156 ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK GARDENS. 



Bismarckiana. A " cushion *' Iris, growing about 

 nine inches high, the standards blue, veined with purple, 

 the falls yellow, veined with red. It should have a 

 sunny sheltered place in sandy loam, and should not be 

 planted till early winter, m order to avoid precocious 

 growth, which might be badly nipped by frost. 



Cristata. A " flag '' Iris, which only grows about 

 six inches high, and bears its beautiful flowers in May. 

 The standards are lilac, and the falls light blue crested 

 with yellow. It has a creeping root-stem, which 

 protrudes through the surface of the soil. It is not 

 quite hardy, and ought to have a warm, sheltered place. 

 An annual top-dressing of rich sandy loam is good for it. 

 It is an American Alpine, and one of the choicest gems 

 of the whole beautiful genus. 



Danfordiae. A winter or early spring bulbous species 

 with yellow flowers, perfectly hardy, growing only a 

 few inches high. 



Gatesii. A tiny cushion Iris, with silvery flowers in 

 June. It is hardy. It likes sandy loam and a sunny 

 spot. It is a most precious flower. 



Histrio, A bulbous species, growing about a foot 

 high, one of the earliest of all to bloom, as it is generally 

 in flower in February. It has blue flowers marked with 

 purple and yellow. Perfectly hardy. 



Iberica. A cushion Iris, growing about six inches 

 high, and with charming flowers in May. The standards 

 are lilac and white, the falls brownish with purple 

 blotches. Likes a warm place. 



Korolkowii. A cushion species, growing about a foot 

 high, and flowering in June. The flowers are white, 



