Iberis (60 photos): types, planting and care in open ground

Iberis, also called Iberian, is a herbaceous plant that is directly related to the cruciferous or cabbage family. This plant is also sometimes called variegated, wallflower or peppercorn. Such a plant can be found in natural conditions in the mountains of Southern Europe and Asia Minor, the southern part of Ukraine, the Caucasus, the lower reaches of the Don and the Crimea. This genus unites about 40 different species, and they are represented by annuals and perennials, which can be heat-loving or frost-resistant, and there are also herbaceous and semi-shrub varieties. This plant is often used to create an edge for lawns, flower beds, and also to decorate stonework and alpine slides. These flowers are suitable for cutting and are often used to create bridal bouquets.

Features of Iberis

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

• The roots are taproots. That is why transplanting Iberis into open ground is not an easy task.
• Escape. It all depends on the species. They can be erect or creeping.
• The leaves are miniature.
• Iberis flowers are shaped like an umbrella and consist of small elements with a diameter of no more than a centimeter. Iberis blooms very profusely. Sometimes there are so many inflorescences on it that the leaves are completely covered. Color varies from white to red. Iberis perennial begins to bloom in May or late summer. Duration – 2 months. Iberis annual blooms much shorter. Flowers are fragrant in most species.
• Fruit. Who would have thought that a plant of the genus Iberis has an intricate pod-like fruit? It is oval or round, slightly flattened.

Composition with Iberis

Preparing for winter

Perennial varieties of Iberis are considered plants that are quite resistant to winter. However, if the cold season is too frosty and there is no snow, then the flowers may die. This culture also does not like strong temperature changes, which often occur in recent years, especially in the spring.

To protect the flower, it is worth covering it for the winter. This should be done in the last ten days of autumn. Dry fallen leaves and spruce branches can be used as a “blanket”. Also suitable is brushwood, which is arranged in layers of hay or straw.

Iberis is a fairly simple flower, but its place in landscape design can hardly be overestimated. It decorates the most inconspicuous areas, turning them into worthy components of the overall composition.

Source

Growing Iberis from seeds

For those planning to plant Iberis at home, growing from small seeds seems to be the best option. And that's why. Firstly, the seeds are easy to collect yourself. Secondly, they can be purchased at any flower shop at an affordable price. There is also a vegetation method, but it is more complex and requires more time.

For most species (Iberis bitter, Iberis umbelliferous, Gibraltar), growing from seeds is recommended in April. There is one simple way to prolong flowering. Seeds collected from Iberis or purchased in a store are planted 15-20 days apart. You can wait for the first seedlings to appear within a week. However, do not panic if nothing happens after 7 days. Shoots may appear in 10-14 days.

Shoots that are too dense are thinned out. The recommended distance between bushes is from 12 to 15 centimeters.

Use in landscape design

White Iberis or any other looks good on an alpine hill, when planted on rocky slopes. In medium-sized types, the inflorescences are located on high stems, which allows them to be used in bouquets (they last up to 10 days). Low-growing varieties are planted near garden paths, combining them with other crops that bloom longer.

Landscaping using the described flower

It is better to grow Iberis with phlox, tulips, and aubriet. The plant looks impressive in the most unusual landscape design projects; flower growers create unusual patterns from bushes of different sizes. It all depends on the imagination of the owner of the personal plot and his desire.

Iberis, planting and caring for which does not cause difficulties even for beginners, is one of the beautiful garden crops. It prefers to grow in sunny areas or in partial shade, and is easily propagated by seeds, cuttings or dividing the bush. With the right approach, the flower will delight its owner with beautiful flowers for a long time.

Sowing and seedlings of plants

We would like to give some recommendations to those who are planning to grow Iberis for seedlings. Recommended time: early spring. Loose soil is used. The seeds are immersed 1 mm in it and covered with a small layer of sand.

To create optimal substrate humidity, cover the container with glass and transfer it to a warm, well-lit place. Watering is moderate, only when absolutely necessary. Be sure to use a sprayer. Picking when growing for seedlings is not provided.

Growing from seeds (video)

What climate is it suitable for?

