The Culture of Flowering Bulbs 



HYACINTHUS CANDICANS 



AN excellent companion to Delphiniums, Salvias, and perennial 

 Lobelias in the mixed border. The stately spikes of this flower also 

 associate well with shrubs, and help to enliven a bed of Rhododen- 

 drons at a period of the year when the latter is uninteresting. Roots 

 may be planted in any soil from November to March ; and, as they 

 are perfectly hardy, they can be left in the open ground all the year 

 without the least misgiving as to their safety. A strong root will 

 produce a succession of flower-spikes, and this tendency will be 

 assisted by cutting off each spike immediately it has ceased to be 

 attractive. 



IRIS 



THE common varieties of Iris are well-known favourites of the bor- 

 der, and the whole family have claims on the attention of amateurs, 

 on account of their excellent faculty of taking care of themselves 

 if properly planted in the first instance. The tuberous or bulbous 

 rooted kinds do not require a rich soil ; a sandy loam suits them, 

 and they thrive in peat. Such beautiful species as Reticulata, the 

 Persian, the Chalcedonian, and the Peacock are worth growing in 

 pots placed in frames or in a cool greenhouse. The English and 

 Spanish varieties should be planted in clumps in front of a shrub- 

 bery border, where they may be seen to advantage. The crown 

 of the bulb must not be more than three inches below the surface. 

 From September to December will answer for planting, and the roots 

 may be taken up when the flowering period is over, or if the space is 

 not wanted they can be allowed to remain for the following season. 

 Bulbs of the English class should never be kept out of the ground 

 longer than can be helped, but they ought not to be grown in one 

 spot for more than three years ; after that time the clumps must be 

 divided and a fresh position found for them. 



IXIA and SPARAXIS 



THESE attractive Cape bulbs are hardy in favoured districts, and may 

 be left out for years in a sheltered border next a stove or greenhouse. 

 In places where none but the hardiest plants pass through the winter 

 safely, they must be grown in the greenhouse or the frame, and any 



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