30 THE BOOK OF BULBS 



white and yellow, and about three inches high ; and 

 spectabilis, a well-known and handsome plant, which 

 needs shelter from cold spring winds. They like a light, 

 peaty soil and some shade. 



DIERAMAS 



The known species of Dierama, known in gardens as 

 Sparaxis, are pendula and pulcherrimum. Both are grace- 

 ful hardy flowers with long stems, arching over and 

 bearing many loosely hanging bells of various shades of 

 purple, and even white. The one mostly seen in 

 British gardens is pulcherrimum, which has stems from 

 four to six feet long ; pendula being a little less robust. 

 They are rather difficult to establish, and like to be 

 planted under stones. Plant in spring about four inches 

 deep. 



ERANTHIS, WINTER ACONITE 



The Eranthis or Winter Aconite would receive more 

 attention were it not so cheap, but it should be largely 

 planted in moist and shady places, which it brightens up 

 early in the season. Either in the border, rock-garden, 

 or grass, it is very effective when in a mass. It may be 

 grown from seed. The species generally grown is 

 Eranthis hyemalis, but recently a species, named E. 

 cilicicus, which blooms later, and has deeper coloured 

 flowers, with a less ornamental " ruff," has been intro- 

 duced. It is scarcely so hardy as E. hyemalis. The 

 Winter Aconite will grow in almost any soil which does 

 not become too dry. It should be as short a time out 

 of the soil as possible. 



EREMURUSES 



The Eremuri are among the noblest of our hardy 

 flowers with tuberous roots, and are exceedingly orna- 



