Iris 
W he Iris is revered for its stately beauty; it is beloved for 
M its dainty perfection. It can be found flourishing in 
iMi, marshy places and blooming cheerfully on mud and 
thatched roofs, proclaiming to all its adaptability to every con¬ 
dition. It is at home in many parts of the world, yet each section 
produces a plant having distinct and individual characteristics. 
This old, yet ever new flower, is creating the greatest interest 
in the flower-loving world; in fact its popularity all but rivals 
the Tulip craze that swept through Europe some years ago. 
To appreciate a bit of its fascination, one need only possess a 
small collection of the various types with their alluring tones and 
shades. 
Horticulturalists have classified the Iris into three general 
groups—Bearded Iris, Beardless Iris, and Bulbous Iris. 
The Bearded Iris has been so classed because of the line of tiny 
hair-like fuzz that is to be found on the three lower petals, or 
falls, at the curve of their upper surface. This so-called "beard” is 
one of the distinguishing features of this class. The root-growth 
is another item of unusual interest. This is composed of a thick, 
bulb-like root-stock that grows horizontally along the surface of 
the ground. From these "rhizomes” the feeder-roots extend down 
into the soil. The size of this root-stock does not typify the size 
of the blossoms, however, for some of the varieties having large 
flowers have notably small rhizomes. 
Bearded Iris, like Roses, do not like wet feet. The chief require¬ 
ment in the selection of a location is good drainage and plenty of 
sunlight. Experience has proved, however, that they do not need as 
much sunlight here as they do in the North, but will bloom very 
satisfactorily in partial shade. The lighter shades are more deli- 
Classifi- 
cation 
Bearded 
Iris 
Character¬ 
istics 
Location 
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