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SASS BROTHERS 
RFD 1BENSON STA. OMAHA, 4, NEBR. 
PHONE: GLENDALE 6903 
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FOREWORD 
Our irises are mostly of variegata origin. This is a hardy 
strain, as the home of the variegata is Hungary where clim- 
atie conditions are similar to those of eastern Nebraska and 
Iowa. They are adapted to the larger portion of the United 
States, but are not reliable in the warmer regions with little 
or no frost. In these sections they often fail to bloom or 
bloom on very short stems. The reason is that the variegatas 
are waiting for the approach of winter and as they usually 
start growth late in the year, they will be caught by the 
heat. 
The variegata gives the entire color range of the beard- 
ed irises except blue. Hans and Jacob Sass used variegatas 
in their early experiments more frequently than any other 
pioneer breeders to obtain a wide color range. They used 
Trojana to overcome the dominance of low growth in the 
varigatas and gain height and infusion of Macrantha or 
Amas blood to increase the size of the bloom. 
Plant irises in sunny, well drained locations. The rhi- 
zome, the botanical term for the creeping rootstock from 
which the true roots grow, should be placed just below the 
surface of the soil, making a hole sufficiently large to 
spread out the roots. Pack the soil around them, water and 
do not let them dry out until new growth has started. Point 
the growing points in the same direction when planting three 
or more rhizomes of the same variety. If, as so often done, 
they are pointed in opposite direction the result will be a 
clump with an open center which will not produce a solid 
mass of bloom. July and August are the best planting 
months, but they can be planted at any time the soil can be 
worked. 
