THE IRIS 400 
A PRICE LIST OF THE BETTER 
CECIL HOUDYSHEL 
IRIS 
LA VERNE, CALIFORNIA 
BEARDED IRIS 
Pogoniris or Bearded Iris are the most 
important horticultural group of Iris, the 
ones we think of when we say “‘Iris’. The 
following list contains a large number of 
the most recent introductions that can be 
priced at a moderate figure. 
Our descriptions are brief but the var- 
ieties are exactly the same as if described 
by more lengthy paragraphs and given 
gorgeous colored illustrations such as 
they deserve. 
DESCRIPTIVE TERMS 
S. indicates standards or upright petals. 
F., falls are the lower petals. Amoenn, a 
type having white, or tinted, standards 
and colored falls. Bicolor, light standards 
and ‘deeper colored falls. Variegata, yel- 
low toned standards with deeper toned 
brown or purple falls. Plicata, white or 
light ground color, flushed, stippled or 
lined by a darker color. Self, entirely one 
color. Blend, a combination of colors that 
blend together. 
Hall of Fame Iris is a group of 24 
varieties selected by the American Iris 
Society, because they have been in the 
“Symposium Of 100 Favorite Iris” for a 
geriod of ten years or have led this 
symposium. Among these we list Amigo, 
China Maid, Chivalry, Christobel, Elsa 
Sass, Fair Elain, Great Lakes, Los Angeles, 
Matterhorn, Missouri, Prairie Sunset, 
Sable, Shining Waters, Sierra Blue, Snow 
Flurry, The Red Douglas, Tiffany, Wa- 
bash. 
How To Grow Iris and make them 
flower profusely, every year. We _ see 
Bearded Iris growing under nearly every 
condition of culture or neglect, in sun or 
shade, sandy or heavy, acid or alkaline 
soils. One is apt to deduct from this that 
culture directions are not needed. But do 
neglected or unfavorably located Iris per- 
form well? No, the flowers, if any, will be 
of poor quality compared to those produc- 
ed under correct condiitons. 
Bearded Iris prefer heavier soil that is 
neutral or mildly alkaline. They do very 
well in the sandy soils where a little lime 
or wood ashes usually helps. They tolerate 
mild acidity but should be corrected with 
wood ashes or lime. 
They need full sun exposure. Some of 
them do rather well in slight shade but 
in almost all cases it is only tolerated, not 
preferred. 
Plant the rhizomes with only 1” of soil 
covering them. They soon form large 
clumps, hence one should not plant too 
close. In climates like ours or that of any 
dry region of little summer rain, they 
must be watered freely. Good growth is 
easily produced and the result is profuse 
blooming the following spring, if planted 
after they have flowered. August planting 
will result in larger clumps than very late 
fall planting. 
Profusion of flowers every year is most 
desirable and is easily attained. We doubt 
if Iris have ‘‘off-years’”. Every year, visit- 
ors compliment us and remark that they 
have not seen such profusion before. We 
will recommend a four point program for 
the same result. 
Iris bloom from the end rhizomes. When 
a clump remains in one place several 
years it becomes very ‘dense. Only the rhi- 
zomes on the outer perimeter are likely 
to flower. The clump should be dug and 
separated, planting back the best from the 
end growth. A new situation is preferable. 
Nitrogenous fertilizers may produce 
more growth but fewer flowers. Manure 
is likely to cause rot. We use no fertilizer 
and that we strongly recommend. 
Bearded Iris need a two months rest in 
the late fall. At this time, do not irrigate 
but allow to bake in the hot sun. Let the 
foliage burn and almost dry up. 
Several Beardless Iris will be listed in 
our Fall Catalog. Some are shade lovers. 
Terms, Cash with order No C.0.D. We 
ship prepaid. Californians must send 3% 
Sales Tax. 
While we believe we have adequate 
stock of all varieties, it is advisable to 
name several substitutes. 
If you order amounts to $5.00 to $10.00 
select 15% extra value. For $10.00 to 
$20.00 order select 20% extra. For $20.00 
to $50.00 select 25% extra. On orders for 
over $50.00 select 30% extra value. 
8 
A SHORT PERSONAL LETTER TO YOU 
Dear Floral Friends, 
We are sending this, “Iris 400 Price 
List” to about 2000 for a two-fold pur- 
pose,—to sell you Iris and to give you in- 
formation about their culture. 
It is not usually mentioned in catalogs 
and reference books that Iris need a late 
fall rest, especially in climates where 
winters are very mild and where winter 
growth is favored by rainfall. Nor is it 
often mentioned that over stimulation by 
the use of fertilizers is likely to produce 
more vegetative growth than flowers. 
We have no Iris diseases or pests. Iris 
borers do not like our climate. 
We expect to offer a longer list next 
year and another discussion of Iris cul- 
ture. This 1952 price list will go only to 
those who have ordered from this list or 
who have recently applied for it. Our pres- 
ent Iris mailing list contains many names 
that have been on several years, with few 
or no purchases and must be revised. 
We are not offering ready made collec- 
