JAPANESE IRIS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 October 1941, Page 8

JAPANESE IRIS

LIBERAL DIET ESSENTIAL. , The Japanese iris is undoubtedly i numbered among the most striking members of the huge iris family. It is quite safe to say that it is ignorance of the cultural needs which has fostered. the prevalent impression that these irises are difficult to manage. They can actualy be (grown quite successfully in herbaceous borders, but, wherever possible, should be planted by a creek or pool, where their roots have access to unlimited supplies of water during the growing season. They are not, however, true bog plants, delighting in a wet soil the whole season through. Instead the} 7 ■should be kepi, comparatively dry while at rest. In this respect the varieties of I. Kaempferi, the true Japanese iris, differ notably from I. Laevigata. Both hail from the same district, but there are obvious differences boh anically between them, in addition to the fact, that I. Laevigata can safely be planted in two to four inches of water and is never happy in a site which may dry out. A liberal diet is essential for, without exception, these iris are gross feeders. The site for them must not only be deeply dug. but liberally manured, and, in addition, they should have an annual mulch of good man- ' ure each autumn.