Irga differs from all plants in its unusualness. It can be grown for ornamental purposes, or you can harvest delicious and tasty fruits in the summer. useful berries, cook jam, compotes from them, make amazing wine. And what we call berries are not berries at all. What is this plant and how to grow it?

Description of irgi

A hedge of shadberry protects the site from the winds

reproduction

Irga reproduces in several ways:

• shoots from a bush;
• dividing the bush;
• cuttings;
• seeds.

Vegetative reproduction

Reproduction using root shoots is the most in a simple way. Dig up last year's shoots having a thickness of at least 0.5 cm and a length of at least 10 cm, with good roots. They are planted in prepared holes vertically to a depth of 5–7 cm and watered regularly.

The bush is divided at the age not later than 7 years. Cut it into pieces, each of which must have at least two healthy and strong shoots and a sufficient number of roots.

A more complex method of propagation is cuttings.

1. In summer, cuttings are cut from the tops of branches of five- and six-year-old bushes. The length of the cutting should be 10–15 cm. Leaves are removed from below, 2–4 leaves should remain at the top.
2. Sections of the cuttings are immersed in a root solution for 6 hours, then washed with clean water. The consumption rate of the root is 1 g per 1 liter of water.
3. Plants are placed in a greenhouse with a temperature of no more than 25ºC obliquely with a distance between them of 3-4 cm. Prepared clean soil should be covered with a layer of sand 4 cm high.
4. Carefully water with a fine sieve and cover the greenhouse with a dome 15 cm high. The soil should always be slightly moist.
5. At the end of the second or third week, the cuttings take root, and the dome of the greenhouse is gradually removed, at first only during the day, then left open for a day.
6. Three-week-old cuttings are planted in the garden for growing. At the beginning of growth, they are fertilized with slurry with water in a ratio of 1: 8, you can use mineral fertilizer - ammonium nitrate in the amount of 30 g per bucket of water. Care is the same as for adult plants.
7. The following autumn, the resulting seedlings are placed in a permanent place.

Irgi cuttings are germinated using root

Sowing seeds

Seeds are extracted from mature fruits at the end of summer. It is better to sow them immediately, in September-October. The seeds are very small, about 170 of them are contained in 1 g.

1. Wash before sowing cold water several times in order to completely separate the pulp and unripe seeds that float to the surface of the water.
2. Seeds are sown to a depth of 1-2 cm at the rate of 2 g per 1 linear meter. Shoots appear in the spring, some - a year later.
3. In the phase of 3-5 true leaves, the plants need to be picked.

Care

Caring for an irga is easy. The main thing is to follow the rules of watering and top dressing, as well as cut the plant in time.

Watering

The first time after planting, you need to maintain a moist state of the root zone, water regularly, taking into account the weather. The appearance of a growth of 5-10 cm means the development of new roots. From this time on, watering is reduced to moderate.

The use of mulch makes it possible to water less often.

Irgi plantings are not sheltered in winter, they withstand frost down to −40ºC.

To prevent mice from damaging the plant, an old nylon stocking is useful, which is wrapped around the lower part near the root. After two years after planting, they begin to mulch the trunk circle with humus annually.

Fertilizer

In the fourth year of planting a bush, phosphorus-potassium fertilizers begin to be applied every autumn:

• 300 g of superphosphate,
• 200 g of potassium chlorine-free fertilizer,
• 1-2 buckets of humus.

Fertilizers are applied when digging into the trunk circle.

In the spring, nitrogen fertilizers are applied:

• 50 g dissolved ammonium nitrate,
• 5 liters of 10% solution of bird droppings.

This is quite enough to ensure abundant fruiting and good development of the bush.

pruning

The irgi bush should not be thickened. A well-formed bush has no more than 15 shoots of various ages. To form a bush every autumn, it is cut and thinned. At the same time, old and diseased branches, broken, weak and growing inside the bush, are removed.

Overgrowth must be removed in a timely manner. Immediately after planting, you can leave several strong shoots, and when there are a lot of stems near the bush, then leave no more than two young ones, and cut out the two oldest ones. Pruning of shoots is carried out near the ground. Such pruning rejuvenates the bush and does not reduce yield.

In young plants, vertical shoots are shortened by a quarter of the growth to obtain a more lush crown.

Video: growing irgi

Diseases and pests

Despite its disease resistance, the irga is sometimes affected by diseases such as:

• tuberculosis - drying out of branches;
• septoria - gray rot;
• phyllostic spotting.

Septoria can occur from excess moisture in the roots. At the same time, watering should be normalized or transplanted higher from ground water. If diseased shoots are found, they are cut and burned.

In the spring, the plant is sprayed blue vitriol or Bordeaux mixture. Can be used for processing Topaz, Oxyx, Kuproksat.

The pests of the irgi are the seed-eater and the moth. To combat them, Actellik, Karbofos and Fufanon are used.

Irgi fruits are very fond of birds, which cause significant damage to the crop. To scare them away, Christmas tree tinsel like rain is used, which is hung on branches.

Features of growing shadberry in Ukraine

Varietal planting material it is not easy to buy in Ukraine, so it is preferable to propagate it by seeds. Seedlings are more affordable and cheaper planting material. At the same time, the quality of fruits and the yield of mother plants are preserved.

In Ukraine and Russia, the following types of shadberry are grown:

• oval;
• alder-leaved;
• Canadian;
• spiky.

Irga as a rootstock

You can graft a pear on a shadberry, and several varieties at once due to the many flexible stems that make up the shadberry bushes. Heat-loving varieties are grafted even in cold regions, since the graft can be bent to the ground and sheltered from frost.

Fruiting of grafted varieties begins quickly, but grafts do not live long due to incomplete compatibility. You have to re-vaccinate them.

Irgi always has new stems if it is necessary to remove old ones, so the fruiting process is not interrupted.

Irga refers to fruit plants that do not require chemical treatments. Its fruits are environmentally friendly and very useful. She fears neither drought nor severe frosts. Her maintenance is minimal. Planting it in your area will not be difficult. Shall we try?

10.08.2016 8 338

Irga - how to grow shrubs on garden plot?

People are able to tirelessly care for capricious plants and completely ignore the unique beneficial features"tenacious" unpretentious cultures. This is exactly what the irga is. This shrub grows in almost every garden, but not everyone discovers its wonderful properties. Meanwhile, the fruits of irgi are able to treat the most common diseases, ranging from seasonal vitamin deficiency to cancer prevention. In this article we will tell you how to plant an irgu on the site, how to care for it and what benefits you can get from this plant.

