118 A LITTLE BOOK OF PERENNIALS 



Culture. The simple, let-them-alone, culture of the Iris is grati- 

 fying to the home owner who is not a careful gardener. They do not 

 like water upon their crowns in Winter, except where noted. The 

 bearded sorts are said to Uke lime; the Japanese Iris does not prefer a 

 limestone soil. 



Propagation. Merely cut up the old clumips to propagate them. 

 Each piece will grow, even if allowed to He about the garden for a week 

 without planting. The Bearded sorts increase rapidly and should be 

 divided every three years. 



Lavandula — Lavender 



Sweet Lavender is one of the well-beloved, fragrant plants of the 

 old-fashioned garden. It was a favorite because of its deUcate odor. 

 Lavender {Lavandula vera) grows from 1/^ feet to 3 feet high, has 

 downy, silvery gray foliage and long spikes of blue lavender flowers. 

 It blooms from July through September and produces flowers very 

 freely. There are two dwarf er varieties: L. nana compada with large 

 blue flowers, and the Munstead Lavender with dark blue flowers, both 

 of which grow 12 inches high and bloom several weeks earlier than the 

 type. L. spica, the common Lavender, is dwarf er and has light colored 

 flowers. 



Uses. Many persons make small sachet bags to put among Hnens 

 by drying the leaves and flowers in the Summertime. Because of the 

 gray foUage, Lavender is used to great advantage in borders. It is 

 also grown for low hedges, or on dry banks and in the rock garden. 

 The flowers are good for cutting. 



Culture. Lavender requires a sunny situation and hght soil. 

 Slight protection during the Winter months is also needed. 



Propagation. Young plants are easily started from seeds sown 

 early in the Spring. They should not be sown too deeply, and after 

 the plants appear, they should be kept shaded and moist until real 

 strong. 



Liatris — Blazing Star, Kansas Gay Feather, 

 Button Snake Root, Devil's Bit 



Liatris is a rather odd plant and merits a much more general use 

 because it is very desirable and attractive. The Kansas Gay Feather 



