Description

This complete guide gives all the information you need to choose, grow, and appreciate the beardless irisfrom basic planting information to help beginners, to the essential hybridizing details that horticulturists need. Beardless irises are cousins of the more familiar bearded irises, but are much more variable, with plants ranging from four-inch-tall dwarfs with tiny flowers to five-foot stalks with dinner-plate-size flowers. In addition, beardless irises of at least one type will grow in virtually every gardening situation from dry shade to standing water in full sun. No other group of perennials offers such versatility. Here, all five major groups are covered in detail: Siberian, Japanese, Pacific Coast Native, spuria, and Louisiana. The garden uses, development of the modern hybrids, and recommended cultures are given for each of the diverse groups of beardless irises. In addition, a separate chapter covers the techniques for creating your own beardless hybrids.By Kevin C. VaughnKevin C. Vaughn holds a PhD in plant genetics and spent his career in the US Department of Agriculture. His extensive beardless iris hybridizing work includes Red Velvet Elvis, one of the most popular Louisiana irises and winner of the prestigious DeBaillon Medal.166 color photosA Plant for Every Garden Situation166 color photos