General characteristics

Irga vulgaris is a fast-growing shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family. The fruits are distinguished by a beautiful dark blue or purple color, depending on the variety. Irga is a long-liver and does not require special care. So, one shrub in natural conditions is able to live up to 50 years, giving every year from 5 to 10 kg of berries. At the same time, new ones come to replace the dying trunks in a few years.

The beneficial properties of irgi berries have long been known in folk medicine, but today few people have even heard of such a plant. The composition of the juicy pulp contains a mass useful elements: sugar, a whole complex of vitamins, tannins, carotene, coumarins, pectins, etc.

At the same time, you only need to plant it on the site and provide minimally comfortable conditions and care - then the irga will cope completely on its own. She is not afraid of either severe drought or wind, can grow on any soil (except swampy) and tolerates harsh Russian winters well. Such endurance is explained by the morphological structure of the shrub - its roots go deep into the ground (2 m or more), receiving maximum nutrition from the bowels of the earth. Irga can grow and give useful fruits even in urban environments where the air is heavily polluted.

Often, an adult shadberry bush is confused with a real powerful tree. From one base, up to 25 trunks can grow, the height of which sometimes reaches 8 m.

Beneficial features

Irga (photo) is an excellent remedy for seasonal beriberi and is used to prevent colds and viral diseases. If you regularly use irgu, the chances of getting a cold or flu are minimized. You can eat it both fresh and dry, frozen, in the form of jam, jam or compote. Even after heat treatment, the berries retain a large number of vitamins.

People suffering from or at risk of cardiovascular disease are also advised to eat shadberry regularly. Thanks to the beta-sitosterone contained in them, the level of cholesterol in the blood is significantly reduced. Irga prevents heart attacks, varicose veins, improves immunity, removes toxins from the body, and also reduces harm from exposure electromagnetic radiation, which is extremely useful for all residents of large cities.

Contraindications for use

Despite the obvious benefits of irgi berries, it has a number of contraindications for use:

1. Since it lowers blood pressure, it is better for hypotensive patients to refrain from treatment with berries.
2. The active substances in the composition can cause drowsiness, so it is better to take medicines with irga at night.
3. Fruits increase blood clotting, so they are not recommended for people suffering from thrombophlebitis.

Important: if you collect irgu in the forest, be careful not to confuse it with buckthorn. Buckthorn fruits can be consumed only a year after harvest, otherwise you can get severe poisoning.

Types of irgi

All varieties of irgi, and there are about 20 of them, are outwardly very similar to each other - they all have white inflorescences with tassels, they all bloom almost at the same time, and the fruits differ only in a shade that ranges from purple to crimson. The true differences between the species are noticeable when considering the morphology of plants and are associated more with the origin and resistance to the conditions of the Russian climate.

Irga smooth

Considered one of the most beautiful and graceful varieties. Differs in wide spreading branches, foliage of a purple hue and inflorescences hanging down with tassels. The flowers are replaced by juicy dark purple berries, and the foliage is painted in bright reddish colors.

The smooth irga was first discovered in eastern North America. Under natural conditions, it can be found on hillsides and dry forest clearings. This is a large shrub, the height of which can reach 5-10 m.

Growing features:

1. When seed growing, sowing occurs under the cold or in early spring. Pre-planting material should be stratified at + 1 + 5 ° C, however, this method is almost never used due to low germination.
2. Irga cuttings also take root quite poorly. Often it is grafted onto other varieties or rowan.
3. It tolerates drought well and requires almost no watering.
4. It is not necessary to cover for the winter.
5. Good honey plant.
6. Can grow in urban environments.

Irga canadian

Enough large shrub, whose height can reach 12 m. It is distinguished by penetrating shoots of a reddish hue, white tassels and dark purple berries. It is often used for decorative purposes, because it blooms very beautifully, and closer to autumn it changes the color of the foliage to crimson.

Growing features:

1. Before sowing, the seeds should be stratified for 2-3 months at +1+5 C.
2. Best propagated by rhizomatous shoots and cuttings.
3. Virtually no watering required.
4. It tolerates rejuvenating landing "on the stump", pruning and decorative haircut.
5. Winter-hardy variety that does not require shelter.
6. It bears fruit from the second half of July to August every year from the age of 5. The fruits are round, like miniature apples, very sweet.
7. Good honey plant.
8. Can grow in polluted urban environments.

Canadian irga is also valued for its unique dense wood, which is perfectly polished and serves as a material for the manufacture of interior items.

Irga spiky

Because of his short stature used both as decorative and as fruit type. characteristic distinguishing feature- whitish felt fluff on back side young leaves, on the tops of the ovaries and pedicels. Unlike its "relatives" in the fall, it does not change the color of the foliage to bright purple, but looks most beautiful during the fruiting period, when all the branches are strewn with clusters of juicy berries.

In its natural environment, the spiked irgu can be found on gravel and rocky coastal areas, ledges, rocks, in dry pine forests and mixed forests. Sizes usually do not exceed 50-70 cm.

Growing features:

1. Propagated by shoots, cuttings, seeds, division of bushes.
2. Seeds before sowing should be stratified for 3 months. at a temperature of +1+5C.
3. At vegetative propagation about 60% of the cuttings take root.
4. Like other varieties, it tolerates drought well.
5. It is frost-resistant (tolerates temperatures up to -50C), it should not be covered for the winter.

Irga Lamarck

A low shrub known for its beautiful umbrella-shaped crown and copper-red foliage that turns orange in autumn. It is grown for ornamental purposes and for delicious blue-black berries.

Lamarck is a natural hybrid of smooth and Canadian shadberry. The maximum height is 60-70 cm.

Growing features:

1. In a year, the bush grows by about 25 cm.
2. It takes root on any soil with a pH level of 5.6 to 7.5.
3. Lamarck is planted in late autumn or early spring.
4. Propagated by cuttings, seeds, grafting or shoots (best cuttings).
5. Seeds require stratification for 3-4 months.
6. Good honey plant.
7. Frost-resistant.
8. Sweet apple-like berries.

Irga oval-leaved (oval)

A small shrub up to 50 cm high with whitish felt leaves and young shoots. He loves warmth, tolerates drought well, so it is more suitable for the southern regions of the country.

Under natural conditions, oval shadberry can be found on scree, rocks, light forest edges.

Features of growing irgi:

1. Plant in mid-autumn or early spring.
2. It is preferable to plant in lime-rich soils with good drainage. The denser the earth, the less comfortable the irga will feel.
3. Propagated by shoots, seeds or division of bushes.
4. The germination rate for seed propagation is 30%.
5. Seeds should be stratified 3-4 months.
6. It tolerates decorative haircuts and pruning.
7. The shrub is able to overwinter at temperatures down to -29C without shelter.
8. Fruiting from July to August. Berries up to 10 mm in diameter are very juicy and sweet.

