IRIS SUSIANA

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 323, 7 April 1928, Page 24

IRIS SUSIANA

This beautiful Iris is not met with in our gardens often enough, due; 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 blackish brown or purple, with a flush of purple on creamy white ground. The falls have a broad cushion of brownish black hairs near the base. The flowers are large, occasionally measuring Sin. across and Tin. 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 j grit or lime rubble. The rhizomes must j not be planted deeper than 2in. to 2iin.. | 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 supDlv of lime and lime rubble 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 cl an tine time arrives.