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The Japanese flag Irises

Gardeners' Chronicle p.661, May 20, 1876

Transcript:

Our horticultural exhibitions of the past few years have to some extent familiarized us with the fine forms of the Japanese Flag Iris, I. Kaempferi, and its varieties. These appear to increase with rapidity, and all are very beautiful. Their large flat Clematis-like flowers, generally rich in colour and very beautiful, makes them very attractive, and it is no wonder they are being sought after by lovers of flowers. They are without exception the most exquisite forms of the Iris in cultivation, but they do not flower freely in all soils, and they need careful treatment to bring about this desired result. A sandy peat is recommended, for it has been found they make a vigorous growth in it, and when the plants are established bloom with great freedom. Complaints are often made of the loss during the autumn and winter of the roots of the bulbous Iris, and this is caused by planting them in tenacious soil in which the water lies after heavy or continuous rains. If the soil is naturally light the bulbs can be planted and allowed to establish themselves, but if heavy it must be made light. Mr. W. Sutherland has remarked that "there are very few places indeed where naturally the conditions of soil and climate which are indispensable to the bulbous Irises exist; the first year is the best in many places, and in many others they never rise the second year at all." Hence the necessity of so preparing the soil as to ensure well-being in the present, and longevity in the future,

For more information on historic Irises visit the Historic Iris Preservation Society at http://www.historiciris.org/

-- BobPries - 2015-07-26
Topic revision: r2 - 15 Dec 2018, BobPries
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