Oval irga has a powerful phytoncidal effect, so even being near a flowering bush can strengthen immunity, not to mention eating fruits.

Irga alder-leaved

This variety of irgi loves moisture very much, and this is what distinguishes it from all the others. It can also be recognized by its lowered young shoots with round, serrated leaves that turn yellow in autumn. It bears fruit in large quantities with large berries (berry diameter from 10 to 15 mm), which makes it a valuable fruit crop.

AT wild nature found along the banks of streams and rivers, on wet slopes and slopes of canyons. Usually not tall, but can reach 7-9 m.

Growing features:

1. The optimal time for planting is early spring and autumn.
2. Propagated by division of bushes, shoots and seeds (preferably rhizomatous shoots).
3. Seeds are best sown after 6 months. stratification.
4. The cuttings root rather poorly.
5. Requires regular watering.
6. Likes moist, but not marshy soils.
7. Winter-hardy variety, but at very low temperatures, the tips of the shoots can freeze slightly.
8. Fruits abundantly from 5 years from mid-July to August.
9. Alder-leaved irga can grow in urban environments.

There are several decorative forms:

1. Abundantly flowering shadberry - with very large fruits up to 30 mm in diameter.
2. Amelasorbus Jack is a natural hybrid with mountain ash. Able to endure harsh winters.

Growing shadberry

Despite the unique medicinal qualities of shadberry, in many countries it is grown as an ornamental crop to decorate plots. And there is a logical explanation for this - in spring the shrub is covered with scatterings of pleasantly smelling flowers, around which bees swarm, they are replaced by purple and blue fruits, and in autumn the foliage changes, coloring the bush in rich purple colors. Irga combines both eye candy and health benefits.

Planting and caring for the irga are very simple, it is enough to provide the proper conditions. The plant loves sunny places on the south or west side. It grows on any soil, but on poor dry soil it develops poorly and bears fruit. small berries. On one site, it is enough to plant only 1-2 bushes to provide yourself with useful reserves of vitamins for the whole year and decorate the landscape.

Soil preparation takes place according to the same principle as for any berry crops:

1. In spring or autumn, bushes are planted in pits 40-70 cm deep with a diameter of about 50 cm.
2. Medium-sized varieties should be placed in a row at least 2 m apart, vigorous ones - with a distance of 3-3.5 m with a row spacing of 4-5 m.
3. In the first year after planting, it is recommended to water any varieties abundantly, especially if the summer turned out to be hot.
4. Young bushes are fed with humus or peat chips.
5. The ground part should be shortened to 10 cm, leaving up to 5 developed buds above the soil.
6. In the first year after planting, the growth will be insignificant, but after 2-3 years the bush will already grow by 40-60 cm.

Important: Irga (especially spiked) is distinguished by abundant root shoots, which must be constantly monitored. Also, you should not plant a bush near garden paths or near a parking lot, since the juice from fallen berries can ruin the appearance of light-colored stones and cars, and it is quite difficult to remove it.

Irga care

A year after planting, the irgu should be fed with ammonium nitrate, adding about 50 g of fertilizer to the soil. It is also recommended to add 100 g of superphosphate to the ground, evenly scattering it into the trunk circles and loosening it slightly. In early spring, after fertilizing, the ground should again be mulched with humus or peat chips.

The fruiting of the shadberry usually begins at 3-4 years old, and already from the age of 5 years, you can collect abundant crops of 5-10 kg from one bush (depending on the variety). During this period, additional fertilizing with organic (humus, compost) or mineral (ammonium nitrate, potassium compounds) fertilizers is required. In the first year, you can add minerals, and the next - organics, etc.

In order for the irga to please the eye and bear fruit well, it should be formed in the form of a bush, periodically removing weak shoots. In the first couple of years, leave only strong shoots, so that as a result you get a bush of 10-15 powerful branches of different ages. Anti-aging pruning should be carried out no more than 1 time in 3-4 years.

If the bush in the second year after planting develops poorly and lags behind in growth, at the end of spring it should be fed with nitrogen compounds, slurry, bird droppings or mullein (dilute with water 1:10 and 1:6, respectively).

Irgi breeding

Depending on the variety of irgi, cultivation and care occurs in different ways. Most species are well propagated by seeds, root cuttings or grafting. The seed method is mainly relevant for species forms. To get the seeds, collect the fruits and leave for a few days in a cool place, then grind, remove the seeds and dry them in the shade. Irgi seeds are very small, so it is better to sow them to obtain seedlings in wooden or peat boxes with a light soil mixture (sand, turf, humus).

Before sowing, any seeds should be stratified in wet fine sand at a temperature of + 1 + 5C. If you sow irgu in the fall, dig in the boxes in the garden and cover with leaves or spruce branches. Bushes grown from seeds should be shortened by 1/3 of the length during planting. They will give the first harvest for 3-4 years, and abundant fruiting will begin at 7-8 years of life.

Varietal shadberry reproduces exclusively by vegetative means, which allows it to maintain its medicinal and aesthetic characteristics. In early spring or late autumn, dig up root shoots or root cuttings up to 15 cm long and 1.5 cm in diameter. In the first summer after planting, they need to be watered abundantly, and by autumn the sprouts will turn into small strong bushes, which, depending on the degree of development, can be sent for growing or planted in a permanent place.

Grafting is rarely used. Rootstocks are made from seedlings of mountain ash or another variety of irgi (it is better not to take irgi so as not to get root shoots). Irga, grafted onto mountain ash, grows moderately fast, bears fruit early and very plentifully, plus everything does not give root shoots, which greatly facilitates care.

Harvesting

Harvesting shadberry is the most pleasant and long-awaited part of the work. Since the fruits on the bushes ripen gradually and at different times, they can be collected in several stages, but it is better to wait for the entire bush to ripen.

Irgu should be constantly protected from birds, which also love to feast on sweet juicy berries. Thrushes, starlings and sparrows can completely destroy the entire crop, so the bush must be covered with non-woven protective material, for example, a large piece of gauze or a mesh with small cells. Cover should be immediately after the ripening of the first berries and leave protection until the end of the fruitful period.

The benefits that just one shadberry bush can bring are invaluable. It adorns the landscape, indulges in the fragrant fragrance of flowers in the spring and bestows healing and tasty fruits in the fall. Healing jams are made from shadberry berries, compotes are cooked and even put in pastries instead of raisins. It is able to prevent and cure many diseases, strengthen the immune system and simply cheer up.

