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MIDWEST GARDENS 
H. P. SASS 
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ELKHORN, NEBR. 
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FOREWORD 
Our iris are mostly. of varigata origin. This is a hardy 
strain, as the home of the varigata is Hungary, where eli- 
matic conditions are similar to eastern Nebraska and Iowa. 
So they are adapted to the larger parts of the United States 
but aremnot reliablewin warmer .regions,. with) little, ors 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 Maecrantha and Trojana. 
Plant iris in a sunny location that has good drainage. 
The bulb or rhizome should be planted just under the sur- 
face, 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. 
