138 
GARDENING IN THE SOUTHWEST 
Kaempferi 
Siberican 
Specie 
Those 
Native 
to the 
Southwest 
The so-called Japanese Iris has not proved de¬ 
pendable as a garden flower for us. It requires 
special care and more often proves a disappoint¬ 
ment, rather than a pleasure. The blossoms are so 
exquisite that a strain adaptable to our climatic 
conditions would be most welcome. This desired 
strain will possibly be secured from seedlings scien¬ 
tifically developed. If in turn seeds can be secured 
from these seedlings, naturally or by hybridization, 
a race of acclimated plants should be the result. 
Japanese Iris seed will mature if planted in the 
Spring but it is much more advisable to plant them 
in the Fall. 
The Siberican group are of special value because 
they will grow in partial shade (further informa¬ 
tion regarding this variety will be found on page 141). 
The Iris is native in general to the North Temperate Zone, the 
majority being found in the far Eastern Asiatic countries, although 
America contributes several varieties. All native Iris in this coun¬ 
try and abroad are classified as Specie. The American Specie of the 
Southern States, particularly, due to the newly aroused interest in 
this type of Iris, are being rapidly destroyed by collectors and un¬ 
trained admirers who have not taken the precaution of leaving a 
sufficient number to replenish and propagate. 
There are several varieties indigenous to our own section of the 
country. Among these Iris versicolor is said to be quite 
abundant in East Texas"*, Iris hexagonaj grows near 
College Station, Texas, and Iris fulva, native to many 
places in the South (see page 64), grows in the East^ 
Texas swamps, also. It has been learned from the ques¬ 
tionnaire that native Iris exist in several other localities, 
although these have not been identified as to variety. 
When native Iris are transplanted into one’s garden, 
they should and must be supplied with the same living 
♦Foster, Texas. 
fYarnell, Texas. 
