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"Perhaps it is because the bearded iris show such variety that many gardeners do not look elsewhere in the genus for garden plants. This is a mistake, however, because although the deep, blackcurrent purple of 'Superstition' may have a velvety sheen, a ruffling and size that are hard to match, the deep purple of forms of 'I. Chrysographes' are augmented by bright golden markings on a flower of refinement and poise that makes the other look clumsy and almost grotesque."
The tall, bearded Iris also gets short shrift in the popular "The Well-Tended Perennial Garden" by Tracy DiSabato-Aust, but I would venture to say that theirs is the minority opinion among gardeners. Most of us love the bearded irises for their gorgeous colors and perfumes, and in spite of their short season of bloom. This book's longest chapter is on the Tall Bearded Iris, so it can't be said that the author neglects them. There are also chapters on the Siberian Iris, the Pacific Coast Iris, the Water Iris, the Spuria Iris, the Stinking Iris, the Dwarf Bulbous Iris, and "Iris for the Specialist".
As interesting as this book is to read, it is not really organized to help you locate a quick paragraph on what to do about the Iris borer grub that you just discovered in your 'Beverly Sills' rhizome. In fact 'iris borer' isn't even listed in the index. If you flip to the lone page on 'pests', you won't find them there, either-just a few miscellaneous paragraphs on aphids and wet rot.
Buy "The Gardener's Guide to Growing Irises" if you love irises and would like to learn more about them. However, you might want to look elsewhere for a straightforward guide to growing and caring for these lovely flowers.
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