HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS 89 



they are to do well. Named varieties are procurable at a price, but 

 this is really a class in which mixtures are likely to answer every 

 purpose, and they are cheaper. 



The small bulbous Irises are nearly all winter and spring 

 bloomers. They are mostly hardy, but in view of the fact that 

 the flowers are sometimes injured by frost, it is common to grow 

 them in pots in unheated frames. The lovely violet and yellow, 

 scented species reticulata is a delightful little winter gem, and happily 

 it is quite cheap. Bakeriana, blue and white, agreeably perfumed, is 

 charming in the extreme, but is more expensive. Alata, Histrio, 

 and Rosenbachiana are three other early, dwarf, bulbous Irises which 

 the Iris lover will probably add to his collection. 



Kniphofias (Tritomas, Torch Lilies, Red-hot Pokers). Neither 

 the botanist nor the garden-lover was apparently able to satisfy 

 himself at the first attempt in naming this splendid plant of late 

 summer, and consequently it is burdened with a formidable list of 

 cognomens. But it is not easily overwhelmed. Alike in habit of 

 growth and colour it is strong, resolute, and bold. Like some human 

 beings, it may be disliked, but it cannot be ignored. It has per- 

 sonality and individuality. It not only compels you to stop and 

 look at it, but to declare your sentiments towards it outright, and at 

 once. The Kniphofia stands no nonsense. You have got to take it 

 as it is, or leave it alone. Happily, there is not much difficulty 

 in deciding which side of the fence to come down upon. Your vote 

 is an "aye," and you march out of the division lobby with a proud 

 sense of duty nobly done when you have ranged yourself among the 

 band of " stalwarts " who support the gay Kniphofia. From the 

 time when it first begins to grow in spring until it reaches the 

 flush of bloom in September the plant is always handsome and 

 distinctive. Its long, narrow foliage grows in a compact clump 

 almost like an Aloe, hence the name aloides applied to one of the 

 principal species which, by the way, also enjoys two names, being 

 sometimes called uvaria. The flower heads are upborne on long, 



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