HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS 87 



section, or German Irises, will be found particularly valuable for 

 this purpose, on account of their vigorous growth and large, brilliant 

 flowers. They are what are termed rhizomatous plants that is, 

 the rootstock consists of a mass of hard, elongated, tuber-like 

 swellings called rhizomes, which are really creeping stems, thickened 

 and hardened, and with the power of emitting buds and roots. 

 The sword-shaped leaves spring directly from the rhizomes. When 

 the plants have been established in the same place for several 

 years the rhizomes increase until they form a thick mass, part 

 of which protrudes through the soil. Naturally the earth has 

 become very much impoverished, but the clumps will grow cheer- 

 fully, and throw up flowers every year, without the least attention. 

 Perhaps this is a drawback in one sense, because it leads people 

 to suppose that the plant requires no cultivation. If it does not 

 actually need it, it is greatly benefited by it, as any one will find 

 who divides his clumps occasionally, and replants in deep, rich 

 soil. The Flag Irises may be divided or planted at any time in 

 the autumn, winter, or spring. Among many beautiful varieties 

 the noble lavender-coloured one called pallida dalmatica stands 

 supreme. Its huge flowers are a mass of glistening, shimmering 

 beauty. Gracchus, U Innocence, and Madame Chereau are three 

 other beautiful varieties belonging to this section. 



The cheapest, and not the least beautiful, of the Irises are the 

 two sections called respectively English and Spanish. The latter 

 is just about as cheap as a common Crocus, and far more beautiful 

 and valuable. When we can buy a plant like the Spanish Iris for 

 about twopence a dozen, it is not a case for hesitation, but for 

 prompt decision to plant, and to plant largely. We can grow 

 it in pots, too, if we like, the same as Hyacinths and Tulips. 

 Spanish Irises are quite as easily grown as those popular flowers, 

 and impart considerable diversity to a greenhouse or conservatory. 

 Both the English and Spanish Irises are bulbs, and may be 

 bought from the bulb merchant in October, like Daffodils. They 



