HANDY INFORMATION FOR IRIS LOVERS 
IRIS FOR SPECIAL SITUATIONS 
Finding just the right plants for particular locations is frequently 
a gardening problem on which help is needed. This year we outline 
for you the most suitable types of Iris for 4 distinct environments. 
Our index will show you where each type is described. Next year 
we will take up several other situations. 
Drought-resistant Iris for Dry Places. Many people in 
arid regions are on the lookout for plants that do not require sum- 
mer water. Outstanding in this regard are the various kinds of 
Oncos, Regelias and Oncogelias among the Iris that grow from rhi- 
zomes. Another distinct type of Iris that has similar requirements, 
and likewise does best without summer water, is the rather large 
group known as Bulbous Iris. We list several rare forms of these 
among the Oddities, page 20. Also, the various kinds of Bearded 
Iris (Tall Bearded, Dwarfs, Border and Table Iris) together with 
the Onco-Bearded Hybrids, are very drought-resistant, and can be 
grown without summer water where conditions require this, though 
extra growth and flowering may be obtained with these by watering 
if rains are inadequate. 
Iris for Moist Ground. The moisture-loving Iris are notably 
the Siberians and Japanese types, particularly the latter. Both types 
give their finest displays if there is abundant water during their 
growing season and while they are in bloom. However, they can be 
grown to good advantage under ordinary garden conditions. Spurias 
like moisture, too, but still desire fairly good drainage. 
Acid-tolerant Iris. Here are the Iris naturally adapted to that 
part of your garden that has acid soil (pH between 5.5 and 6.5), 
which you do not wish to neutralize by applying lime: California 
Natives, Fringed, Siberians, Spurias, Stylosas and Japanese Iris. 
Iris for Shade amd Semi-shade. For rather dense shade the 
best Iris are the Christmas Iris, the Fringed Iris, and Graminea. 
For partial shade, especially in warmer regions, we can recommend 
the California Natives and most of the Beardless and Bulbous Iris. 
FOR RELEASE IN ‘49 OR ‘50 
If you've been reading the recent highly informative Bulletins 
of the American Iris Society, you are almost certain to be yearning 
for several of the following newest creations in Tall Bearded Iris. 
Some will be ready for release next year and others in 1950: Blue 
Rhythm, Blue Valley, Cherie, Dreamcastle, Easter Bonnet, Extrava- 
ganza, Helen McGregor, Lake George, Love Affair, Mellowglow, 
Minnie Colquitt, Moonlight Madonna, Nancy Hardison, New Snow, 
Pink Lace, *Rose of England, Three Cheers, Three Oaks, Thunder- 
head, Titian Lady, “War and Peace, *White City. 
*__New English varieties imported by us by Air Express. 


DYKES MEDAL WINNERS 

FOR YOUR GUIDANCE 
COLOR GROUPINGS OF MOST POPULAR IRIS IN LATEST SYMPOSIUM 
Here is your key to the very choicest of the moderately priced Iris varieties. The appeal and popularity of these is unques- 
tioned, as all listed here have either won the Dykes Medal, or have appeared in the SYMPOSIUM 7 or 8 years. We know you will 
be amazed when we tell you that most of these may now be purchased at prices ranging from 40c to $2.50. Only CHIVALRY is 
still very new and quite expensive. These particular varieties are popular not only because of their exceptional color, size and form, 
but also because they are robust and do well practically everywhere—in no other way could they stay so long in Kenneth Smith’s 
national SYMPOSIUM of the 100 best Iris based on the votes of many Iris judges in a!l parts of the United States. 
EIGHT-TIME WINNERS 
DATA TO HELP YOU PLAN 
Not only do we arrange varieties by color and season for your 
convenience in comparing similar kinds, but we furnish much data © 
to aid you in selecting varieties and planning how to use them most 
effectively in your garden. After each variety name you will find, 
first, originator and year of introduction, then season abbreviation, 
then height in inches. Whenever one or more AWARDS has been 
bestowed upon the variety by the American Iris Society, you will 
find mention of the latest one in the description itself. When the 
variety has a noticeable fragrance, this fact is given near the*end 
of each description. Then, too, there are various types of informa- 
tion, explained on page 4, for the hybridizer, intent on learning 
how he can get results most readily. We try to be helpful. Have we 
succeeded? 
JOIN THE AMERICAN IRIS SOCIETY 
Everyone who loves Iris and grows them as a hobby, in the home 
garden, or for hybridizing, should join the American Iris Society. 
You will receive very helpful, stimulating quarterly bulletins, full 
of articles on culture, varieties, hybridizing, rare types and many 
other subjects of interest to Iris fans. Membership is $3.00 which 
may, at our suggestion, be sent directly to the American Iris So- 
ciety, 444 Chestnut St., Nashville 10, Tenn. Our illustrations of 
Iris susiana and of the Iris chromosomes are used through the 
courtesy of the Society. 
YOU NEED THE NEW BOOK: “THE IRIS” 
While this catalog contains a great deal of useful «nformation 
on Iris, we have purposely arranged it to supplement the data to be 
found in the highly informative new book “THE IRIS”, written by 
prominent authorities of the American Iris Society. By having both, 
you will have the answers to a very large part of the questions that 
may come to mind. Here are just a few of the interesting topics 
treated in the new book: Grouping Iris with other plants for garden 
effect; full list of Dykes Medal winners in America, England and 
France from 1927 to date; Iris pests and diseases; Iris photography; 
and the Iris family. 
Postpaid prices for “THE IRIS’: Paper binding, $1.50; Cloth, 
$2.50. Just add to the order blank with your Iris, and the book 
will be sent to you promptly. 
Why the BETTER Varieties Are Your Best Buy 
It is gratifying to find that Iris Lovers everywhere are awaken- 
ing to the realization’ that, with a rapidly increasing plant like an 
Iris, they are much farther ahead to buy each year a smaller number 
of the better varieties than many rhizomes of the older kinds that 
have such limited appeal. People find more excitement in one of 
the new Super-Iris, than in a dozen of the varieties that were pop- 
ular in bygone days, and which they will soon be eager to throw out 
to make room for ones they can really enjoy. Therefore, to make 
your Iris dollars go the farthest, spend them for varieties you will 
want to keep. 








SEVEN-TIME WINNERS 













Showing year of winning the These won a place in the Sym- ; : aM 
medal for all DYKES Iris in the COLOR posium every year to date (1940 to Symposium varieties for the last 
latest Symposium. 1947). aor Means. 
PINK China Maid (Page 6) 
The Red Douglas (Page 7) 
1941—The Red Douglas (Page 7) RED City of Lincoln (Page 8) Red Valor (Page 7) 
Christabel 
1943—Prairie Sunset (Page 8) BRONZE Prairie Sunset (Page 8) 5 
‘ 5 Golden Fleece (Page 9) 
Fair Elaine (Pages 11 & 12) g 
1944—Spun Gold (Page 10) YELLOW Gblden’Majesty (Page 10) Spun Sie aes 10) 
WHITE Los Angeles (Page 14) Snow Flurry (Page 14) 
1947—Chivalry (Page 15) BLUE Great Lakes (Page 14) 
1942—Great Lakes (Page 14) Gloriole (Page 14) 
Wabash (Page 15) 
1945—Elmohr (Pages 16 & 17) VIOLET Sable (Page 15) 
1940—Wabash (Page 15) 

Amigo (Paqae 15) 