In the wild, Iberis is found mainly in the mountains of southern Europe and Asia Minor, in the Caucasus, Crimea and on the banks of the Don, so the optimal climate for it is hot or temperate. It withstands frost, but reacts poorly to sudden temperature changes and lack of snow. Accordingly, it is better to cover the plantings for the winter - if the temperatures are too low and there is too much precipitation, the plant may die. Otherwise, Iberis is quite hardy, and its cultivation does not require any special conditions.

Iberis is an excellent honey plant

Planting in open soil: questions and answers

We answer popular questions related to Iberis, its planting and care in open ground.

When to plant?

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

How is disembarkation done?

• The seedlings are removed from the container in which they grew. 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.
• The bushes are planted in the soil at a distance of 12-15 centimeters.
• The earth is carefully compacted, the sprouts are watered.
• A little trick for those who would like to get Iberis of different colors and decide to plant a variety of varieties. Maintain a decent distance between the bushes - they can cross-pollinate.

Further propagation is possible by cuttings and division.

It is better to plant Iberis in late spring, after the last frost.

After flowering

Collecting seeds

Seeds appear in the places where there were flowers. Since flowering lasts quite a long time, seed ripening occurs constantly. In this regard, seeds can be collected at any time as soon as they are ripe. To do this, you need to tear off the pods and dry them, placing them in a warm place. Seeds extracted from such pods should be stored in a place where it is dry and cool until planting. There is no need to collect seeds, since Iberis reproduces well by self-sowing. In spring, you will see friendly shoots that will need to be thinned out.

Wintering perennial

Despite the fact that this flower is quite resistant to frost, it is still recommended to cover it, and spruce branches are perfect for this. First you will need to cut off that part of the bush that is located above the soil surface.

Subtleties of care

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

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

Reproduction

The flower reproduces in several ways. The first, which has already been discussed, is with seeds. You can buy them, that’s no problem, or assemble them yourself. The second method is propagation by roots. It is advisable to carry it out no earlier than at the age of 3-5 years. It is then that the plant begins to lose its decorative effect and can be replanted. Before this, such an event can damage the roots.

The flower can also be propagated by cuttings. This should be done after flowering has ended. It is necessary to select sprouts that do not have an ovary. Their length should be 10 cm. Stepchildren should include green shoots and part of the lower woody branches. About 4 such cuttings can be planted in one container. After this, the plants are covered with film. The cuttings should be watered as needed, periodically opening the pots. This is how ventilation and hardening are accomplished. You can plant cuttings in a permanent place in the spring, when the earth warms up.

Common diseases and pests

Let's start with the pests that pose a danger to Iberis. Ground fleas feed on leaf blades - they eat large holes in them. Mealyworms and aphids settle on the flowers, and you shouldn’t expect anything good from them either. Potassium soap is considered a good way to combat aphids. 200 g of the substance is dissolved in 5-6 liters of water. The resulting solution is used to treat infected flowers. Seven days later the procedure is repeated.

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

Fungus is another common scourge of the genus Iberis. 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. Have the roots started to rot yet? Affected specimens are dug up and burned, and the growth site is carefully treated.

This plant does not have many pests, so with proper care, Iberis will not create problems for you.

When is the best time?

Since ancient times, all gardeners in the world have been planting seedlings based on the lunar calendar. It is believed that the magnetic field of the Moon determines how well the seeds will sprout and how strong and healthy the plant will be.

Please refer to the following dates:

• January: 11, 14, 17 and 18;
• February: 7,8, 12, 14;
• March: 1, 2, 15, 16, 23, 28;
• April: only two days – 6 or 17;
• May: 8, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18.

In general, the rule is quite simple: do not plant seedlings three days before and three days after the full moon.
These days are considered unfavorable. There are several more dates on which it is better to refuse to plant Iberis seedlings:

• January: 3, 9, 10, 11, 17, 24, 25, 26;
• February: 2, 8, 9, 10, 16, 22, 23, 24, 25;
• March: 2, 8, 9, 10, 16, 23, 24, 25;
• April: 1, 7, 8, 9, 15, 22, 23, 24, 30;
• May: 6, 7, 8, 14, 21, 22, 23, 30.

But the lunar calendar is only one criterion for planting. Another important one is the climatic region. Let's talk about this in more detail.

