Origin
The Iris setosa Pallas ex Link exists in North America and is native to Alaska, Canada, and the northern parts of the contiguous United States. It grows primarily in moist soil and is commonly found in bogs, wet meadows, and along the edges of streams and rivers.
Common names
The Iris setosa Pallas ex Link is commonly referred to as the "beachhead iris" or "wild northern iris". It is also known as the "Alaska iris" and "Bering iris" due to its abundance in those regions.
Uses
The Iris setosa Pallas ex Link is primarily an ornamental flower due to its exquisite appearance. It is common to find these plants in public and private gardens. Additionally, native communities in Alaska have used the plant to treat various ailments. The roots of the plant have been known to contain antibacterial properties and have been used to treat skin sores, cuts, and bruises.
General appearance
The Iris setosa Pallas ex Link ssp. interior (E. Anders.) Hultén is a perennial herb that grows up to 60 cm tall. The plant has leaves that resemble a broadsword and are around 30-60 cm in length. The flowers appear during the summer, and each stalk produces one to three flowers. The flowers themselves are usually around 7-10 cm in diameter and are a bright blue or purple color. The plant has a rhizome that helps it propagate and spread easily.
Light Requirements
The plant Iris setosa Pallas ex Link ssp. interior (E. Anders.) Hultén grows best in areas with full sun exposure. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Without adequate light, the plant may not produce flowers or may produce weak, spindly growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but thrives in cooler conditions. It can withstand temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius and as high as 30 degrees Celsius. However, the ideal temperature range is between 15-26 degrees Celsius. It is important to note that warmer temperatures may cause the plant to go dormant.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic (pH between 5.5-6.5). It can grow in a variety of soil types including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. However, the soil should be rich in organic matter to promote healthy growth. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot, and therefore it is recommended to mix the soil with sand, perlite or vermiculite in case of poor drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Iris setosa Pallas ex Link ssp. interior (E. Anders.) Hultén prefers moist to wet soil that is rich in organic matter. It thrives in areas with full sun exposure, but it can tolerate partial shade. When planting, make sure to provide enough space between plants, as they can grow up to 2 feet wide.
Watering Needs
As a water-loving plant, Iris setosa Pallas ex Link ssp. interior (E. Anders.) Hultén requires a consistent supply of water. Water the soil deeply and frequently to maintain moist conditions. However, be extra careful not to over-water the plant to avoid root rot.
Fertilization
Iris setosa Pallas ex Link ssp. interior (E. Anders.) Hultén requires regular fertilization to thrive. Apply a balanced fertilizer every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season, from spring to fall. Fertilizers with a higher nitrogen content are not recommended, as they promote leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Iris setosa Pallas ex Link ssp. interior (E. Anders.) Hultén does not require much pruning. However, you should remove spent blooms and dead leaves to enhance the appearance of the plant and to prevent the spread of disease. Cut back the foliage to the ground level in late fall or early spring to promote new growth and maintain the plant's shape.
Propagation of Iris setosa Pallas ex Link ssp. interior (E. Anders.) Hultén
Iris setosa Pallas ex Link ssp. interior (E. Anders.) Hultén, commonly known as the interior Alaska iris, is a perennial plant that grows in cold and wet environments. Propagation of the plant can be done through several methods.
Division
Division is one of the easiest ways to propagate Iris setosa. This method involves digging up the mature plant and dividing the rhizomes into smaller sections, each with at least one healthy shoot and a portion of the root system. The divided sections are then replanted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moderately moist until new growth appears.
Seed Germination
Seed germination is a viable method of propagation for Iris setosa. The seeds should be collected from mature plants when they turn brown in the fall and sown immediately in a cold frame or a greenhouse. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist but not wet. Germination will occur in spring, but it can take up to two years for the seedlings to grow and mature enough to be transplanted into the garden.
Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is a relatively new but effective method of propagating Iris setosa. This method involves taking a small piece of the plant tissue and growing it in a sterile culture in a laboratory. The tissue will multiply and develop into small plantlets, which can then be transferred into a soil mix to grow into mature plants. Tissue culture allows for the propagation of a large number of plants in a short amount of time with a high degree of genetic uniformity.
Cuttings
Cuttings are another method of propagating Iris setosa, but it is not commonly used due to the plant's slow growth rate. Cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer from the new growth at the base of the plant. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and inserted into a pot with a well-drained soil mix. The pot can be covered and kept in a shaded area until roots develop, and then the plant can be transplanted into the garden.
Disease Management
Iris setosa Pallas ex Link ssp. interior (E. Anders.) Hultén can be prone to several diseases that can damage the quality of the plant. These diseases can be managed by following the below ways:
- Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that causes small brown or tan spots on leaves and stem. It can be managed by removing the infected plant parts, applying fungicides containing copper, and keeping the plant dry at all times.
- Bacterial Soft Rot: This bacterial disease infects the rhizomes of the plant, causing them to become soft and mushy. It can be managed by removing infected plant parts, applying a copper-based fungicide, and using a well-draining soil that allows for good airflow around the plant.
- Botrytis Blight: This fungal disease attacks the flowers, causing them to blacken and die. It can be managed by removing infected plant parts, applying a copper-based fungicide, and keeping the plant dry at all times.
Pest Management
There are several pests that can attack Iris setosa Pallas ex Link ssp. interior (E. Anders.) Hultén and damage the plant. These pests can be managed by following the below ways:
- Thrips: These insects are small and often hide in the buds and flowers, causing them to become deformed and discolored. They can be managed by using sticky traps, applying insecticidal soap or neem oil, and removing any severely affected plant parts.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause damage to the plant by sucking on the sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and drop. They can be managed by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water, using insecticidal soap or neem oil, and removing any severely affected plant parts.
- Slugs and Snails: These pests can chew on the leaves and stem of the plant, causing damage to the overall health of the plant. They can be managed by handpicking them off the plant, using slug bait, and keeping the area around the plant clear of debris where they often hide.
By following these disease and pest management techniques, one can keep the Iris setosa Pallas ex Link ssp. interior (E. Anders.) Hultén plant healthy and thriving.
