IRIS SUSIANA

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIII, Issue 81, 17 March 1933, Page 14

IRIS SUSIANA

KNOWN AB THE MOURNING IRIS. This beautiful Iris is not met with in our gardens often enough, duo no doubt to lack of knowledge regarding cultural methods. Being a native of Asia Minor, its chief requirements are good drainage, ample sunlight, and a distinct rest during the summer. The flowers of Iris Susiana appear during September and October, and have a silver-grey appearance produced by numerous veins, and dots of blark-ish-brown or purple, with a flush v xf purple on creamy white ground. The falls have a broad cushion of brownish black hairs near the base. The flowers are large, occasionally measuring six inches across and seven inches deep. This Iris requires to be planted in soil that has been well worked and is thoroughly drained. Heavy soils should be made lighter by adding sand, grit, or lime rubble. The rhizomes must not be planted deeper than two inches to two and a-half inches, and it is advisable, where the ground is inclined to be damp, to surround the rhizome with a good layer of sand at the time of planting, so as to ensure perfect drainage. Being a lime lover, a liberal supply of lime rubbl e worked into the soil prior to planting is beneficial.

The best time for planting is April and May, just as the young roots begin to issue from the rhizome. Select a warm sunny position. During the summer the leaves begin to fade, thus indicating the approach of maturity. When the leaves have died down the rhizomes should be carefully lifted and allowed to dry in a shady spot for a few days, and then stored in dry sand or granulated charcoal until planting time arrives.