
Cultural Notes for Tall Bearded Iris 
> ULTURE of the Tall Bearded Iris is simplicity itself. The most important 
@\item being the preparation of the ground before planting. As Iris plants 
Yas are usually left undisturbed poe a number of years after Pe aes it is 
EYof bonemeal incorporated. Bonemeal is a slow acting fertilizer; its effect 
or 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 rhi- 
zome 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 
better, 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 development 
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. 
ON EAN EI IO LEONE if ES LOIS OTN EM EIN OY EIN TION TA GE ER. LEON EL LT 
ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS 
S—Standards—tThe 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 medal; 
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. 
eee ee NNN A DIANNA I AS"? 
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