Why the Iris is the Finest of All 
the Perennial Plants 
EASY TO GROW 
T he iris is an easy-to-grow perennial, at home in almost 
any soil, requiring little attention or moisture and fur¬ 
nishing flowers of enchanting beauty and delicacy over a 
long period of time. 
HUNDREDS OF VARIETIES 
There are hundreds of varieties of Iris and charming new 
introductions are added each year. These varieties are 
classified under group heads as listed throughout this cata¬ 
log. While all of these groups have the general character¬ 
istics of Iris with which we are all familiar, there is sufficient 
difference in formation of bloom, colorings, time of blossoming, height of flower 
stalk, etc., to give unlimited scope to the gardener who wishes to specialize on 
this interesting species. The planting of Iris should no longer be confined simply 
to one small bed. For borders, walks, and mass effects no perennial is more 
pleasing. Many have entire sections of their gardens devoted to Iris. 
THRIVE IN ANY SOIL 
It is impossible to lay down any hard and fast rules regarding the culture of 
Iris, as conditions are varied. They thrive in any soil, unless it is pure sand. 
When well established they should be given enough water, particularly just 
before and during blooming time, to keep them in good growing condition. 
Give good drainage and you will not have any trouble with root rot. Drainage 
can be secured in heavier soils by planting on ridges. 
If the soil is poor and needs fertilizing, bone meal can be used or, in California, 
a light application of blood or tankage. Bearded Iris like lime. Lime is particu¬ 
larly beneficial on heavy soils as it flocculates these soils and improves the 
drainage. Barn yard fertilizer, if used at all, must be well decayed and thor¬ 
oughly worked into the soil. 
CULTURAL HINTS 
Transplanting may be done at any season, but the best time, if one cares to 
keep watered sufficiently to start the growth, is when they go out of bloom; 
otherwise the fall is better. Do not overwater, however, so that they will be¬ 
come water-logged and decay. If too dry before getting rooted they are likely 
to shrivel even if they do not die. 
Do not plant deep; barely cover the rhizomes. 
Some varieties should be divided every two years—-others every three or four. 
Give the rhizomes room for the side shoots to get a foothold. 
Of course there are exceptions to the above general cultural notes as you 
discover further on in this book. When any group or variety of Iris demands 
special treatment we have called attention to it in the catalog listings. 
NEW 
CUSTOMER’S 
GARDEN COLLECTION 
Ahwahnee —bronze 
Pacific— blue San Gabriel —lilac 
Mauna Loa —red-purple 
Rosultra —magenta Sundew- 
Catalog price $4.25 
—yellow 
$250 
Collection 
f f 0 r Postpaid. 
—Page One 
