MASS. EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 392 

 Notes on Some of the Perennials Included 



Aster 



Over 400 species and varieties of this genus have been studied and evaluated 

 at Waltham since 1933 by Professor Ray M. Koon. All available material from 

 North America and Europe has been collected and grown. From this study 50 

 asters have shown outstanding garden value and hardiness, and of these, 14 

 have been selected as the finest. 



While the major'ty of asters are fall blooming, the variety Star of Eisenach 

 blooms in June and it is a superior aster for rock garden and border uses. Particu- 

 lar mention might well be made of Mt. Evetest, the best of the whites; Harring- 

 tons Pink and Survivor as the cnly true rose-pinks; Violetta which supersedes all 

 others in blue tones; Burbanks Charming and Campbells Pink, which, w'th- 

 stand'ng frosts, offer color m the garden later in the season than any others 



The height of asters differs considerably with varied soils and available moisture, 

 while their blooming dates ere influenced by the age of the plants and climatic 

 factors. 



Chrysanthemum 



The variable climatic conditions of Massachusetts winters are particularly 

 trying to fall-blooming chrysanthemums. Generally, it would be well to locate 

 them in as protected exposures as possible, covering them over winter with cran- 

 berry clippings, salt marsh hay, or similar material. Excellent early-blooming 

 types are rapidly being produced, assuring both an earlier and a longer blooming 

 season. In this bulletin the earliest bloomers are listed. 



Confusion is general as to the common name of Chrysanthemum maximtim. 

 The approved name is Pyrenees Chrysanthemum and not Shasta Daisy which 

 designates a particular variety or clonal form of this species. 



Iris 



The American Iris Society divides the irises herein listed into two main divi- 

 sions: (1) Bearded and (2) Beardless Irises. 



The Bearded group (incorrectly known as German Iris) is distinguished by 

 the beard on the lower petal or fall and by the broad rhizome growing at the 

 surface of the soil. Forms of this group are designated in the lists as TB (Tall 

 Bearded, 30 inches or over); IB (Intermediate Bearded, 18to 28 Inches, inclusive); 

 and DB (Dwarf Bearded, up to 17 inches, inclusive). 



The Beardless Irises included In the lists are Siberian (sibirica) blooming 

 shortly after the bearded group, and the Japanese (kaempferi) blooming in early 

 July. Characteristics of this group include: the lack of the beard on the lower 

 petal or fall; narrower, more grasslike leaves; and a fibrous root system. 



The tall bearded irises herein listed do not include a representation of the entire 

 color range which is now included In the test gardens, for In 1940-41, through the 

 efforts of Mr. Harold T. Bent, the iris plantings were thoroughly revised, in co- 



