Irises: A Practical Garden Guide

Karen Glasgow wrote Irises: A Practical Garden Guide, which was published by Timber Press in 1997. It is intended as a guide to Iris species that do well in milder climates like New Zealand. Many of the iris species discussed appear to be more suitable for growing in the southern areas of the Northern Hemisphere than in our northern areas.

The author provides an excellent discussion of the biology of Iris species. Then she shows how a gardener in warm climates can have several months of Iris bloom by using various species with different flowering time periods. She indicates that in some areas, it is possible to have at least one species of iris growing every month of the year. Her discussion of iris species suitable for different types of gardens is very helpful. Species suitable for perennial borders, water gardens, rock gardens, woodland gardens and even container gardens are identified.

Glasgow groups irises into those with rhizomes and those with bulbs. Under the rhizomatous iris group she discusses bearded irises, crested irises and beardless irises in detail. Then, under the bulbous iris category, the Xiphium, Juno and Reticulata iris species are discussed.

Pests and diseases of iris and the propagation of these plants ends the book. I've always considered the bearded iris in particular to be very hardy garden plants and was quite surprised to learn of several diseases that can strike them. The same holds true for bulbous iris species.

I have very mixed feelings about the benefit of this book for those living in the northern hemisphere. Since the author makes no effort to provide the growing zones (based on temperature) for each species, it makes it impossible for the gardener new to irises to really know which species are worth trying. I assume the information can more easily be applied to those gardeners living in the southern states in the United States, and in those countries worldwide located at approximately the same distance from the equator as New Zealand. Generally, I can't give a strong recommendation for this book if the gardener lives in an area receiving winter snows. This does show us the value of having several books on the same group of plants to choose from. No author can be expected to cover plants suitable for every possible growing climate.

NOTE: Karen Glasgow was the former president of the New Zealand Iris Society and earned many awards for her iris growing over the years. She is now deceased.

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