20 
FLAG OR EVERGREEN IRIS, DVIARF IRIS, AND IRIS K^EMPFERI. 
THE FLAG OR EVERORBEN IRIS. 
The Sections of Iris now following have rhizomatous roots and flag leaves. They are found more or leM 
abundantly in all countries, and at almos every altitude, from the dell to the mountain top, and in almost every soil 
and situation ; and are endless in their variations of colour, and diversity of growth ; their height ranging from 
the miniature /. Crhtata of the North American uplands to the tall Pseudo-Aconis of our British marshes. I hey 
commence blooming with our Spring flowers, and maintain a floral display till the end of July. The dwarf 
species make admirable edgings, and are very effective on roekwork ; the taller growing kinds are magnificent 
objects in the flower border, amongst shrubs, in woodland walks, and round the margins of lakes ; even in town 
gardens they succeed where few other plants can e.xist. Their flowers range in size from the miniature to 
the most sumptuous. For effect and for decorative purposes they compete with the most beautiful Orchids. 
To cut for filling vases and for indoor decoration few flowers will compare with them, especially if the flowers are 
placed individually in wet sand or moss. When it is necessaiy to send the Ins flowers to a distance, they should bt 
cut just before they expand. 
■' DWARF IRIS. 
Charming varieties, growing from 6 to ra inches high, and flowering during March, April, and May. They 
succeed in almost any soil and situation, and are valuable for groups in mixed borders, and as edgings to Rhodo- 
dendron beds, herbaceous borders, etc. The Pumila varieties are the most dwarf and make the neatest edgings. 
(3P In the descriptions 5. is used to signify Standards, or the erect petals; P., Palls, or the drooping petals. 
1000 One each of this Section, I2f. fsd. 
per doz,— 8. 
1002 PuxnUa« 5. and F. rich claret purple 4 
1003 
100 ^ 
1000 
1006 
1007 
bicolor, 6'. white, F. purple each 
S. and F. rich clear blue 3 6 
lutea maculaba, S. primroscy F. 
brown, edged yellow 5 6 
trifltis lutea, 5. primrose, F. yel- 
low stained brown, fragrant 5 6 
violacea, S. purple, F. crimson 
reticulated white, large fl. , each 1 o 
1008 Blilorus, S. violet-purple, F.crimson-purple 3 6 
1009 „ gracilis, S. creamy white, F.sut- 
phur, fragrant 2 6 
1010 Chamseirls lutescens, S. creamy white, F, 
yellow 7 ^ 
1011 Hungaricus, 5. and F. claret purple each o 9 
1012 NudicauUs, S. purple, F. crimson-purple 3 6 
1001 Mixed varieties, per 100, loj. td. ; per doz., 2J. 
per doz.— s. d, 
1013 Olbiensis atrO'Purpurea, S.claret-purple, 
F. velvety black, fragrant, each i o 
1014 ,, lutea, S, and F. fine deep yellow, 
each o 9 
1015 „ lutea grandlflora, 5. and F. rich 
yellow, sweet-scented each i o 
1016 ,, lutea mannorata. 5. and F. yel- 
low marbled and stained bronze 
each I o 
1017 ,, BUlphurea, S, sulphur, F. yellow 
a7id bronze each i o 
1018 ,, violacea, S. violet-bl-'C, F» crim- 
S071 edged violet each o 9 
1019 Sub-blflora minor, S. rich purple, F. rich 
velvety crimso7i each i o 
IRIS KJEMPFERI (LiEVIGATA). 
The magnificence of these splendid new Japanese Flag Iris surpasses any written description tliat could 
given of them. Thousands of the flowers in our Experimental Grounds this year measured from 6 to 7 inches in 
diameter, with a breadth of petal 3 to 3I inches. The prevailing colours were crimsons, purples, violets and 
blues, each flower representing several shades, and all with a yellow or orange blotch rnore or less conspicuous, 
and surrounded by a halo of blue or violet, close to the petaloid stigma. When unfolding, the flower frequently 
exhibits a different hue to that represented w hen it is fully expanded ; and in such young flowers there is an 
intensity in the colour, with a richness of bloom spread over the surface which is very charming. 
