HARDY BULBS 



49 



the Pogon Irises, and should have similar treatment to 

 the Cushion Irises. The Evansea section contains some 

 pretty plants, which often do well in dry places. They 

 have a pretty crest on the flower. The plant grown by 

 the Japanese on the roofs of their houses (I. tectorum) 

 belongs to this group. Pseudevansea Irises have a 

 beard which springs from a rudimentary crest, and other- 

 wise much resemble the Evansea section, but few are in 

 cultivation. 



The Pogon Irises form the most important section of 

 non-bulbous Irises in gardens, and are distinguished by 

 the beard down the claw and lower part of the blade. 

 They will thrive almost anywhere, but should, as 

 a rule, have sun. They do well on walls and roofs. 

 The familiar " German" Irises will give a good idea of 

 the appearance of all the plants of this sub-genus. 



The bulbous Irises are very beautiful, but details as 

 to their treatment cannot be given now. For cutting, 

 the Spanish Iris (I. Xiphium) is very useful and it makes 

 a fine bedding or border plant. It prefers a rather dry 

 soil, but should be lifted and replanted every two years 

 or so. The English Iris (I. Xiphioides) prefers a stronger 

 and moister soil, and is a beautiful plant in the garden. 



I. reticulata and its forms belong to this section and 

 are charming in the garden or in pots, though liable to 

 a troublesome disease, which is best checked by lifting 

 the bulbs and destroying those which are much affected. 

 The sub-genus Gynandiris contains only one species, 

 I. Sisyrinchium, which is not absolutely hardy and should 

 be grown in a frame. Several of the Juno section, such 

 as persica, alata, and palaestina, are best in frames, but 

 I. orchioides is quite hardy and makes a fine border or 

 rockery plant. The Hermodactylus section consists of 

 I. tuberosus, which is native to some parts of the South 

 of England, and is a curious and interesting species 

 worth a place in gardens. 



