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This name indicates a race of exquisite dwarf iris hybrids
which have all the characteristics of the tall typical Iris germanica in
miniature. They are real gems for small beds, the rock-garden, pots, dry walls,
etc., where they form compact cushions. They flower in March— April. Crosses
have been originated between the species germanica, I. pumila, and I.
Chamaeiris and have the same cultural requirements as Iris germanica.
Iris kaempferi Sieb.
Native to Japan. A species utterly intolerant of alkaline
soils and which loves a very moist position. It is, in fact, almost an aquatic
and can be cultivated on sites where there is a depth , of water above the soil
surface during the period of active growth, but this is not absolutely
essential. The plants will thrive in ordinary beds or borders, in sun or
partial shade, where the soil is permanently moist during the spring, summer,
and early autumn. It is an excellent subject for naturalizing in an informal
manner and for planting in the bog-garden. It is hardy in all but exceptionally
cold zones where the soil surface is liable to freeze in depth, although a
layer of dead leaves, peat, or straw will give valuable protection. Iris
kaempferi and its varieties are probably the most spectacular of all iris; the
large flat flow are exquisite shades of
blue, purple, pink, red, or white, either in single colors or in combinations,
and often striped or marked in fantastic designs. They are superb for cutting,
and if gathered while the buds are still semi-closed will last for a long time
in vases. Their late-flowering habit (June—July) makes them particularly useful
for this purpose. The tall, graceful, slender and elegant typically iris-like
foliage is also attractive. It is the Japanese who have given us the best of
our garden hybrids and they are generally sold under their original names.
Native to Siberia, Manchuria, and Korea. A very hardy herbaceous
perennial and a true aquatic which must have at least of water above the soil surface (although
this is not necessary during the dormant winter period, when a slightly moist
soil is sufficient). Not tolerant of alkaline (calcareous) soils; requires a
position in either full sun or partial shade. Excellent for planting on the
banks of a pond, stream, or by a waterfall. This is a plant of great elegance
and beauty with dark-green gracefully arching narrow leaves. The dark
violet-blue flowers are smaller than those of Iris kaempferi but similar in
form. There are also delightful white- and pink-flowered varieties. The first
flowering period is in June—July, with a second in late summer or early autumn.
Iris pallida Lam.
Native to the southern Tyrol. A hardy species with
deliciously fragrant pale-lavender flowers similar in appearance to those of
Iris germanica (the plant also requires the same cultural treatment). Unusual
and beautiful silver-green foliage. The var. argentea has silver-striped leaves
while the var. aurea has leaves striped with gold.
Iris Pseudacorus L.
Native to Europe. One of the most beautiful of Europe's wild
flowers and found in abundance at the banks of ditches or ponds. It is another
of the aquatic iris, requiring shallow water over the soil surface, or a
position in very wet soil. It is tolerant of almost any type of soil and very
hardy. The bright-yellow flowers are abundantly produced, and the plants will
thrive in sun or shade. The tall, graceful slender foliage is attractive; the
var. foliis variegatis, with variegated green-and-yellow leaves, is a
particularly beautiful plant. Iris Pseudacorus roots are used in folk medicine.
Iris pumila L.
Native to Eastern Europe and Asia Minor. Mauve, yellow, or
reddish- purple stalkless flowers which arise directly from the mass of dwarf
basal foliage by means of their long perianth tubes. These plants are of
interest as one of the parents of the miniature race of Iris germanica type
dwarf hybrids.
Iris siberica L.
Native to Central Europe and Russia. An invaluable and
easily grown hardy species with numerous lovely varieties. Will thrive in
almost any soil which is moderately moist during the growing season. Elegant
grass-like foliage and slender but rigid flower stems bearing small graceful
purple-blue flowers. An ideal iris for planting on a very large scale or for
naturalizing. Among the numerous varieties the following deserve special
mention:
Native to North Africa and Asia Minor. Its unusual color
makes this the most beautiful, fascinating, and curious of all the iris
species. It is of easy cultivation and bears immense flowers finely veined with
grey-black on a silver-white background. The outer petals have a darker tint
and bear a large black "beard". Requires a sunny, moderately dry position
in a well-drained gritty alkaline (calcareous) soil. Moderately hardy, although
in positions where the soil surface is liable to be frozen in depth it should
be protected with a mulch of straw, salt hay, or dead leaves. Given an award of
merit by the Royal Horticultural Society. Plants are expensive and not always
easy to obtain, but they are worth hunting for.
Iris tectorum L.
Native to China. This is the iris frequently seen growing on
the house roofs and old walls in China and Japan. It prefers a hot, dry, sunny
position and is not tolerant of severe cold. The very attractive blue flowers
bear a white crest on each petal. There is also a rare white- flowered form.
The foliage is evergreen.
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Iris wtguicularis Poir.
Native to Algeria, but naturalized in some parts of the
French and Italian Riviera, where it thrives at the base of olive trees. Not
hardy in cold localities. Foliage more or less evergreen. The lavender-blue
flowers are slightly scented, and if grown in a sheltered position will provide
a welcome splash of color in mid-winter. The blooms are also excellent for
cutting. This species gives better results in a poor, starved, dry soil in full
sun. The narrow foliage is almost grass-like; but it is disorderly and often
gives the plants an untidy appearance.
Iris versicolor L.
Native to Canada and the northern United States. Similar in
appearance to the Oriental Iris laevigata, with purple-blue flowers and
conspicuous, attractive grey-green foliage. Completely hardy and suitable for
sun or partial shade, but requires a very moist soil. A curious feature of this
species is that a plant may simultaneously bear flowers of various shades of
blue or purple.
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