Although the preponderance amongst the varieties of Iris Kaempferi ranged towards the richer and deeper 
colours, tliere were, however, pure whites, roses, lilacs, lavenders, French greys, &c., as will be seen from the 
descriptions of the varieties, many of which are offered for the first time, and cannot fail to give great satisfaction. 
Having been very successful in our propagation of these charming Iris, we have catalogued them at rates much 
cheaper than are generally charged for this new race of Flag Iris. . , , , , 
The descriptions have been made by us from the flowers, and no plant w'as propagated unless jt had bloomed 
with us, so that purchasers are ensured against disappointment as regards the colours recorded in the Catalogue. 
The varieties which are usually designated double we have preferred using the term “duplex;” for, in reality, 
the Iris is not “double" in the ordinary acceptation of the term. The normal flower consists of three petals> 
and the duplex is lepresenled by six, and sometimes the petaloid stigma is in duplicate also ; so that, taking Dr. 
Van Kaathoven as an example, we have a perfect wheel, each petal independent, with its petaloid stigma guarding 
the rich gold-blotched base. Others of the duplex, however, are characterised by petals of great breadth, over- 
lapping each other, and imparting a massiveness to the flower which enhances the effect. 
The Collection which is offered this season we have no hesitation in saying is the finest the public have 
ever been invited to purchase. ... > e t • tp t - 
In addition to the foregoing, we have acquired from Herr Max Leichtlin his entire stock of Ins Kajmpfen, 
which is partly composed of the magnificent collection brought by the Japanese delegates for their garden at the 
Vienna International Exhibition. Two of these varieties will appear on a coloured plate in “ The Garden," viz., 
Jmperatrix, white feathered a7id margined 77iagenta, and Sch(E7ie Wie7icriH. These will give an idea of the 
varieties of Iris Kaempferi generally, and the plate may be taken, so to speak, as a sample. The varieties, which 
were purchased by our Iriend Mr. Leichtlin from the Japanese, consisted of a very carefully selected group made 
by the Japanese Government to represent this family at the Vienna Exhibition, and consist of both single and 
duplex lorms. Besides these, Mr. Leichtlin’s collection comprises the fine varieties selected in Japan by Mr. 
Thomas Hogg; also the best varieties sent by Von Siebold from Yokohama; and these have all been made 
subservient by Mr. Leichtlin in his crossing, so that we may fairly claim to be the possessors of the finest 
varieties of Iris Krempferi in Europe, and the largest and richest collection existing, and, considering the prices 
at which these Iris are offered, we hope that the family will be represented in every collection of hardy plants. 
In 1877, three First-Class Certificates were awarded to us for Iris Kcempferi by the Royal Horticultural 
Society, 07 td Ui July of the present year our new Iris Kcempferi hnperatrix, exhibited by H. J. Elwcs, Esq., 
received a First-Class Certificate. Twice during the month of July we staged flowers of this beautiful family of 
Iris at the Hoi’ticultural Society's Meetmgs, atid their large Cle77iaiis-like blossoms were greatly admired. 
CULTURK.— A naturally good garden soil, w'ell worked, suits this plant ; but past experience shows that, in 
a soil which is naturally moist, but well drained, and laying well to the sun, the largest amount of success is 
attained. For example, on the moist Bagshot soil the plant makes very strong growth, and flowers with remark- 
able freedom. On drier soils the plant is comparatively dwarf. For Rhododendron and Azalea borders it will be 
found most valuable, coming into bloom as it does in July, thus maintaining the succession of flowers. Leaf soil, 
loam, and peat the p’ant likes ; but manure should never be given unless thoroughly decomposed, as fresh manure 
is poison to this section of Iris. _ ^ , o , 
\_Darr and Sugdett, 
