IRIS GERMANICA. 
This large group of Iris Germanica—splendid, hardy garden plants—is listed separ¬ 
ately, partly because of its importance, partly because of the anticipation of frequent annual 
additions, and partly because the whole, as a class, benefit by, and are marked for Summer 
or early Fall planting. This is very particularly, the case as regards the beautiful (so- 
called) “ German Iris,” and our “New Hardy Alpine Hybrids,” to which attention has 
just been called. 
There is no better time for planting these than in the months of August or September. 
Thus planted, and watered, if weather and ground are very dry, the roots at this 
season rapidly take hold of the soil, far more rapidly than if planted later in the Fall. 
They bloom sooner. 
The rhizome should be carefully left on ttie surface, and not buried with the root, 
unless the soil is sandy and light. 
The garden value of this group of c ‘ Bearded Iris,” popularly known as “ German,” 
can scarcely be overestimated. It consists as much in their extraordinary ease of culture, 
if this term may be used, where no care after planting is generally needed, as in their 
adaptability to any soil, in their splendor, variety and solidity of their blossoms, and in 
the neatness of their growth. Their great suitability for suburban and even for city 
gardens, has often been noticed. 
Imported and stale roots should on no account be planted. However cheap on paper, 
oil it none will so judge them who have compared results with those secured from some 
specialist or reliable grower. 
It is especially recommended, too, that the selection of the varieties be made, if 
possible, in sight of the plants when in bloom, for totally different sorts of quite unequal 
value may otherwise be received under the same or similar names; further, so many collec¬ 
tions are in commerce in Europe and imported annually from Dutch and French growers, 
and so well nigh innumerable are the varieties offered, that many of these greatly resemble 
each other, and it needs care to secure well-marked and distinct varieties. 
Tho most desirable are by no means too plentiful and might rapidly become scarce 
and expensive if thoir merits were better known. 
Tho best results cannot bo looked for the first year after planting, for these can only 
bo had when the plants have firmly taken possession of the ground, and have grown into 
largo clumps. But of courso these results may be hastened by planting, in the first 
instance, clumps instead of smaller plants. 
German Iris, though accommodating themselves well to varied soils and conditions, 
generally bloom best in full sun and in a hot and dry soil. They do not belong to the and 
smaller and distinct class of waterside or moisture loving Iris. Indeed, the Summer 
must be exceptionally hot in which they profit by watering. 
Interesting as are extensive collections of many varieties, there is no doubt that 
greater effect is secured by planting together en masse a quantity of each variety, though 
in but a limited number of sorts. Of these the greater number should be of the most 
tolling colors, such as A urea (golden yellow). Pallida or Dalmatica (lavender), Queen of 
May (rosy purple), Florentina, Princess of Wales or Innocenza (white), Atropurpurea 
(dark purple), Darius (yellow and purple), Mme. Chereau (blue and white). 
