6 MASS. EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 330 



Iris tingitana, Bois., should be mentioned here since, besides being the 

 parent of possible hybrids in the foregoing group, certain commercial varieties 

 are sometimes referred to this species by the nurserymen. The tingitana iris 

 are generally supposed to be less hardy than the Spanish and English varieties, 

 but this weakness has not been observable in the experimental plots here. The 

 distinctions between this and the former groups are mainly technical, having 

 little horticultural significance. 



Mention might also be made of the fact that some other species of bulbous 

 iris are coming into the American trade. The one to attract most recent notice 

 is /. reticulata, Bieb., a very small and very early flowering species. This is a 

 prize for collectors of interesting plants, particularly suited to the rock garden. 



Experiments at M. S. C. 



About thirty years ago bulbous irises, mostly from the Spanish group, were 

 introduced in the gardens at Massachusetts State College. They proved hardy 

 and satisfactory. About ten years ago the culture of the English varieties was 

 begun. These seemed so very attractive and results were so greatly different 

 from common report, that a somewhat comprehensive test was undertaken of 

 all varieties of bulbous irises commercially available. Bulbs were secured 

 from growers in Washington and Oregon, some were bought through New York 

 dealers, a few were ordered from Holland. A review of these varieties follows 

 herewith. 



Variety Notes 

 Explanation of Table 



1. Variety: This is usually the catalog name as given by the dealer. In- 

 correct or doubtful names have been thrown out. Synonyms have not 

 been determined. 



2. Class: S — Spanish; D — Dutch; E — English; T — Tingitana. 



3. Time of Bloom: Average date of beginning; all dates are for Amherst, 

 Mass., and are in June. The asterisk is used to indicate those varieties 

 which have been grown here only in the greenhouse. 



4. Height in inches. 



5. Flowers, general description: Fine distinctions of color are not attempted. 



6. Standards: Notes relate mainly to color. 



7. Falls: Same as for standards. 



8. Crests: Size and color indicated. 



9. Eye: Always yellow; notes relate mainly to size. 

 10. Remarks: As required. 



