BULBOUS IRISES. 



S3 



likely to be so widely grown as those in the other sections, but they must not be 

 overlooked. 



They should be planted in late autumn in light soil which is about 12 inches deep, 

 elevated above the ground level, on the top of a pavement of stones, which will prevent 

 the summer moisture from rising. The rhizomes may be kept a little below the surface. 

 In the beginning of June cover the bed and keep the soil dry until the middle of 

 October, when the covering may be removed, protecting the irises with a few dry 

 flower stems or litter in severe frost 



only, 

 seeds. 



Propagation by division 



Bulbous Ieises. 



The number of bulbous irises, while 

 not so great as that in the preceding 

 group, is a large one. Some of the 

 early flowering species are of striking 

 beauty, and the well-known ''Spanish" 

 and "English" Irises, which have been 

 ''Florists' Flowers" for many years, 

 are increasingly admired. Some of the 

 Spanish irises have been appropriately 

 likened to Gothic carving on account 

 of their elegant form. The colours are 

 also very beautiful, and altogether the 

 group of bulbous irises could ill be 

 spared from our gardens. 



The bulbous irises generally prefer 

 a rather light and sandy soil. The 

 "English " varieties (from I. Xiphioides, a native of the Pyrenees) should have adequate 

 moisture at the flowering time, or the leaves will turn yellow before the blooms open. 

 The soil for these may also be a little stiffer than that for the Spanish ones (varieties 

 raised from I. Xiphium, a native of Spain and North Africa). Bulbous irises increase 

 by the formation of fleshy offsets, and by separating these when at rest, immediately 

 after the foliage has become yellow, the stock is enlarged. This is also the best 



