Selecting desirable parent stock will be somewhat of a prob- 
lem until you have gained some experience, but you may be lucky 
it you. ry: 
SOIL PREPARATION AND CULTIVATION 
Soil and cultural requirements of the native Irises are opposite 
to those of the bearded Iris. Natives thrive best in slightly acid or 
sour soil with abundant moisture, whereas the bearded do their best 
in alkaline or sweet soil and extra good drainage. Highland, low- 
land, or even bog conditions are satisfactory. 
In locating the plant beds in your landscape plan, you should 
remember that wild Irises require moisture and humus. Most va- 
rieties thrive and bloom best in full sun to semi-shade, but not 
full shade. Some of the Foliosa types do well in partial shade. 
Necessary protection from the hot summer sun should be provided 
by mulching. Good seedbed preparation prior to planting, then 
mulching over the rhizome and around the plants immediately after 
planting will reduce the need for cultivation. 
Deep plowing or spading followed with thorough harrowing 
or raking are essentials to good soil preparation. Deep preparation 
improves the physical condition of the soil, increases its ability to 
absorb and retain moisture, makes the natural and supplementary 
supplies of plant food more readily available, and helps to destroy 
unsightly and harmful weeds. 
Very little cultivating will be needed except to control weeds. 
A small, narrow spring tooth garden tool is ideal for cultivating. 
If a hoe is used to cultivate in the fall and spring, care should be 
taken not to cut the shallow rhizome. Under no circumstance 
should you use a hoe in the Iris bed during mid summer when the 
shallow dormant rhizomes are so easily disturbed. 
Thin plantings of summer shade-producing legume plants such 
as soybeans or crotelaria, may be made after the Iris-blooming 
season. This will protect plants from sun, conserve moisture, and 
control weeds. 
FERTILIZATION 
Plenty of organic material such as animal manures, compost, 
or green legume crops turned under with the soil, plus commercial 
fertilizer, are necessary for a good Iris bloom crop. Poultry yard 
manure is the most effective for Iris. 
The well-rotted organic material should be mixed or worked 
into the soil while preparing the beds and also spread lightly over 
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