Irises — Kniphofias — Lapeyrousias — Leucojums

Irises

As a separate volume of this series to treat fully of the Iris is contemplated, only a brief rÉsumÉ of the genus, with a few general cultural hints, are required at the present time.

Irises, which supply plants suitable for almost any position in the garden, are naturally divided into two great groups, the first having a short rhizomatous root-stock, and the other one of a bulbous character. Each of these is divided into separate sections, about which it may be said that no common treatment can be dictated. The sub-genus Apogon, which comprises the beardless Flag Irises, embraces plants which require totally different treatment. Thus, unguicularis, or stylosa, likes a dry, stony soil, while sibirica and others prefer a moist one. The plants of the sub-genus Pardanthopsis have flowers like the Apogon Irises, but are without the crest. They generally prefer a moist, well-drained soil. The Oncocyclus, or "Cushion" Irises, are much prized for their singular beauty, but are not easily grown in gardens, unless in frames, where they can have a long period of rest before they start into growth in winter, or lifted and dried. This rest should begin immediately after they flower. They like lime in the soil.

The Regelia Irises form the link between the last and the Pogon Irises, and should have similar treatment to the Cushion Irises. The Evansea section contains some pretty plants, which often do well in dry places. They have a pretty crest on the flower. The plant grown by the Japanese on the roofs of their houses (I. tectorum) belongs to this group. Pseudevansea Irises have a beard which springs from a rudimentary crest, and otherwise much resemble the Evansea section, but few are in cultivation.

The Pogon Irises form the most important section of non-bulbous Irises in gardens, and are distinguished by the beard down the claw and lower part of the blade. They will thrive almost anywhere, but should, as a rule, have sun. They do well on walls and roofs. The familiar "German" Irises will give a good idea of the appearance of all the plants of this sub-genus.

The bulbous Irises are very beautiful, but details as to their treatment cannot be given now. For cutting, the Spanish Iris (I. Xiphium) is very useful and it makes a fine bedding or border plant. It prefers a rather dry soil, but should be lifted and replanted every two years or so. The English Iris (I. Xiphioides) prefers a stronger and moister soil, and is a beautiful plant in the garden.

I. reticulata and its forms belong to this section and are charming in the garden or in pots, though liable to a troublesome disease, which is best checked by lifting the bulbs and destroying those which are much affected. The sub-genus Gynandiris contains only one species, I. Sisyrinchium, which is not absolutely hardy and should be grown in a frame. Several of the Juno section, such as persica, alata, and palÆstina, are best in frames, but I. orchioides is quite hardy and makes a fine border or rockery plant. The Hermodactylus section consists of I. tuberosus, which is native to some parts of the South of England, and is a curious and interesting species worth a place in gardens.

Kniphofias

The Kniphofias or Tritomas are among the most brilliant of our garden flowers and are of gorgeous effect in lines or masses in the garden. The greater number are hardy in most gardens, particularly if the crowns of the tuberous roots are planted about three inches below the surface of the soil, and the old leaves fastened together at the top to throw off winter rains. One of the most dependable species is Aloides (syn. Uvaria) of which there are many varieties varying in colour from pale yellow to deep red. Grandis, nobilis, and Saundersii are all good forms. Burchelli, a dwarf species with red and yellow flowers is pretty; caulescens, corallina, foliosa, Nelsoni, and modesta are also worth growing. Macowani and pumila are pleasing dwarf species. There are many hybrid forms, such as Autumn Glory, Chloris, Clotho, Diana, Lachesis, Obelisque, Osiris, Pfitzeri, Robert Cannell, and Star of Baden Baden. Rooperi is an almost continuous bloomer; Tuckii is a free flowerer; and Leichtlini and the variety distachya are distinct Kniphofias. These noble flowers should be planted in spring. They are easily raised from seeds. They like plenty of moisture in summer.

Lapeyrousias

The Lapeyrousias or Anomathecas are brilliant little bulbous plants with blood-red flowers which look remarkably effective in shady places. They are hardy in warm places in light soil, but in cold localities should be grown in a frame. They ought to be planted two or three inches deep and covered with litter for a winter or two. They produce seeds freely and these should be scattered in suitable places and covered over with a little soil. The one usually seen is L. cruenta, but there is also one, called grandiflora, with larger flowers.

Leucojum

The Leucojum, or Snowflake, ought to be more largely grown in the flower garden or in grass, where its white, drooping bells look charming. The Spring Snowflake, L. vernum, is among the most beautiful with its large, handsome white flowers, each tipped with a green spot on each outer segment. There are several forms, that sold as carpaticum being early and pretty. There are also yellow-spotted forms which are of much beauty, and one of these seems to be the true carpaticum. Miss Hope's variety is the latest Spring Snowflake. The Summer Snowflake is less pleasing because of its habit, but it is a pretty and useful flower. There are two or three varieties of L. Æstivum, one known as L. pulchellum being a little earlier than the other L. Æstivum and having smaller flowers. The autumn Snowflake, L. autumnale or Acis autumnalis, is an exquisite little bulb with white blossoms, tinged with rose. It flowers in July or August and likes a sandy soil; the others will grow in any good compost. Plant about two inches deep, and as soon as they can be procured.