Iris 



( 447) 



Iris 



Propagation. By division of the rhizomes where 

 they are present. In the case of germanica and its 

 varieties the rhizomes may be cut up at almost 

 any tinje, for they are exceedingly tenacious of 

 life ; few plants more so. For the others, spring is 

 the best. time. Use a knife, or a sharp spade, and 

 make the cuts clean, with as little bruising as 

 possible. The Xiphions may be raised from seeds. 



nutriment. For such Irises as reticnlata and its 

 varieties, which are often grown in pols, a mixture 

 of loam and leaf soil in equal parts, with one-sixth 

 of the whole road scrapings, will answer well. 



Other Cultural Points. Unguicularis (stylosa) 

 and its varieties should be planted in a sheltered 

 position. Although they flower early (December), 

 even a few degrees of frost are fatal to the flowers, 



IKIS SI-SIAXA (see p. 449). 



and by offsets from the older bulbs. In removing 

 these offsets great care must be taken not to bruise 

 the old bulbs, for they resent rough usage by dying 

 off. Seed should be sown (of any of the species in 

 either section) in light, sandy soil as soon as it is 

 ripe, and the seed pans should be consigned to a 

 cold frame. 



Soil. Almost any garden soil will suit, but it is 

 improved by the addition of a few medium-sized 

 lumps of sandstone. Mulchings of manure help to 

 keep the roots cool, and furnish the ntcrs.-ary 



which are very tender. The Xiphions make elepnnt 

 bedding plants. They may be either mixed with 

 other bulbs or planted by themselves. The latter 

 is preferable, as the plants do not like to be dis- 

 turbed. Six inches between the bulbs is a good 

 distance, and the crowns should be at least 2" 

 below the surface of the soil. The soil must be 

 well drained, and the position sheltered from cold 

 winds. Given this, they will come up year after 

 year in increasing numbers, and with undiminished 

 beauty. Lasvigata (Ksampferi) is only iust begin- 



