BEARDED HOSES

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 131, 30 November 1933, Page 22

BEARDED HOSES

METHOD OF DIVIDING

The Bearded Irises, or, as they aro sometimes called, Flag or .German Irises, may be moved at almost any season of the year, they arcj so accommodating, but the general opinion is that directly tney have finished ilowering is the best time. Pieces with two or three leads taken off now and replanted will flower remarkably well the following year. It needhardiy be said that plants moved at this season should not be kept out of the ground very long; the place to receive them should be fully prepared before any lifting is attempted.

Irises root very t'realy and liko .a fairly rich soil, which fact should be remembered when making the preparations. Well-decayed manure should be well incorporated with the soil to a depth of 12 'inches.

Where a whole bed of irises has become hopelessly crowded and consequently has failed to flower well, the plants may be lifted and heeled in (that, is planted roughly)' elsewhere, while the ground is being prepared to. receive them again, that is if they arc to be returned to the same place. It is best to replant on new ground, but the irises will do well for many years on one spot, provided they are lifted once every three years and the ground is well dug and manured. As (hoy increase rapidly, it is desirable lo put in the

divided pieces at least 15 inches'apart. If the plants are broken up so that 'each piece has about three leads —that is, three growing points to it—-they will make, a good show within the twelve months., The rhizomes , should be put iv just.below the ground, hardly covered, but the: true roots should go as deep as they will reach. When planting a large border ; it is as well to.have some■ kind, of Colour •scheme, and it should also be borne in mind that the different varieties do not all flower at same' time-, and, further, that they vary very considerably in height; It is hardly possible for the colours to clash, but the dwarf or kinds should not bo planted so that they are hidden by their-taller brethren;.