50 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



examples of this group. These are divided into several sub-genera, which are again 

 subdivided into more than 160 species in Mr. J. Gr. Baker's " Handbook^ of the Iridese,"* 

 an admirable work which should be consulted for the descriptions of the species, with 

 their botanical characters. 



The iris is widely distributed over the globe, and occurs in various climates, and in 

 many situations. It is found growing in shallow water ; in bogs and swamps ; among 

 rocks or stones ; on fertile lands ; and almost barren mountains. Its treatment can 

 therefore only be dealt with in a general way. 



There are few irises without great beauty, fascinating alike in colour and in shape. 

 They are increasing in favour, their popularity being heightened by the circumstance 

 that many of the flag irises thrive well in towns where few flowers can be grown. To 

 limit this chapter to the irises which come strictly within the category of florists' 

 flowers would be beset with so much inconvenience to the reader that both the 

 varieties and species have been treated together. For gardening purposes the two 

 groups above mentioned may, for convenience, be divided into several sections requiring 

 separate notice. 



Bearded Flag Ieises. 



The first of these is a large one — comprehending what are known as the " bearded " 

 irises — a group comprising some of the most valuable of our summer flowering plants, 

 all of exquisite beauty. They are popularly known as "German" or "Flag" Irises, 

 but comprise, besides a few natural species, seedling varieties and hybrids of germanica, 

 aphylla, pallida, and some others. 



These are of easy growth almost anywhere. They are more stately in rich soil, but 

 grow by the margins of lakes or ponds ; in the mixed border of hardy flowers ; in beds ; 

 and even on the tops of walls where a few inches of soil can be obtained. They flower 

 more freely in sun than in shade, but should not have the rhizomes covered with soil. 

 The best time to plant irises of this section is about the beginning of August ; but, 

 as it is not always possible to carry this out, the operation may also be performed in 

 mild weather during February or March. 



The Bearded Irises have flowers of exquisite colouring, which, on account of their 

 beauty, and the ease with which they can be secured, have been appropriately called the 

 "Poor Man's Orchids." The "beard" is a coloured hair-like excrescence produced on 



* London: G. Bell & Sons, 1892. 



