Product Description

Louisiana irises have been hybridized from five species of Iris found only in North America, most specifically in Louisiana. Their boggy native habitats have largely been destroyed, and horticulturists’ efforts have gone toward the creation of an incredible range of hybrids in a variety of colors, forms, and sizes. They have proved adaptable to a wide range of soils and climates, needing only sun, ample water, and neutral soil to thrive; they can be grown in beds with annuals and other perennials, or in water up to a foot deep.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #970158 in Books
• Published on: 2000-09-01
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 254 pages

Review
All possible aspects of this lovely plant are covered. -- John E. Bryan, Gardening Newsletter, November 2000

An invaluable source of information . . . I loved this book and recommend it highly. -- LeeAnn Connelly, Water Gardening, May 2001

An often-overlooked flower receives its due. -- Gerri Bauer, The News-Journal, November 21, 2000

The perfect introduction to these remarkable plants. -- James A. Cox, Wisconsin Bookwatch, December 2000

Those with a passion for irises will do well to nab a copy of this well-edited second edition. -- Neil Sperry's Garden, January 2001

From the Publisher
This is a revised edition of the first complete reference published on Louisiana irises, the five species of Iris in section Hexagonae. These beardless irises are endemic to the United States, with their center of distribution in Louisiana. They first drew attention because of the enormous number of their natural hybrids; this propensity for hybridization led to the development of today’s spectacular range of colors and forms.

This authoritative treatment by The Society for Louisiana Irises is based on the first edition published by the Society in 1988, but it is considerably expanded. It covers every aspect of the history, botany, and development of these distinctive irises, with particular emphasis on the newest hybrids, hybridizing techniques, and cultural practices, and also includes suggestions for their use in the landscape and in floral arrangements. It should serve to introduce a wider gardening public to these most colorful and versatile flowers.

About the Author
Marie Caillet, professor emerita at the University of Louisiana in Lafayette, is a charter member of the Society for Louisiana Irises and has been active in it for more than half a century. She now lives on the shores of Lake Lewisville near Little Elm, Texas.

J. Farron Campbell is a former president of the Society for Louisiana Irises, as well as having previously served as director and vice president. He is active in the American Iris Society, serving as director and awards chairman. He lives in Garland, Texas.

Kevin C. Vaughn is currently president of the Society for Louisiana Irises. He holds a Ph.D. in botany from Miami University in Ohio and is employed as a researcher by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. His hybridizing efforts have brought almost 200 varieties of plants to the market.

Dennis Vercher has served as co-editor and editor of the Society newsletter.

Customer Reviews

A beautifully and profusely illustrated volume
Now in a newly updated and expanded second edition, The Louisiana Iris: The Taming Of The Native American Wildflower covers every aspect of the history, botany, and development of these distinctive flowers, with particular emphasis on the newest hybrids, hybridizing techniques, and horticultural practices. Drawing upon their members' extensive and practical experience and expertise, the Society for Louisiana Irises provides the perfect introduction to these remarkable plants to the gardening public with a beautifully and profusely illustrated volume that is exhaustive and authoritative with information. The Louisiana Iris is an invaluable and much appreciated addition to any personal, professional, academic, or community library horticultural and gardening reference collection.

Great Book. Well Done
This book is a must for Louisiana Iris growers.
It provides excellent growing information and the graphics are both beautifully done and they provide help in identification of your plants.We also found that Amazon offered a great price value. Shipping was prompt, and the product arrived in excellent condition. Amazon is a great place to buy.