CHAPTER VIII 



HARDY BULBS 

 Irises Kniphofias Lapeyrousias Leucojums 



IRISES 



As a separate volume of this series to treat fully of the 

 Iris is contemplated, only a brief resume of the genus, 

 with a few general cultural hints, are required at the 

 present time. 



Irises, which supply plants suitable for almost any 

 position in the garden, are naturally divided into two 

 great groups, the first having a short rhizomatous root- 

 stock, and the other one of a bulbous character. Each 

 of these is divided into separate sections, about which it 

 may be said that no common treatment can be dictated. 

 The sub-genus Apogon, which comprises the beardless 

 Flag Irises, embraces plants which require totally dif- 

 ferent treatment. Thus, unguicularis, or stylosa, likes 

 a dry, stony soil, while sibirica and others prefer a moist 

 one. The plants of the sub-genus Pardanthopsis have 

 flowers like the Apogon Irises, but are without the crest. 

 They generally prefer a moist, well-drained soil. The 

 Oncocyclus, or "Cushion" Irises, are much prized 

 for their singular beauty, but are not easily grown in 

 gardens, unless in frames, where they can have a long 

 period of rest before they start into growth in winter, 

 or lifted and dried. This rest should begin immediately 

 after they flower. They like lime in the soil. 



The Regelia Irises form the link between the last and 

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