Cultural Notes lor Tall Bearded Iris 
ULTURE of Ihe Tall Bearded Iris is simplicity itself. The most important 
item being the preparation of the ground before planting. As Iris plants 
are usually left undisturbed for a number of years after planting, it is 
strongly recommendeed that the soil be deeply spaded and a liberal 
amount of bonemeal incorporated. Bonemeal is a slow acting fertilizer; its 
effect will be noticed after the first year and will last for a number of 
years. Drainage should be provided as iris does not like its feet to get 
wet for any length of time. If the garden does not naturally slope, it is well to plant 
the rhizomes on top of mounds or raised beds. If the soil is acid, some lime should 
be worked into the ground. 
When the Rhizomes are received, plant them with the roots straight down and 
the rhizome horizontal and cover with an inch of soil. Pack the soil well around the 
roots and keep moist for the first two months, after which the plants should be able to 
take care of themselves with ordinary garden treatment. After the first season the 
rhizomes will lie on top of the ground and be exposed to the sun. Do not cover them 
with soil as this is the natural way for them to grow. Plant them at least 12 inches 
apart, 18 inches is belter, as it will allow space for the plants to spread for a number 
of years. Water well during the growing season if the seasonal rains are not adequate, 
and occasionally during the summer months. Cultivation should be shallow so as 
not to disturb the surface roots. 
If it is found necessary to fertilize, never use manure, as it is liable to cause rot. A 
good grade of commercial fertilizer should be used. 
After flowering, the flower stems should be cut off and the dead leaves should be 
cleaned out twice a year. When the plants get crowded and do not bloom well, they 
should be dug up soon after the blooming season, divided, and replanted in prepared 
ground, preferably in a new location. If this is not desirable, the rhizomes in the center 
of the clumps may be dug up and the plant itself thinned out. 
Spraying the plants with lime-sulphur early in the spring will prevent the develop¬ 
ment of leaf spots. This is a fungus disease which does not seem to harm the plants in 
any way except that they look unsightly. 
These notes also apply for intermediates, dwarfs and Pogocyclus Hybrids. 
ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS 
S —Standards— The upright petals. F —Falls— The lower petals. Styles The 
narrow segments in the center that rest over the Falls. Beard The hairy section 
on the Falls. Bicolor— Standards of one shade and the Falls another. Blend— A 
suffusion of several colors. Plicata— White or light yellow, the edges of which are 
dotted or lined with a darker color. Variegata— Yellow standards and purple or 
reddish brown Falls. Self— The color is same shade throughout. Description is 
followed by a list of honors received by the particular variety H. M. honorable 
mention. A.M., award of merit; C.M.—certificate of merit; S.M. silver meda , 
A.I.S. American Iris Society. Dykes Medal is the highest honor that can be 
bestowed on an iris and is awarded each year to only one variety in U. S., one 
variety in England and one in France. 
