by the end of summer.

Care features

Iberis is a beautiful plant in all respects, since it belongs to the category "Planted and forgot"... In addition to thinning crops after germination and periodic removal of dried flowers, in no other care is this modest plant, according to by and large, does not need: no shelter for the winter, no top dressing, no frequent watering.

Feels great on loamy, rocky and sandy soils with good air permeability and light. It is desirable that the soil was not sour or soggy.

Sowing and planting in open ground

Most varieties of Iberis are sown directly outdoors in the month of April. First shoots appear on the 6-7th day. After that, thinning is performed, forming separate bushes, spaced from each other at a distance of 12-15 cm.

Iberis does not tolerate crampedness, loves space.

If in the fall, during the period of seed ripening on the vine, the weather remains favorable, the plant produces self-seed.

To prolong bloom, you can sow seeds with a pause of 1-2 weeks, achieving constant flowering of Iberis until autumn. You can sow it and late autumn, then the sprouts will sprout earlier, the flowering will be even more abundant.

Can grow seedlings Iberis in boxes, and then plant it in the open ground in May. But there is another way of propagation: cuttings.

After flowering, small shoots are cut from the bush and rooted under glass in greenhouses. For better development phytohormone solutions are used. But with this method, it is possible to plant seedlings in open ground only by the next season.

Since the flowers of the Iberis pollinated by bees and bumblebees, then when growing different varieties maintain spatial isolation by planting them at a sufficient distance from each other.

Possible problems

Root system- the most vulnerable part of the Iberis. It is the roots of the plant that are often affected. fungus plasmodiophorabrassicae, or, as the people call this attack - cruciferous keel.

Prevention of these diseases consists in disinfecting the soil, and treatment - in the timely removal of diseased plants to prevent further spread of the infection.

Of insects, the main enemies of Iberis are:

cabbage .

Their attack on the bushes is fraught with yellowing and falling leaves, weak flowering, general oppression of plants. In the first case, treatment with anticoccides is carried out, in the second - with a solution wood ash with soap.

Iberis is perfect for alpine slides, rockeries, borders, foregrounds of prefabricated flower beds.

Unpretentious and cute, it will add variety to the colors of your garden, add its unique color, charm and unforgettable aroma to it.

Iberis - flowering herbaceous plant originally from the Mediterranean. It belongs to the Cruciferous family and is represented by annual thermophilic grasses and perennial frost-resistant dwarf shrubs. Iberises can also be found under the names "stennik" and "variegated". During the flowering period, dense green growth is covered with a snow cap of umbrella inflorescences. Plants effectively decorate the garden and terraces, filling the air around with a pleasant honey aroma. Because of the beauty and easy care Iberis is quite popular with gardeners. Those who have not yet paid attention to this flower should definitely take a closer look at it.

Botanical description

Iberis - perennial and annual plant with a core rhizome. Erect or lodging stems are covered with foliage and form a dense dark green growth 25-35 cm high. Bright green or dark green bare leaves sit on the stem alternately. They are 4-7 cm long. The leaf plate has a narrow oblong or pinnately dissected shape with a rounded edge.

In June-July, and sometimes in spring, dense umbellate inflorescences with a diameter of up to 5 cm bloom on the tops of the shoots.They consist of many small flowers with a diameter of 1-1.5 cm. The corolla includes 4 petals different sizes white, yellow, purple or pink. The core of the flower is colored bright yellow and consists of short but thick stamens and an ovary. The flowering of Iberis is so abundant that during this period the plants are compared to clouds or snow caps. It is also accompanied by a strong pleasant aroma. The plant is an excellent honey plant. After pollination, small flattened pods with two valves ripen. Inside are small brown seeds.

Types and decorative varieties

The genus of Iberis has more than 30 plant species. In addition, breeders have bred several decorative varieties, which allows you to create unusual compositions in the garden.

A perennial shrub inhabits southern Europe and Asia Minor. Its height is 30-40 cm. Evergreen leaves of a rich color are located along the entire length of the stem. The size of a whole oval leaf plate does not exceed 7 cm. In June, many umbellate inflorescences bloom. The diameter of the flower is about 1.5 cm. If you cut off the withered flowers, then in the middle of August there will be a second flowering. Decorative varieties:

Little Jam - a ground cover up to 12 cm high dissolves snow-white flowers;
Snowflake - dense dark green clumps 20-25 cm high and up to 45 cm in diameter with white flowers.