Plant irga, or currant (lat. Amelanchier) belongs to the genus of the tribe Apple family Pink and is a small tree or deciduous shrub. Latin name irgi has either a Provencal or a Celtic origin and is translated as "to bring honey." The British call the irgu a shady shrub, a June berry or a useful berry, and the Americans retained the name given to it by the indigenous inhabitants of the country, the Indians - "Saskatoon". In the nature of the Northern Hemisphere of the planet, according to various sources, from 18 to 25 species of shadberry grow, and most of them are in North America. In nature, the irga grows on the edges of the forest, on the rocks and even in the tundra zone. In culture, about ten of its species have been mastered, grown as ornamental plants, and for the sake of healthy, sweet berries, which are very fond of children.

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Planting and caring for irga (in short)

• Landing: both spring and autumn planting is possible, but autumn planting is preferred.
• Lighting: bright sunlight.
• The soil: loamy or sandy, fertile, with deep groundwater.
• Watering: only during severe drought.
• Top dressing: from the fourth or fifth year of life, the soil in the near-trunk circle is annually dug up with humus and mineral fertilizers, and from spring to mid-summer, the irga is fed on pre-moistened soil with liquid organic solutions at the rate of 5 liters for each bush.
• Pruning: from the third year of life after leaf fall for sanitary purposes.
• Reproduction: species plants can also be propagated by seeds, but varietal plants can only be propagated vegetatively: offspring, green cuttings, layering, dividing the bush and grafting.
• Pests: seed-eaters, pestry moths, spider mites, aphid.
• Diseases: septoria, phyllosticosis, tuberculosis.

Read more about growing irgi below.

Irga berry - description

The irga shrub looks attractive during the opening of the leaves - it is as if shrouded in pubescence, like silver-white hoarfrost, but when numerous flowers begin to appear on the irga after the leaves, it miraculously transforms, and a magical a vision worthy of an artist's brush. The leaves of the shadberry are also delightful - green or olive-pinkish. As soon as the flowers of the shadberry fall, the pubescence on its leaves also disappears, and nothing distracts the eye from the slender bush with a well-leafed crown and velvety gray-brown color. pink tint bark on the stem. When it's time for fruiting, small "apples" appear on the irga, collected in brushes - at first they are creamy white with a pink blush, then gradually darken to dark purple, red-purple or purple. The fruits of the irgi are pleasant in taste, juicy and sweet, they are eaten with pleasure by children and pecked by birds, spreading seeds around. With the advent of autumn, you again turn your gaze to the shadberry bush with admiration, when its foliage sparkles with autumn colors of the richest color palette from bright yellow to pink-orange and red-scarlet tones with purple-violet highlights against the background of some preserved green leaves . In addition to impeccable decorative characteristics, irga is distinguished by drought resistance, early maturity, winter hardiness and rapid growth, it blooms most abundantly and bears fruit on the apical shoots of the last year. Irga serves as a reliable and hardy stock for dwarf apple and pear trees. Irgi bush lives 60-70 years, over time, its stems turn into real trunks, capable of reaching 8 meters in height. Irga is one of the best honey plants. Against the background of all these wonderful qualities, the only drawback of irgi is abundant root growth, with which you have to fight constantly. But the irga is worth the effort spent on growing it, because, in addition to beauty, it also attracts gardeners with its healing properties which we will discuss in a separate chapter.

Landing irgi

When to plant irgu

Irgi is planted both in spring and autumn, although many experts recommend autumn planting. Find a bright place for the shadberry so that its shoots do not stretch out in search of light and bear fruit in full force. The soil for the shadberry is best sandy or loamy, and although the shadberry is not capricious in this matter, the soil must be fertile so that less root shoots form around the shrub, because if the roots have enough food, they will not “scour” around. And there will be more berries on the bush than leaves if the irga grows in humus-rich soil. The acidity of the soil for the irgi does not play a special role, but in areas with high groundwater it is better not to plant this plant - its root system goes 2-3 meters deep. Prepare site for autumn planting they start from spring - they clean it of weeds and keep it under black fallow until autumn. Before planting, the site is dug up with phosphorus and potash fertilizers at the rate of 40 g of each per m². Digging depth - 10-15 cm.

How to plant an irgu

In this matter, too, there are no difficulties. Irgi seedlings should be planted one or two years old. They are placed on the plot in a checkerboard pattern (if you decide to plant several bushes), the distance between the specimens is maintained from half a meter to one and a half meters. The size of the pit is approximately 60x60x50 cm. Planting shadberry is carried out according to the same principle as planting such berry bushes as gooseberries, currants, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, actinidia and honeysuckle: the top, arable layer of soil taken out of the pit is mixed with sand and rotted compost in a ratio of 3: 1: 1, a bucket or two humus is poured into the pit, 150 g are added potash fertilizer, 400 g of phosphate. Then, at the bottom of the pit, a mound is formed from the prepared soil, a seedling of irgi is placed on it, the roots of the plant are straightened and the pit is covered with soil mixed with compost and sand, slightly compacting it. The root neck of the seedling should not be buried. After planting, the bush is watered large quantity water - 8-10 liters, and when the soil settles, pour the earth into the hole so that the landing site is level with the surface of the site. The soil around the bush is mulched with peat, humus or dry earth. After planting, the ground part of the bush is cut to 15 cm, leaving 4-5 well-developed buds on each shoot.

Irga care

Growing shadberry

Irga is so easy to care for that after planting it could be forgotten until harvest. But, like any other plant, it still needs a minimum of your attention. In addition, if you take care of the plant, it will pay for your efforts with a bountiful harvest and well-groomed beauty. And you just need to water the irga, weed the weeds around it, sometimes cut the shrubs and make seasonal top dressing. Since the irga is drought-resistant and its root system goes deep into the soil, where there is always moisture, watering the shrub is carried out only in the driest time, using a hose with a diffuser to simultaneously wash off the dust from the leaves. It is better to do this after the heat of the day subsides - after 16:00. After moistening the soil, remove weeds and loosen the soil around the bush.

Irgi fertilizer

From the age of four or five, annually, 300 g of superphosphate, 200 g of potassium fertilizer that does not contain chlorine, and 1-2 buckets of humus are added to the trunk circle for digging, retreating 20-30 cm from the root collar. From spring to mid-summer, irgu is fed with liquid organic matter - five liters of a ten percent solution chicken manure under each bush. Liquid fertilizers are applied overnight after abundant watering or rain, and dry scatter on trunk circle, stepping back 30 cm from the bush, close them up in the soil, and then water the area. As the irgi grows, the amount of fertilizer is increased.

