GARDEN HELPS 



Conducted by Minnesota Garden Flower Society 



Edited by Mrs. E. W. Qottld, 2644 Humboldt Avenue So. 

 Minneapolis. 



(Concluded from July Number.) 



The varieties of the Iris that can be easily grown in this latitude are 

 those described on the chart here given. First, there are the bearded Irises, 

 comprised "of the Dwarf, Intermediate ' and Tall Germanicas. The Dwarf 

 Irises flower from late in April until late in May. They grow from six 

 inches to a foot in height and are adaptable for edgings and rock gardens. 

 The Intermediate Irises flower next during the month of May and grow 

 from one foot to twenty inches in height. They are very beautiful, and just 

 as handsome as some of the beautiful tall Germanicas. The next in flower 

 are the tall Germanicas, which grow from eighteen inches to four feet in 

 height, and which in this locality flower from May 20th to July 5th. 



The word "Germanica" is derived from the word germane, meaning 

 root, and the name "German Iris" is incorrect, as practically none of this 

 variety are natives of Germany. 



The Germanicas form a large part of the Iris family. As shown on 

 the chart, there are over 400 varieties which are of practically every color 

 from white to black, through purples, lavenders, yellows, pinks, reds and 

 copper colors, most of which are very beautiful. 



The next branch of the Iris family, and which are the next to flower, 

 are the Beardless Irises. The Sibericas are the most delicate and elegant of 

 all the small flowering Irises and are of shades of blue, violet, purple and 

 white, growing from two to four feet in height. There are about fifteen 

 varieties of this Iris. They flower during June. Then during June and 

 July certain other varieties of Irises, which we call Beardless Border Irises, 

 come out in flower, growing from one to four feet high, which in foliage and 

 shape of flower are somewhat like the common water Irises, but which 

 should be planted above the water line, and which are beautiful in colors 

 and suitable for borders and by the waterside. 



During this same period the Water Irises come in flower, the Psuedo- 

 acorus, common yellow Iris, of Europe and the Versicolor, or common purple, 

 Iris of America. Certain other colors have been developed from these vari- 

 eties, making about ten in all. These few Water Irises and the Japanese 

 Irises are the only ones that will grow in water, so that, contrary to the 

 general belief, of all of the great family of Irises only about 15% can grow 

 in water. All of the rest require dry soil the same as other hardy peren- 

 nials. 



The Japanese Irises commence to flower here the latter part of June 

 and continue through July and a part of August. They are the most 

 gorgeous in colorings, growing from two feet to four feet high, with flowers 

 of three to six petals, some measuring ten to twelve inches in width. The 

 flowers are marvelously beautiful. They can be grown in water or in dry 

 soil. They flower at their best in this vicinity between July 1st and July 

 15th. In addition to those which I have mentioned there are certain bulbous 

 Irises which can be purchased in the fall and planted then the same as 



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