In this annual, branched stems grow 40 centimeters in height. They are covered with brownish-green smooth bark and small whole leaves. In June, many dense corymbose inflorescences with snow-white fragrant flowers bloom. They bloom for over two months. Varieties:

Red Rash - a shrub about 30 cm high, covered with carmine-red inflorescences;
Pink Dream - many small bright pink flowers bloom over the low dark green shoots; this cold-resistant plant can withstand short-term frosts.

A biennial undersized plant with less dense, aerial vegetation has branched shoots. They are covered with rare lanceolate leaves. The top is decorated with pink or white umbellate inflorescences. Plants are suitable for landscaping rocky areas. The variety "Candy Tuft" is very popular. At the beginning of flowering, the bush covers a hat lilac flowers, but gradually the petals brighten and become almost white.

An evergreen perennial plant up to 15 cm in height begins to bloom at the end of April. Flowers last for 1-1.5 months. During this period, a ground cover with drooping stems is covered with a solid light pink or white cap of flowers. Varieties:

Pygmaea is a ground cover plant up to 10 cm high with small white flowers;
Weiss Riesen is a spherical bush 30 cm high covered with snow-white inflorescences;
Hyacinten Blutige Riesen is a plant with light lilac flowers.

Growing and planting Iberis

Iberis is most often grown from seed, although perennial species can be propagated vegetatively. Seeds are sown directly into open ground or preliminarily for seedlings. Flowering usually begins 2-3 months after germination. In open ground, seeds are sown in mid-April. To prolong flowering, gardeners practice sowing in several stages at intervals of 3-4 weeks. Then early flowering plants will be replaced by later crops. Choose a well-lit, open area with fertile, loose soil. The seeds are spread evenly into shallow grooves and carefully sprinkled with earth. Water the soil if necessary. When shoots appear, they are thinned so that the distance between the plants is 12-15 cm.

For growing seedlings, shallow boxes with sandy-peat soil are prepared. Small seeds are spread on the surface and pressed with a plank. You do not need to sprinkle on top. The container is covered with glass and placed in a well-lit, warm place (+ 15… + 18 ° C). Periodically, you need to ventilate and spray the crops. Seedlings appear within 1-4 weeks. From this moment, the shelter is removed. Grown plants dive in separate pots.

Planting seedlings in open ground is carried out in mid-May, when the danger of night frosts disappears. In the south, you can do this earlier. The soil should be well-drained, loamy or sandy loam. Preferred soils with neutral or alkaline reaction... If necessary, lime is added to the ground. During planting, it is important not to damage the fragile rhizomes of the Iberis. The distance between plants depends on the variety and is 15-25 cm. It is not necessary to deepen the root collar. Then the soil is tamped and watered carefully.

Large, heavily overgrown perennial bushes in early spring can be divided into several parts. For this, the plant is dug up and cut at the base. You should immediately plant the cuttings in the soil.

Apical cuttings can be cut and rooted during the summer. For this, shoots 8-10 cm long are cut and rooted in moist soil under a hood. When young shoots begin to appear, the shelter is removed, and plants with a large clod of earth are transplanted to permanent place... Lying shoots give roots during growth, they can be separated and planted in a new place during the whole warm season.

Outdoor care

Iberis is an unpretentious plant that develops well even among lazy gardeners. He needs to find an open, well-lit area. Even in partial shade, flowering becomes less abundant. The plant normally tolerates drafts and periodic cold snaps.

It should be watered sparingly so that water does not accumulate at the roots. In rainy weather, there is enough natural precipitation. Iberises are fertilized twice or thrice a season. Complex mineral compositions such as "Kemer". You can also feed the flowers with Mullein solution.

At the end of flowering, the tops of the shoots should be cut off. So the beautiful greenery will take on a more well-groomed look, reminiscent of an ordinary lawn. At the ends of the shoots, new flower buds can have time to form, which means that re-flowering is possible in August.

Possible difficulties

On too heavy and wet soils, Iberis suffers from fungal diseases. If other representatives of the Cruciferous family grew on the site before, there is a high probability of contamination of the soil with cabbage keel. It remains in the ground for several years and is detrimental to the roots. Before planting, it is advisable to treat the soil with a fungicide.

Among pests, Iberis can be affected by mealybugs, earthen fleas and aphids. When holes and punctures appear on the foliage, it is necessary to urgently treat with insecticides ("Aktara", "Fitoverm", "Mospilan").

Plant use

Iberis is good in group plantings on rocky slopes, in rockeries and on alpine coaster... It is also used to decorate curbs, and in containers - on balconies. Blooming Iberis bushes look great against the background conifers... In a flower garden, they can be combined with bells, gazania, phlox, marigolds.

