296 THE CULTURE OF FLOWERING BULBS 



help to enliven a bed of Rhododendrons at a period of the year when 

 the latter is uninteresting. It may be planted in any soil from Novem- 

 ber to March ; and, as the bulb is perfectly hardy, it can be left in 

 the open ground all the year without the least misgiving as to its 

 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, but a sandy loam suits them, 

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

 the Persian, the Chalcedonian, and the Peacock should be grown 

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

 Spanish varieties should be planted out in clumps in front of a 

 shrubbery 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 ; 

 but they should not be grown in one spot for more than three years. 

 After that time they must be divided, and a fresh position should be 

 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 

 good sandy soil will suit them, whether peat or loam. They should 

 be potted early in the autumn, and have plenty of air at all times 

 when the weather is favourable, especially when they are growing 

 freely in spring. If carefully managed, they may remain two seasons 

 in the same pots. Use the 48-size, and plant four or five bulbs in 



