This complete guide gives all the information you need to choose, grow, and appreciate the beardless iris?from 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 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. AUTHOR: Kevin C. Vaughn introduced his first iris hybrid at eighteen years old. He holds a PhD in plant genetics and spent his career in the USDA. He is the coauthor of 'Louisiana Irises: Taming of a Native American Wildflower' as well as numerous scientific and horticultural publications. His extensive beardless iris hybridising work includes 'Red Velvet Elvis,' one of the most popular Louisiana irises and winner of the prestigious DeBaillon Medal. 166 colour photographs