The high-stemmed inflorescences typical of medium-sized varieties can be cut to form bouquets. They will stay in a vase for 7-10 days. In some countries, young shoots are eaten. They taste sweet and resemble broccoli.

Iberis has been decorating my garden for over 3 years. It does not make high demands on the composition of the soil and does not need painstaking care... Your task is to water the plant in a timely manner and carry out preventive treatments.

I advise you to place the Iberis in a spacious, sunny area. You first need to grow seedlings at home. I present to your attention a photo of decorative culture.

The perennial Iberis plant is a shrub of the Cabbage family. It has several names: Iberian, peppercorn, variegated. Iberis is found in Europe, Asia, in the west and south of Russia.

There are more than 30 species of this plant. Iberis evergreen includes annuals and perennials. Depending on the variety, the shrub can be cold-resistant or thermophilic.

Iberis has taproots, for this reason it is better not to replant it. The size and structure of the stems depend on the type of plant.

Some dwarf shrubs have creeping stems, others are erect. Iberis is distinguished by compact dark green leaves. Its flowers are collected in inflorescences that resemble umbrellas.

If you choose an annual plant for planting, it will bloom longer than a perennial. Gardeners often cultivate white, pink, red varieties, purple ones are less popular.

The plant begins to bloom in early May or August. Its fruit is presented in the form of a small round or elongated pod. Seed material remains viable for 3 years, but it is better to use it immediately after purchase.

How to grow Iberis from seeds

The seeds of the plant can be bought at a flower shop and do not require pre-sowing treatment. I recommend planting Iberis at the end of April, with proper care it will bloom until the beginning of autumn.

If you wish, sow the flower in 2 stages 20 days apart. Seedlings will appear in 10-15 days, you will need to thin them out. The distance between specimens should be 13 - 16 cm.

You can grow the flower by seedling method. Sow the seeds at the end of February, having previously selected compact containers for them. I advise you to deepen the seeds by 1 cm, then sprinkle with sand.

I recommend covering the containers in which your crops will be located with thick plastic or glass. This is necessary so that the seedlings receive a sufficient amount of moisture. I advise you to keep crops in a dry, cool room.

It is necessary to add water from a spray bottle as the soil dries up. It is worth remembering that iberis has a special root system. There is no need to replant young plants. Plant the seedlings outdoors in early May when the soil warms up.

The plant takes root in a spacious, well-lit area. It prefers not heavy loamy soil. Sandy soil is suitable for Iberis.

Land carefully, try not to injure the roots. Carefully remove the plants from the pots along with the earthy clod. Plant the seedlings so that the distance between them is 14 cm. After planting, compact the soil, add a small amount of water under the root.

Plant care

As I said, water should be added as the soil dries up. In hot weather, water the Iberis more often. The plant does not require feeding, but for abundant flowering you can make complex compositions for ornamental crops.

In order for the annual to feel good in the open field, it is necessary to remove the wilted flowers in time, and also to correct the stem.

The plant responds positively to corrective pruning. Repot only perennial flowers when they are 5 years old. Without a pick, the dwarf shrub will form small flowers and lose its attractiveness.

Harmful insects, possible diseases

If you take care of the plant incorrectly, it will be attacked by pests:

mealybugs;
flea.

The latter leaves small holes on the leaves. To expel a flea from a garden plot, you need to moisten the soil near the Iberis.

In the fight against cabbage aphids, a solution prepared on the basis of potassium soap (300 g per 9 liters of water) is used. The same remedy is used against aphids.

It is applied from a spray bottle once every 7 days. Mealybugs are dangerous in that they infect the stems and leaf plates. In the fight against these pests, Aktara is used. Two preventive treatments are carried out with an interval of 10 days.

Iberis, like other members of the cabbage family, is susceptible to fungal diseases. For prevention, you need to use fungicides. Root rot does not respond to treatment.

Having found the affected specimens, they should be immediately dug up and destroyed away from the garden plot, the soil should be disinfected with a solution of potassium permanganate. If you take proper care of the pepper pot, illness will not overtake him.

Novice growers ask me how to collect the seeds of a given plant. Pepper blooms from May to September and forms seeds at this time.

You don't have to wait for them to ripen, Collect the pods, store them in a dry, well-ventilated area. The annual reproduces by self-seeding. When you see on garden plot miniature plants, just do decimation. If winter is snowless in your area, cover the shrub with spruce branches.

Planting and caring for Iberis will not take much of your time. The flower is grown even by novice gardeners. It looks spectacular in flower beds, large hanging flowerpots. Place the plant wherever you like!