(yp ~ 
aE 
SENG MEK MEK OREN 
SASS cIRIS= lon 
1943 

MIDWEST GARDENS 
H, P. SASS 
ELKHORN, NEBR. 

Ly 
FOREWORD 
Our iris are mostly of varigata origin. This is a hardy 
strain, as the home of the varigata is Hungary, where 
climatic conditions are similar to eastern Nebraska and 
Iowa. So they are adapted to the larger parts of the 
United States but are not reliable in warmer regions, 
with little or no frost, where they often fail to bloom, 
or bloom on very short stems. The reason is, that the 
varigatas are waiting for winter to appear and as they 
usually start growth late, they will be caught by the 
heat. 
The varigata is also responsible for all the colors 
in iris, with the exception of blue, and it is only natural 
that most breeders are using this strain in breeding for 
new varieties with new colors. Size and height has been 
added by infusion of blood from Macrantha and 
Trojana. 
Plant iris in a sunny location that has good drainage, 
The bulb or rhizome should be planted just under the 
surface, not too deep. The roots should be spread out 
and the soil packed around them. 
The best time to plant iris is in July and August, 
although they can be transplanted at any time of the 
year when the ground is not frozen. 
