The Dean Iris Cardens, Moneta, California 
17 
Some less familiar Irises 
H OLLOWING are some Irises not so familiar as the preceding, with 
the exception of the Spanish Iris, which does so well in the open 
- with us, and is handled by the seed stores in large quantities 
every year. They also handle Iris Susiana, so that quite a few are also 
familiar with this Iris, which belongs to the Oncocyclus group. All of 
these should be planted in the autumn, and with the exception of the 
English Iris, it is well to plant where they can be ripened and moisture 
withheld during the summer months. For those who have had no ex¬ 
perience with them we would suggest a small collection of mixed va¬ 
rieties. It is best to plant where they can be left undisturbed for two 
or three years. The Junos particularly do better if not disturbed too 
often, as the large fleshy roots are apt to be broken in lifting. 
There are the bulbous Irises like the Spanish Iris, with fiberous roots; 
the Juno Irises which are also bulbous but have thick, fleshy roots. The 
Oncocyclus and Regelia group have rhizomes, also a group of hybrids 
called Regelio-cyclus. These latter are a cross between the Oncocyclus 
and Regelia, which it took years to produce. They are longer lived 
than the Oncocyclus, which often die out without any apparent cause. 
Many of them are so cheap, however, that one can afford to grow a few 
each season for the pleasure to be derived from them. 
BULBOUS GROUP 
Alata (Juno). One of the choicest of this 
group. They have large blue flowers with 
golden stripe on the falls. They improve 
as they become established. Splendidly 
adapted to our climate. Blooming period, 
November, December and January. 
Bucharica. A splendid Juno of recent intro¬ 
duction, and one of the taller in this group. 
Flowers white and yellow. 
Orchioides. A deep yellow Juno. Blooms in 
March. Has proved very satisfactory with 
us. 
English Iris (I. Xiphioides). These require 
a rich, moist soil, and when well grown 
are most beautiful. They are offered in 
a variety of colors. 
Spanish Iris (I. Xiphium). These are so well 
known they need no description here. 
There is a great variety to select from. 
Filifolia (Xiphium Praecox). An early flow¬ 
ering form with bright blue flowers, fall- 
marked with yellow blotch. 
Lusitanica. An excellent early flowering 
form in yellow and white. 
SPANISH (XIPHIUM) 