Irgi transplant

It is difficult to transplant an adult irga - its roots go too deep into the ground, so be responsible when choosing a site for a plant so that you do not have to replant it later. But if the need for a transplant still arises, keep in mind when digging up a plant that the root system of a middle-aged irgi extends in depth and in width by about 2 meters. For a bush of seven or eight years of age, the diameter of the earthy coma necessary for painless rooting of the bush in a new place should be a meter and a quarter, and a depth of about 70 cm - the rest of the peripheral roots can be left in the ground, the irga will quickly grow them in a new place. The older the bush, the larger the diameter of the earthen clod should be when extracting the plant from the ground. Dig up a bush, move it to a new place along with earthy clod, lower it into the prepared hole, add soil to the hole and compact it. Do not forget to water the transplanted bush abundantly and mulch the trunk circle.

Irga in autumn

In the fall, after fruiting is completed, carry out sanitary and thinning pruning of the shadberry, transplant the bushes, if necessary, fertilize by digging the site and removing fallen leaves from it - that's probably all you can do for a plant in the end of the growing season. The plant hibernates without shelter, as it easily withstands forty-degree frosts.

Pruning irgi

When to cut the irgu

Despite the apparent ease with which the irga tolerates pruning, this procedure is best done only as needed. And so that such a need arises as rarely as possible, remember a few rules:

• plant the irga in a sunny place so that the light penetrates into the very thick of the bush;
• it only makes sense to trim low varieties irgi, because a high-grade bush, when it grows, you will not cut it even from a stepladder;
• pruning begins to be done a year or two after planting the bush in early spring before the start of sap flow.

How to cut irgu

The first years of growth of the irgi, leave only a few of the strongest zero shoots from the root shoots, remove the rest. When the shrub has a sufficient number of stems, annually remove the two oldest ones, and leave the same amount in return from the root growth - this will allow the bush to rejuvenate every year without reducing the yield. In young bushes, all vertical shoots are shortened by a quarter of last year's growth. In subsequent years, prune side branches to encourage crown growth, otherwise you will not be able to harvest even from a stepladder soon. Cuts on annual shoots can not be processed, but cuts of older branches can be processed oil paint on the natural drying oil- garden pitch is not used in the cold. In addition to the forming function, pruning irgi performs a sanitary function: remove broken, dry and thickening shoots, that is, those that grow inside the bush. Don't forget to deal with root shoots. If you need to rejuvenate an old shrub, cut it, as they say, "on a stump."

Irgi breeding

How to propagate irgu

The most common oval-leaved shadberry can be propagated both by seeds and vegetatively. large-fruited varietal shadberry propagated vegetatively - offspring, grafting and green cuttings. But in general, species of irgi propagate by seeds, and varieties - only vegetatively.

Propagation of irgi by seeds

Irgi seeds can be extracted from ripened fruits and immediately planted on well-fertilized beds to a depth of no more than 2 cm, watered abundantly and mulched with straw or dry leaves. Seeds that have undergone natural stratification in winter will sprout next spring, but don't panic if they sprout in the fall. In spring, seedlings are seated more freely and cared for - they are watered, weeds are removed from the garden, and they are fed with nitrogen fertilizers. In the first year, the seedlings grow to a height of only 10-12 cm, and in the second year - up to 40-50 cm. In the third year, the strengthened seedlings of the shadberry are transplanted to a permanent place.

Reproduction of irgi by grafting a cutting

In autumn, prepare rootstocks, that is, two-year-old seedlings of mountain ash, which grow in large numbers in parks and plantings - just pull them out of the ground after rain. You can go a long way by growing rowan seedlings on your own - in the fall you sow in the ground, in the spring you get friendly seedlings, and in the second year - rootstocks. It is necessary to plant cuttings of irgi on mountain ash in the spring, during the period of sap flow, at a height of 10-15 cm from the root collar. It is done like this:

• dig up the grown scion, wash the roots and cut the stock horizontally at a height of 10-15 cm from the root neck;
• the cut is split with a knife in the middle to a depth of 3 cm;
• an upper oblique cut is made on the scion handle, and a lower cut is made 15 cm lower in the form of a bilateral gentle wedge up to 4 cm long - one side of the wedge is just below the kidney, the second is on the opposite side from it;
• the wedge of the scion is firmly inserted into the split of the rootstock, but top part the wedge is not included in the split;
• the junction is wrapped with tape, and the upper cut of the scion is treated with garden pitch;
• the stock is planted in a box with a mixture of sand and peat, deepening it to the place of inoculation, and the box is placed in a cold greenhouse or in a greenhouse: the higher the temperature in the room, the faster the scion will take root;
• when a callus begins to form on the part of the wedge that has not fallen into the split, the film is removed, and the grafted irga is planted in open ground;
• rowan shoots formed on the rootstock below the graft are cut out.

Irgi propagation by green cuttings

Cuttings are cut from the tops of any branches of well-developed five-six-year-old bushes in the first half of summer. The cutting length is 10-15 cm. Remove the lower leaves from the cuttings, leaving only 1-2 pairs of the upper ones. Place the lower sections of the cuttings for 6-12 hours in a root-forming agent, then rinse them with clean water and plant them at an angle at a distance of 3-4 cm from each other in a cold greenhouse in clean soil, sprinkled on top with a layer of sand 7-10 cm thick. The dome of the greenhouse should be 15-20 cm higher than the cuttings. After planting, water the cuttings through a fine sieve so that the water splashes rather than pours. Cover the greenhouse after watering. The temperature in the greenhouse should not rise above 25 ºC, so you should regularly ventilate the cuttings by removing the greenhouse dome. Keep the soil slightly damp. After two or three weeks, the cuttings take root, so the dome of the greenhouse is removed during the day, and when the cuttings get a little stronger, the greenhouse is left open at night. Three-week-old cuttings develop a strong fibrous root system, and they are planted for growing on a training bed, and as soon as they take root, they are fed with slurry diluted with water 6-8 times, or with mineral fertilizer - 30 g of ammonium nitrate dissolved in a bucket of water. They take care of the cuttings as an adult plant, and next autumn they transplant them to a permanent place.

Reproduction of irgi by layering

For this breeding method, developed annual shoots or biennial branches with strong growths are chosen. It is better to dig in layering in early spring, as soon as the soil warms up. The top layer of soil under the bushes from which you will take layers must be dug up, fertilized and leveled. Then make grooves in the soil, lay low-growing shoots in them and fix them in the furrow, and pinch the tops. Wait until young shoots 10-12 cm high develop from the buds of the layering, and sprinkle them up to half with fertile soil or humus. After 2-3 weeks, as soon as the shoots grow another 10-15 cm, sprinkle them up to half again. Rooted layers are separated from the bush in the fall or next spring and transplanted to a permanent place.