Popular varieties

Among annuals, only two species are in demand: Iberis amara (bitter), Iberis 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. The shoots are smooth, branched, the leaves are lanceolate. The flowers have an unsurpassed aroma and color varies from white to purple. Within ten weeks the first flowers appear. Iberis umbelliferum has been cultivated since the 16th century. 2 varieties deserve special attention:

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

Variety Iberis Fairy Mixture

Bitter view

Relatively low annual - only 30 centimeters. The flowers reach 2 cm in diameter and can be painted exclusively white, slightly lilac. The leaf blades are oblanceolate, the edge is serrated.

Iberis bitter

Among the common varieties are:

• Tom Thumb. Up to 15 centimeters, white flowers.
• Hyacintenblütige Riesen. 35 centimeters, lilac shade.
• Weiss Risen. 30 centimeters, white flowers.

Gardeners successfully cultivate perennials. Let's look at them in more detail.

Iberis gibraltarica – Gibraltar perennial

It can be distinguished from other varieties by its many small pink flowers. Iberis Gibraltar is semi-evergreen, diameter 40 centimeters, height 25 centimeters. Please note that Gibraltar Candytaft flowers are lilac, but turn white over time.

Gibraltar Iberis

Iberis simplex - Crimean Iberis

The bushes are very small, no more than ten centimeters. The leaves are spatulate in shape. 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 flowering, a unique effect is created, as if the petals are dusted with snow.

Rocky Iberis

Iberis sempervirens - evergreen iberis

Perhaps the most popular perennial. Height 40 centimeters, leaves 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 lushly 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 very popular:

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

1.Description - what it looks like

Iberis or Iberian is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant or subshrub with woody, branched shoots at the base. Annual species of Iberis are rare. Plants have thin, branched, superficially located rhizomes.

Different species can have either erect or lodging branches. When in contact with the ground, the shoots take root easily.

The leaves are dark green, spatulate, arranged alternately, reaching a length of 2 - 3 cm. The edges of the leaf blades have large denticles, the surface of the leaves is glossy.

During the flowering period, plants form round inflorescences - apical umbrellas with attractive white, pink or lilac buds up to 1.5 cm in diameter. The flowers are fragrant, open gradually, from the edge of the inflorescences to their middle, lengthening the flowering period.

The asymmetrical shape of the flowers is interesting - they have 4 oblong petals, and the outer petals are 2 - 3 times larger in size than the inner ones. In some plants, flowers can change their color as they bloom - for example, from greenish to white and pink.

After flowering, seed pods are formed, which become dry and brown when ripe. The seeds are large, oblong, dark brown, glossy.

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When grown in the garden, the abundant and long-lasting flowering of Iberis attracts many beneficial insects - pollinators, including butterflies and bees.

The genus includes about 40 species of attractive flowering plants. Flower growers have been attracted to this genus for a long time - the first plants began to be grown in European gardens back in the 17th century.

There are several “folk” names for the plant - for example, wallflower, peppercorn or polypetal.

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Dimensions . Depending on the type, plant height can reach from 20 cm to 50 cm.

Results

The light charm of fragrant iberis inflorescences will be a successful addition to any landscape. Plants feel great in our climate zone and are easy to care for. If you plant peppercorns along the edges of the border, they will shine with new colors and will look very extraordinary. The delicate palette of the cabbage plant goes well with any crops, so in rock gardens and rocky hills, a representative of the cabbage genus will definitely take its place. A particularly successful ensemble will be obtained in combination with large-flowered bells, low-growing marigolds, and phlox. And with neighbors such as cypress and dwarf pine, Iberis will always live peacefully and amicably.

Possible problems when growing a flower

As already mentioned, Iberis loves a warm, illuminated place and well-drained soil. If the plant does not like the conditions or care, then various problems appear, which include:

• fungal diseases;
• pests, in particular mealybug and cruciferous flea beetle;
• diseases of the root system: due to the abundance of moisture, it begins to rot;
• diseases of buds and foliage.

Mealybug - white coating on shoots.
Treated with garlic infusion, Mospilan, Aktara. Solving these problems is not difficult. It is enough to promptly remove or treat infected plants, replant healthy ones in a new place, and also treat the soil with special solutions.