IRIS 
137 
tect them, better results will be secured, for Iris will bloom very 
satisfactorily even in partial shade. 
The yellows and delicate blends seem to have the most fragile 
blossoms. The darker-toned have proved most sturdy, wind-re¬ 
sistant and adaptable to all conditions. 
Monsignor was quite a favorite some years ago, but it has been 
discarded by many for more desirable varieties. It has, however, 
the qualifications of being able to thrive under most adverse con¬ 
ditions. 
Possibly the most drought-resistant Iris are the Regalia and 
Oncocyclus Hybrids. But possibly the Pogo-cyclus group will 
be found the most adaptable to our far Western gardens. (See 
page 139). 
BEARDLESS AND BULBOUS IRIS 
A number of interesting types of Iris have been grouped to¬ 
gether and are known as Beardless Iris. These desire similar treat¬ 
ment which differs greatly from that usually considered best for 
Bearded Iris. They like moisture during the growing season and are 
supposed to object to lime, although many varieties have been 
grown very successfully in our heavy limestone section. 
Try to select a moist but sunny location, and plant in soil that 
contains a generous amount of well-rotted manure. The crowns 
(or top of root-growth) should be covered with about two inches 
of soil. 
The Beardless Iris are not grown extensively in the Southwest, 
but the tall-growing Ochroleuca (see page 142) is probably the 
best known. Its long, narrow leaves are quite distinctive, while its 
wealth of white blossoms with a light yellow blotch near the 
center of the petals always suggest a flight of white butterflies. 
My experience has been that it will not tolerate water around its 
roots after blooming. The one objection to it is that the leaves 
often die down after the seed-pods have matured, leaving a large, 
bare spot (to provide for which, quick-growing annuals—Cleome, 
if height is desired, Marigolds, or low-growing Petunias—are sugr 
gested). 
Monsignor 
Regalia and 
Oncocyclus 
Hybrids 
Beardless 
Location 
Ochroleuca 