Reproduction of irgi by dividing the bush

This method of reproduction is resorted to if you have to transplant a bush from place to place. The best time is early spring before buds swell or autumn, a month before frost. The bush, after being removed from the ground, is cut off, removing the old branches, and, having freed the roots from the ground, the rhizome is divided into several parts. Sometimes you have to use an axe. Each division must have a healthy ground part consisting of at least two shoots and well developed root system. It is better to remove the old roots, trim the rest, after which parts of the bush can be planted in prepared pits.

Pests and diseases of irgi

In general, the irga is quite resistant to diseases and pests, but sometimes it suffers from tuberculosis (drying of the branches), septoria (gray rot) and phyllostic leaf spot. Tuberculosis is manifested first by browning and drying of the leaves, then the branches wither, and red tubercles form on them. Sick shoots are cut and burned, and the plant is sprayed in spring with copper sulphate or Bordeaux liquid. Phyllostic blotch can be diagnosed by brown-brown spots on drying and falling leaves. Leaves damaged by spotting are removed, and the bush is treated before and after flowering with Bordeaux liquid. Gray rot also appears as brown spots on the leaves, which gradually blur, the leaves turn yellow, become covered with gray fluffy mold and fall off. A plant suffering from excess moisture in the roots becomes ill with septoria, therefore, until the plant has died, normalize the watering of the irgi or transplant it to where the groundwater lies deeper. As a treatment and prevention, the plant is treated with the same Bordeaux liquid, as well as topaz, oxychome, cuproxate.

The main pests of the irgi are the irgi seed-eater and the moth. The seed-eater damages the fruits, feeding on the seeds of the shadberry, and it pupates in the fruits. And the caterpillars of the pestry moth mine the leaves of the plant, which makes them dry and crumble. In the fight against these pests, the treatment of irgi with actellik, karbofos or fufanon is used.

Types of irgi

As already mentioned, more than ten species of shadberry have taken root in the culture. We will briefly introduce you to some of them.

Irga spiked (Amelanchier spicata)

- deciduous shrub or tree up to 5 m high with numerous shoots forming a dense oval crown. Mature branches are dark gray, young ones are reddish-brown. The leaves are ovate, up to 5 cm long and up to 2.5 cm wide - at the time of opening they are white-felt, dark green in summer, in autumn - different shades of red-orange. Fragrant pink or white flowers are collected in short, woolly erect inflorescences. The fruits are round, purple-black with a bluish bloom, sweet, up to 1 cm in diameter. The plant is winter hardy, it is also resistant to drought, smoke and gas. The growing season is from April to early October, it bears fruit from the age of four. Irga is native to North America.

Irga alder-leaved (Amelanchier alnifolia)

also comes from North America, from its western and central regions, where it lives on the slopes of hills, in forests, along the banks of streams and rivers. Shade-tolerant. Young leaves, shoots and buds in racemose inflorescences are pubescent, flower petals are directed vertically upwards, which is why their centers are not visible. The fruits are spherical, slightly elongated, black. In culture since 1918.

Canadian irga (Amelanchier canadensis)

also lives on the slopes of rocks, the banks of reservoirs and rivers. This is a large shrub up to 6 m tall or a tree reaching 8-10 m. The shoots are thin, slightly drooping, the leaves are ovate, up to 10 cm long, at first brown-green, like felt, gray-green in summer, and in autumn they acquire crimson-golden hues different intensity. The drooping racemes consist of 5-12 white flowers that create a contrast to the reddish shoots. The fruits are round, dark purple with a bluish bloom, have a sweet taste. The species is frost-resistant, undemanding to the quality of the soil and to the level of humidity, has high decorative characteristics. In culture since 1623.

Irga Lamarck (Amelanchier lamarckii)

is distinguished by its beauty and attractiveness throughout the season, therefore it is often used for landscaping both as a solo plant and in group plantings. Both Canadian irga and Lamarck irga are excellent rootstocks for pears and apple trees, increasing the winter hardiness of the scion and its ability to grow on too wet soils, which is not typical for stone fruits.

Irga oval, or common (Amelanchier ovalis)

originally from Central and Southern Europe. It grows in dry places - in forests, forests, on the slopes of rocks. It is a shrub up to 2.5 m high with young shoots silvery from pubescence, which after a while become naked, shiny and acquire a red-brown hue. The leaves are ovate, dense, serrated along the edge, up to 4 cm long - immediately after opening they are like felt, in summer time dark green, and with the onset of autumn, red-purple. White flowers up to 3 cm in diameter are collected in apical brushes. The fruits are blue-black with a bluish bloom. This species is drought tolerant and prefers rich calcareous soils. Winters without shelter only in the southern regions. In culture since the 16th century.

In addition to the described species, low, smooth, round-leaved, abundantly flowering, pleasant, Asian, Bartram, Kuzik, obovate, blood-red, Jutsk and Jack irga are grown in culture.

Irgi properties - benefits and harms

Useful properties of irgi

What is useful irga? Irgi fruits contain pectins, mono- and disaccharides, vitamins C, P, A, B vitamins, trace elements lead, copper, cobalt, tannins, flavonols, fiber, malic acid and many other substances necessary and useful for humans. The fruit of the irgi contains ascorbic acid and a large amount of carotene, which are the strongest antioxidants that increase the body's resistance to stress and infectious diseases that prevent the development of cancer and slow down the development of Alzheimer's disease. In addition, carotene contained in the fruits of shadberry prevents the development of cataracts, cures night blindness and improves eyesight. The pectins contained in the irga lower the level of cholesterol in the blood, remove radionuclides, salts of heavy metals and other toxins from the body, having a beneficial effect on the work of the heart. Irgi juice due to its astringent and anti-inflammatory action helps in the treatment of colitis and enterocolitis. They take the fruits of irgi, which have a sedative effect, with insomnia and increased nervous excitability. Irga is used for diabetes - a decoction of its bark is used to rinse the mouth, and gruel from the leaves of irgi is applied to ulcers.

Irga - contraindications

Irga is contraindicated for people with individual intolerance to this product and hypotensive patients. Those who drive a car should not drive after eating shadberry berries due to their strong sedative effect. There are no other contraindications.

Irga occurs as a deciduous shrub or small tree. This is an undemanding plant. Genus Yablonev, Rosaceae family. The Latin name is Amelanchier, which means honey.

Preparation for planting irgi in open ground

Before planting irgu, they choose a suitable place, remove weeds, and prepare the soil. Determined with landing time. Prepare seedlings with a powerful root system. Planting and caring for irga in the open field is feasible for beginner gardeners.

Landing dates

Autumn planting of fruit and berry crops is considered preferable:

• a large selection of seedlings;
• less need for watering;
• saving time on the necessary spring work;
• minor injuries during planting (plant at rest).

