WrNDOW GARDENING. \^^ 



The Iris 



But few plants present such rare beauty, and rich combination of color as the 

 Iris. The name was given it by Pliny and Theophrastus, from the variety of its col- 

 ors. Of the many hundred varieties, the bulbous rooted sorts are the only ones 

 that succeed well in pots. The method of culture is simple, requiring a rich 

 loamy soil. Only three or four bulbs should be planted in a six-inch pot, which 

 should be filled about one quarter full with broken pots for drainage, then fill 

 with soil, and press the bulb in so that the top of the bulb will be even with the 

 rim of the pot. Give but very little water until they show growth ; after which it 

 may be given more freely. 



The English Iris, for brilliancy of color and vigorous foliage, takes rank among 

 the handsomest of flowering bulbs, they grow nearly two feet high, and produce 

 during June and July, a succession of large and beautiful flowers. This variety is 

 too large to become popular as a window plant. 



The Spanish Iris, differ materially from the English, though no less beautiful; 

 they are not as large as the former, and bloom somewhat earlier, which makes 

 them more desirable for pot culture. 



Iris Pavonia, or Peacock Iris, is a charming little plant well adapted for pots. 

 The bulbs are quite small — not much larger than peas. They should be planted 

 in September or October, in a light turfy loam. Plant three or four bulbs in a 

 four-inch pot, which should be kept in a cold frame until toward Spring when 

 they may be brought in and watered moderately ; they will soon begin to make 

 growth, and will flower early in April. 



Iris Persica, is the best for forcing. Plant the same as I. Pavonia ; they will 

 flower almost as soon as brought in ; the colors are white, blue, purple, and violet. 

 They are highly prized for their delicious fragrance, which is fully equal to the 

 violet. This sort will bloom in water like Hyacinth. 



Iris Susiana, is one of those beauties that baffle description. It is one of the 

 best for the "window," flowering freely in pots, jardinets or vases. It is the 

 earliest sort, consequently the most desirable for winter decoration. 



The Ixias, and sister cape bulbs the Sparaxis, Babianas and Tritonias, are 

 amongst the most graceful, attractive and beautiful of cape flowering bulbs. 

 Though differing considerably in style and habit of growth, they require the same 

 cultural treatment. They succeed best in good turfy peat. Plant about the first 

 of October, three or four in a four-inch pot, which should be placed in a cold 

 frame, protected from severe frosts and heavy rains. They should be brought in 

 about the first of March ; they will at once commence growth and flower early in 

 April. 



The color of the Ixias are of every conceivable shade, forming some of the most 

 remarkable contrasts. The habit of the plant is most graceful, and when a quan- 

 tity are in bloom, the effect of it is most pleasing. In selecting these bulbs, 

 choose named sorts, for the same reason you would many other bulbs, viz : bulbs 

 in mixture are apt to be bulbs of the more common sorts. 



