MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN BULLETIN 55 
ing outward with a tuft of hairs near the base. The flower- 
ing period extends from late May through June. 
The Japanese iris (I. laevigata or I, Kaempferi) differs 
from the German group in possessing fibrous roots, some- 
what more slender, parallel leaves, and flat, expanded flowers 
free of the crest of hair, ranging in color from white through 
purple and blue. A moist, cool location is desirable for best 
results. The flowering season begins in June and continues 
through July. 
The Spanish iris (J. Xiphiwm and I. Xiphoides), a 
dwarf, bulbous form, partly hardy, is effective because of 
strong color contrasts and numerous flowers. The flowers, 
appearing in May and June, are borne singly, having re- 
curved segments, the outer being broader and of more bril- 
lant hue. 
The iris is easily grown. Any rich, moist, light soil will 
give satisfactory results, though the Japanese types require 
a greater degree of moisture. The common metho of 
propagation is by division of the roots, early in the fall or 
spring. It is preferable that this be done in the fall in order 
that the plants may be established in the ground before 
winter, After the ground freezes a light mulch of manure 
or litter will help prevent heaving and loss of plants. Divi- 
sion of the clumps every three years is desirable, especially 
in the case of the tuberous iris, to avoid the matting and 
gradual elevation of the roots to the surface of the ground. 
Thorough cultivation should be practiced during the entire 
growing season. ge 
Despite the numerous varieties of iris there is room for 
betterment through hybridization. Pollination is effected 
by removing the anthers when the flower first opens. and 
preserving bea in vials until ready to apply to the stigma 
of the flower selected for pollination, the anthers of the 
female parent having previously been removed and the en- 
tire bloom covered with cheese-cloth or a paper bag to pre- 
vent insect pollination. The pollen is usually viable for the 
period of a week. The stigma is located near the apex of 
the petal-like style and is ready for pollination when the 
upper edge drops down and exposes the upper surface. The 
seeds germinate readily, being either sown in the open ground 
in the fall or started indoors in the winter and planted out 
in the spring. Two or three years are required before flowers 
appear, : 
The Garden collection is arranged botanically as follows: 
SUBGENUS EVANSIA 
(CHARACTERIZED BY A SLENDER CREEPING RHIZOME, THE 
OUTER SEGMENTS OF FLOWERS DISTINCTLY CRESTED) 
Tris cristata, dwarf blue Tris tectorum, lilac 
