334 



THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



small, graceful, and freely produced upon numerous slendei 

 stems, borne well above the grass-like foliage. In height thev 

 are from 3ft. to 5 ft. 



Other Irises in this section worthy of note are I. cristata, a 

 gem for sunny spots or for the rock garden ; / unguicu- 

 laris (L stylosa), quite hardy, but delighting in a dry, sunny 

 position, such as under a south wall, 01 

 upon sunny banks — a charming winter- 

 flowering species ; /. fmtidissima is another 

 useful species, thriving alike in dry borders, 

 in shade, or in damp places. A highly- 

 prized characteristic of this species are 

 the large scarlet berries, much employed 

 for winter decoration. 



Too much can. hardly be said in 

 praise of I. Icevigata (I. Kczmpferl). Every 

 garden with a damp border, or with a 

 stream, pond, or ditch, should contain this 

 species. It is one of the Japanese sacred 

 flowers, and a special national feast-day 

 and- holiday are devoted to the worship 

 of this Iris. There are a host of named 

 varieties, some of the best being: Nitta, 

 Chiyo, Minamobo, and Taira. Also ex- 

 cellent for water-edge planting are I. versi- 

 color and its varieties. 



Though difficult to grow it would be 

 unfair to leave out altogether in the cold 

 the Oncocyclus group of Irises, as it un- 

 doubtedly contains many gems, the flowers 

 ranging from bronzy-black to grey and 

 fawn. The secret of their culture lies 

 in giving them a good " baking " in 

 summer, and being allowed to rest im- 

 mediately after flowering in June until 

 October. Among the best are: /. susiana 

 (Fig. 211), I. Lorteti, and /. lupina. 



Of the Bulbous section the Spanish 

 Irises, with their brilliantly-coloured flowers, 

 are the most popular. Strong-flowering bulbs 

 are to be had very cheaply, and nothing is 

 more valuable for cutting during June, than these. Where pos- 

 sible, they should be grown in partial shade ; the flowers then 

 last longer than if exposed fully to the sun. Any ordinary garden 

 soil will suit them. Following just after come the English 

 Irises, whose flowers are white, mauve, violet, and rich purple, 

 Then there are many dainty little species in this section, whose 

 claims must not be overlooked. For instance, I. reticulata, with 



Fig. 211. — Iris 



SUSIANA. 



