CHAPTER XII 



HALF-HARDY BULBS 



Acidantheras Albucas Alstroemerias Androstephiums Besseras 

 Boussingaultias Bravoas Cypellas Dahlias = Galaxias Geis- 

 sorhizas and Hesperanthas 



ACIDANTHERAS 



THE only species of Acidanthera which has been intro- 

 duced hardy enough to be classed with half-hardy bulbs 

 is A. bicolor, a pretty plant with spikes of whitish flowers 

 with the lower segments spotted purple. It may be 

 grown outside in a warm border if treated like a half- 

 hardy Gladiolus, or better, under glass as recommended 

 for the Ixia. 



ALBUCAS 



Only a few of the Albucas, which come near to 

 the Ornithogalums, deserve cultivation ; these can be 

 grown outside in warm districts alone, on a raised bed 

 of rather light soil, in a sunny position, protected in 

 winter by a layer of litter. They are, however, better 

 in the greenhouse or frame. Aurea, yellow ; fastigiata, 

 white ; and Nelsoni, white, are the best in cultivation. 

 They bloom in summer, and may be planted three inches 

 deep in autumn. 



ALSTRCEMERIAS 



Apart from the hardier Alstrcemerias, which may also 

 advantageously be grown in frames or in cold green- 



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