232 YAED AND GARDEN 



haps, better known than the other species, and 

 which grows nine inches high and bears in 

 April showy flowers of deep purple. It is, 

 moreover, a profuse bloomer, and as an edging 

 plant possesses extraordinary value. Its green 

 leaves appear in March, and it is always in 

 trim, neat form, even throughout the hot days 

 of midsummer. It can be had in various 

 colors, ranging from pearly white through 

 clear blues to the deeper-colored typical tint. 

 Iris verna is another dwarf species, quite pro- 

 lific in bloom, producing its purple flowers also 

 in April. Another gem among dwarf irises is 

 Iris cristata. It grows only six inches high, 

 has foliage of a light green color, forming a 

 carpet of verdure, and bears freeh' pale lilac 

 flowers beautifully blotched with golden yel- 

 low. Iris Chamceiris is a variety sometimes mis- 

 taken for I. pumila, but its yellow flowers, with 

 falls veined with purpfe, disclose its identity. 

 It also is of value, and of value, too, is the 

 dwarf form'. Iris flavissima, or I. Bloudovii, as 

 it is sometimes catalogued, which bears showy 

 flowers of a pure yellow color. 



Taller-growing species which are of easy cul- 

 ture and which are effective in the garden 

 wherever planted are also numerous. Promi- 