Planting irgi in the fall will be successful if you follow the rules and planting dates. By this time, the seedling should shed its foliage, but before frost there is enough time for rooting (2-3 weeks). The disadvantages of planting in the fall include:

• severe winter with soil freezing (roots may suffer);
• the appearance of rodents;
• strong winds;
• not enough snow.

In the north of Russia and Siberia, irgu should be planted in the spring due to early frost autumn. Bushes that are at rest can be planted in the soil that begins to thaw. With the onset of heat, the irga will begin to dissolve the buds, which will prevent them from freezing.

Site selection

Irga is an unpretentious plant, it will take root anywhere. But there will be no return from a neglected tree. The plot in the country is prepared in advance, removing weeds. When choosing suitable place it should be noted that this is a long-liver, requiring space (3-4 m) as it grows. Irga does not like swampy places; it will die if groundwater passes close to the surface. Choose a place with sufficient lighting, without close occurrence of groundwater. Penumbra is enough for her, she will take root at the fence, shed.

Advice! You should not plant the irgu at the parking lot: falling berries leave stains on the car.

Soil preparation

Irga grows well on sandy and loamy soils. For planting to be successful, you need to prepare the soil:

• mix the top layer of soil with humus (1-2 buckets);
• add mineral fertilizers(superphosphate: 300-500 g; potassium salt: 150-200 g);
• Transfer the resulting mixture to the planting hole.

Selection and preparation of planting material

You need to choose frost-resistant varieties, their yield is much higher, tastier fruits. It is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of the climate of the region and its own capabilities in providing care. High survival rate in one- and two-year-old seedlings. It is necessary to choose them with healthy roots, without rotten and dried up areas. The bark on the trunk should be undamaged, the color should match the variety.

Nurseries supply seedlings in large containers with a closed root system that will not be damaged during transplantation. it the best option. Such an irga will quickly take root. Seedlings are not limited in terms of planting, it is carried out throughout the growing season.

Landing step by step instructions

Landing includes the following steps:

1. dig a hole with a diameter and depth of 60-70 cm;
2. fold the selected soil nearby;
3. lay drainage at the bottom of the pit ( small stones, broken brick, slate);
4. mix the selected soil with compost or humus (1 bucket), 300 g of superphosphate, 200 g of potash fertilizers;
5. fold part of the resulting mixture into a mound in a pit;
6. set the seedling on a mound, straightening the roots;
7. sprinkle with the remaining mixture, without closing the root neck, tamp;
8. pour 1 bucket of water;
9. wait for the water to soak in, add earth to the surface level;
10. mulch the trunk circle;
11. cut the bush, leaving up to four buds on each shoot.

Planting of several bushes is carried out in a checkerboard pattern with a distance between them of up to 1.5 m.

Irga care in the open field

Growing irgi does not take much time. The culture is extremely unpretentious. The presence of a strong root system makes it possible to do without watering and top dressing, to be content with poor soil.

The main principles of caring for irga:

• choose the right landing site;
• form a crown;
• apply fertilizer in a timely manner;
• carry out pruning;
• remove weeds.

Watering rules

Irga is drought-resistant. Watering is needed in hot weather and when there is no rain. Enough 2 buckets of water per bush 2 times a month. Irga, newly planted, requires regular weekly watering (1 bucket per bush). When the growth reaches 15 cm, they switch to the mode of an adult plant.

Choice and rules of fertilization

The trunk circle is dug up once a year, simultaneously with the application of fertilizers:

• humus (1 bucket);
• superphosphate (300 g);
• potash fertilizers without chlorine (200 g).

After that watered. Top dressing with liquid organic matter is carried out from spring to mid-summer. Use an infusion of chicken manure, diluted with water 1:15, or infusion of mullein - 1:10.

Pruning irgi

The bush grows very quickly, to maintain a decorative look, irgi is periodically pruned. After planting, the plant is formed in the form of a bush - then it will bear fruit abundantly. It is necessary to cut off the high irga for the convenience of harvesting, it is shortened by ¼ of the length. Periodically removing weak shoots, leaving only strong 2-3-year-old ones, they achieve the formation of a bush with 10-15 powerful branches, different in age.

If you do not prune, the yield drops, as the berries are formed only on the tops of the branches. At one time, you should not remove more than three branches or shoots, otherwise the plant will have to recover for a long time. Slices are treated with garden pitch. All cut material and dry foliage are removed from under the bushes.

Trimming time

Spring pruning is carried out before the plant wakes up (before the buds swell) to avoid injury. It is best to do this in the evening or on cool days. Spring pruning:

• increases productivity;
• accelerates the ripening of berries;
• removes the thickening of the bushes;
• simplifies sanitation;
• rejuvenates old plants.

Sanitary pruning is carried out a little later, when it is possible to clearly determine which branches did not overwinter, i.e. after the leaves bloom. autumn pruning are engaged after leaf fall. It is intended for the same purposes as the spring one, but frees up time in the spring for more important works, which is important for beginner gardeners.

Trimming methods

After inspecting all the plants and identifying diseased, broken and damaged branches, they begin sanitary pruning. It includes the removal of shoots (fat shoots) and branches growing inwards. Thin, crooked and weak branches are cut almost flush with the ground, leaving stumps.

Numerous shoots from the roots thicken the shrub and lead to weakening. They fight with the offspring, cutting them off and using them for planting. Rejuvenating pruning of an adult bush is carried out once every 3-4 years, it helps to increase productivity. Formative pruning creates correct crown tree and bush, makes the main branches strong.

crown formation

The formation of the crown of shadberry is usually carried out in early spring, before the start of sap flow. This procedure is important for young plants. At the same time, dry, broken branches and dense shoots are removed. At the age of 8-10 years, vertically growing branches are shortened (by a quarter of the length), which restrains the growth of the tree in height. They keep 10-15 of the strongest shoots that do not interfere with each other, the rest are removed to the stump.

Preparing for winter

In autumn, irga needs:

• thinning;
• sanitary pruning;
• top dressing;
• digging of the trunk circle.

Remove and burn fallen leaves.

Irga is resistant to frost (up to -50 ° C), shelter for the winter, not only in the Moscow region, but also in the northern regions of Russia is not needed.

Diseases and pests of irgi

Resistant irga occasionally exposed to diseases. Diseases, their signs and methods of control are given in the table:

Irgi has a lot of pests:

Reasons and methods of transplantation

Sometimes you need to transplant a bush to another place - in case of improper placement, the beginning of construction, or for other reasons.

Transplantation of an adult plant

Transplanting an adult irga is difficult. She does not like this procedure, the older, the worse she tolerates it. For better rooting in a new place, they dig it out with a lump, which is wrapped with burlap or film and tied.

