18 



Dreer's Autumn Catalogue, 1896, 



IRIS. 



( Flowering Flag — Fleu > -de- Lis.) 



Hardy spring and summer-blooming plants, bearing large, rich and 

 various colored flowers. They are of easy culture, and thrive in any good 

 garden soil. The whole family have claims on the attention of amateurs, 

 on account of their excellent faculty of taking care of themselves if 

 properly planted in the first instance. The tuberous or bulbous-rooted 

 kinds do not require a rich soil, but a sandy loam will suit them well. 

 The English and Spanish varieties should be planted out in clumps where 

 they may be seen to advantage. The crown of the bulb must not be more 

 than 3 inches below the surface. From September to December will 

 answer for planting, and the roots may be taken up when the flowering 

 period is over, or if the space is not wanted they can be allowed to remain 

 for the following season ; but they should not be grown in one spot for 

 more than three years. No garden should be without some of the varie- 

 ties, especially as they are valuable for cutting. 



ENGLISH IRIS. {I. Anglica.) 



Large, handsome flowers, with rich 

 purple, blue and lilac colon predomi 

 nating ; grows 18 to r " 

 perfectly hardy. Mixe 

 10 cts., 25 cts. per doz 

 (See cut.) 



lish Iris 



SPANISH IRIS. (LHispanica.) 



Excellent for pot culture, and are now being grown for cut-flowers. Plant 

 in the open ground in autumn and protect slightly during the winter months. 



Doz. ioo. 



William 1st. Best yellow 3 for 10 cts., $0 30 $2 00 



Mont Blanc. Pure white 3 for 10 cts., 30 2 00 



Mixed Varieties 3 for 5 cts., 15 1 00 



MOURNING IRIS. (I. Susiana.) 



In that wonderful combination of form and coloring of the rare sweet 

 flower we call the Iris (eye of heaven) there is none so peculiarly beautiful 

 as Susiana. It stands out in its own right as the grandest of all species, and 

 without compare. The groundwork of the flower is silvery gray, so mottled 

 and veined and lined with dark chocolate and black as to leave one under 

 the impression that it is only a silver lining showing through. It is hardy 

 with slight protection in winter, blooming early in spring. No description 

 can do it justice. It must be seen to be appreciated. 20 cts. each, $2 per doz. 



PEACOCK IRIS. (I. Pavonia.) 

 An exquisite small variety; flowers pure white, with a blue triangle on 

 each petal ; 1 foot. 5 cts. each, 50 cts. per doz. 





w 



German Iris. 



GERMAN IRIS. {I.Germanica.) 



READY IN OCTOBER. 



Well-known as the " Fleur-de-Lis," the national flower of 

 Fiance. They are perfectly hardy, thrive anywhere, grow and 

 bloom luxuriantly, particularly if plentifully supplied with water, or 

 if planted in moist situations, as on the banks of ponds, etc. Plants 

 well established produce from 50 to 100 spikes of bloom, the flowers 

 rivaling in beauty the finest Orchids — -color ranging through richest 

 yellows, intense purples, delicate blues, soft mauves, beautiful 

 claret-reds, whites, primroses and bronzes of every imaginable 

 shade. Ten choice named varieties, 15 cts. each, or §1.25 per set' 

 of 10. For names and descriptions see our Spring Catalogue, page 

 123. Mixed varieties, 10 cts. each, $1 per doz. (See cut.) 



JAPAN IRIS. (L Kcvmpferi.) 

 READY IN OCTOBER. 



These beautiful Iris are quite distinct from all others, and form 

 groups of handsome, large flowers, varying in color and richly mot- 

 tled. They are perfectly hardy, and flower in great profusion in 

 lune and July. They thrive best in damp situations, and in dry 

 weather should be freely watered. Twelve magnificent named 

 varieties, 25 cts. each, or the set of 12 for §2.50; for names and de- 

 scriptions see page 123 of our Spring Catalogue. 

 Mixed Varieties, 15 cts. each, §1.50 per doz. 



If wanted by mail, add 5 cts. per root to the price of German 

 and Japan Iris ; other varieties mailed free. 



