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 catalog. While all of these groups have the general characteristics 
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 bor¬ 
ders, 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. Bam 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 CUSTOMERS 
GARDEN COLLECTION 
3 Cameliard —yellow and wine 3 Rosultra —beautiful rose pink 
3 California Blue —immense blue violet 3 Firefall —bright red 
Catalog price $5.00 
Collection Offer Postpaid .... $250 
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