BEARDED IRISES

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 131, 30 November 1939, Page 23

BEARDED IRISES

i These rhizomatpus irises are. peirennjals and may be left undisturbed for several years, but in many cases this is overdone, with the result that the clumps become so crowded that they produce very few flowers. Lifted, divided, and in well-worked soil just after flowering, every second or third year, the plants will flower freely, making a very handsome display in the early summer.

This race of irises is not, as is so of ten thought, a subject for water grow, ing. As a matter of fact, the plants must have well-drained ground or they do not flourish,. Another requirement is ample lime in the soil. When planting the rhizomes should be placed so that the tops are level with the surface of the soil, as they must be well ripened if they are to produce flowers plentifully. A very common mistake in regard to the autumn treatment .of these irises should be avoided. As the season progresses the clumps present a somewhat untidy appearance and there is a natural disposition to cut down the foliage tp its base, as with other perennial plants. This is altogether wrong, as the roots are built up by the functions of the leaves and to cut these off results in a great weakening of the plants and poor, spindly growths the following season. When replanting the vigorous young growths from, the outside of the clumps should be chosen, and the worn-out parts discarded. Plant in groups of one kind, each group containing from four to eight plants placed from eight to twelve inches apart. The fibrous roots should be as far in the ground as they will go, but leaving the rhizome exposed.