They put a flat support and transfer it to a new place. Then carefully lowered into the pit, freeing from the strapping. Cover the roots with earth, as when planting.

From the main adult bush, you can get several plants with a good root system by dividing it. They do this in the spring, before the buds have blossomed, or in the fall, after the foliage has fallen. After transplanting, it is necessary to compact the soil, water it abundantly and mulch.

Fruiting features

Irga refers to pome crops, such as apple trees, pears, quince, mountain ash, hawthorn, although more often its fruits are called berries. It is a monoecious and self-pollinating plant, although cross-pollination is also present.

All species are distinguished by precocity and self-fertility. The difference between varieties comes down to the shape of the berries, their size, taste, ripening time and yield. The beginning of fruiting depends on the method of obtaining the plant.

Irga, obtained by shoots and root offspring, gives berries in the third year.

Plants grown from seeds - for the fourth or fifth season. The fruits are formed on last year's increments. mature plant has mixed kidneys. Leaves, shoots and flowers develop from them.

Irgi breeding

Irgi reproduction is possible by seed and vegetative methods.

By dividing the bush

You can get several plants with roots suitable for transplanting by dividing an adult bush. First, it is thinned out, removing old branches and shortening young ones by one third.

Then they dig up the irgu, trying to preserve powerful roots as much as possible (up to 2 m in depth and in diameter). The earth is carefully removed from the dug bush and divided into several parts so that each has two viable shoots.

Such a transplant is carried out in early spring, when the buds have not yet blossomed, or late autumn after leaf fall, two weeks before frost. This is used if it is necessary to transplant the irgi to another place.

layering

For these purposes, biennial strong shoots are used.

Carry out the procedure in early spring:

• choose suitable shoots;
• dig the ground under them;
• having drawn grooves, they are laid in them;
• pinch the tops;
• drop by drop;
• after the appearance of young shoots up to 10 cm long from the buds, they are sprinkled with earth to half;
• when the length of the shoots reaches 15 cm, the earth is poured up to half.

Rooted layers can be transplanted in autumn or next spring.

Green cuttings

For propagation of irgi with green cuttings:

1. cuttings up to 15 cm long are cut from an adult plant;
2. remove the leaves, leaving the top two;
3. placed in a solution of a means for the formation of roots (the period of content in the solution according to the instructions for the means);
4. cuttings are taken out, washed with water;
5. planted in a greenhouse, laying them with a slope;
6. sprinkled with a layer of sand;
7. watered by spraying water and keeping the soil moist;
8. after 3 weeks, airings begin, first during the day, and then at night;
9. transplanted seedlings to the garden, making a little mineral fertilizer.

The following autumn, they are transplanted to a permanent place.

The method is considered the simplest.

Grafting cuttings

Grafting with cuttings is carried out in the spring, when the movement of juices begins.

A stock is chosen, the tree on which the shank of the irgi will be grafted. You can graft on another variety, but rowan is more often used due to great compatibility with irga. The stalk in the lower part is sharpened with a wedge and inserted into a cut on the rootstock bark. Press firmly and fix with a special material or film to prevent displacement.

The method is complicated due to poor survival rate; it is usually used by experienced gardeners and breeders to obtain varietal plants.

Reproduction by seeds

For propagation by seeds, mature fruit seeds are used. They are planted immediately in the ground, deepening the seeds by 2 cm, watered and mulched.

During the winter, natural stratification takes place, young shoots will appear in the spring. Sometimes the seeds sprout in the fall, then they are covered with dry leaves for the winter.

Take care of the shoots, removing weeds. Triennial plants - ready planting material. This method does not preserve varietal characteristics, preserving only species.

Types of irgi

Irgi species differ little from each other, they are associated with adaptation to the region of growth and origin.

Irga is more common in North America and European countries.

Canadian selection has significantly expanded the list of bred varieties. It is worth evaluating the beneficial properties of irgi. The culture has a strong phytoncidal effect. Berries contain many vitamins and minerals that have a beneficial effect on the body.

Irga "oval", or "ordinary" (Amelanchier ovalis)

Deciduous shrub up to 3 m high, with a round crown, tap root system. Grows in any soil, prefers soil with great content lime, almost does not require watering, resistant to dry weather, frost-resistant. Not afraid of the winds. Not rooted by cuttings.

Breeds:

• seeds (germination rate is low, up to 30%);
• dividing the bush;
• overgrowth.

Pruning and decorative shortening of branches tolerates well. Sweet and juicy fruits(up to 10 mm) ripen in July-August. Planting time: early spring, mid-autumn.

Irga "Canadian" (Amelanchier canadensis)

• reddish shoots;
• snow-white large inflorescences in the form of brushes;
• dark purple shade of berries;
• autumn leaves are crimson.

From an adult plant (5 years old), up to six kilograms of useful berries are obtained. Ripening time: second half of July - beginning of August. Does not require watering, winter-hardy, does not need shelter.

Propagated by all known methods. Best cuttings and root offspring. Canadian Irga tolerates pruning and decorative "haircut" well. Grows in the polluted air of cities. Planting in early spring or before winter. It has a valuable dense wood used in the creation of interior items.

Irga "Lamarck" (Amelanchier lamarckii)

A hybrid of "Canadian" and "smooth" shadberry. Bush 60-70 cm high, with a beautiful umbrella-shaped crown, with leaves of amber-red hue. In autumn - with orange, delicious berries blue-black in color, shaped like apples.

Grown as an ornamental and berry culture. Grows on any soil, frost-resistant. Propagated by cuttings. Planting in early spring, late autumn.

Irga "alder-leaved" (Amelanchier alnifolia)

The variety is moisture-loving, unlike the others. Requires regular watering, loves moist soils (not marshy), frost-resistant. Height up to 9 m. Young shoots are lowered down.

Abundant harvests (up to 10 kg), large fruits (10-15 mm). Used as a fruit crop. Propagated best by root offspring. Well takes root in the conditions of the city. Planting time is early spring and autumn.

Irga “spiky” (Amelanchier spirata)

Bush 50-70 cm high. It is distinguished by the presence of a whitish felt down on young leaves, on the upper part of the ovary and pedicel, autumn foliage does not change color. Not afraid of drought, frost-resistant (up to -50 ° C), does not require shelter for the winter. Reproduction:

• seeds;
• undergrowth;
• dividing the bush;
• cuttings.

Planting in early spring, late autumn.

Although planting and caring for shadberry in the open field is simple, this culture is not familiar to most gardeners. Its unpretentiousness, useful properties of dark purple fruits and beauty should not be left without attention.