USEFUL GREENHOUSE PLANTS 163 



Yucca aloifolia variegata. A stately growing plant with long 

 narrow symmetrically disposed leaves, each of which terminates in a 

 sharp spine. The leaves are striped with creamy white. 



BULBOUS FLOWERS FOR THE GREENHOUSE 



Many hardy bulbous plants are valuable for the green- 

 house during the early months of the year. They flower 

 naturally in the spring, and when given the protection of a 

 glass structure and a little heat, can be obtained in flower in 

 many cases soon after Christmas. Under this head are in- 

 cluded Hyacinths, Tulips, many kinds of Narcissus (Daffodils), 

 S cilia sibirica, Chionodoxas, and Snowdrops. The bulbs can 

 be obtained during the autumn, and all need much the same 

 treatment. Pots five inches in diameter are the most con- 

 venient, and unless for special reasons the better way will be 

 to use this size. The pots must be thoroughly drained, but 

 at the same time no more broken crocks should be used than 

 are absolutely necessary. One bulb of a Hyacinth should 

 be placed in a five-inch pot. With regard to Tulips, as a 

 rule five or six will be sufficient, Narcissus from three to 

 five, Scilla sibirica, eight or nine, Chionodoxas and Snowdrops 

 the same. They should all be potted at such a depth that 

 the bulb is completely covered. Then after potting, stand 

 them out of doors on a firm bottom of ashes, give a good 

 watering, and cover all with cocoanut fibre refuse or ashes, 

 sufficient being used to just hide the pots entirely. This main- 

 tains an even state of moisture around the bulbs, a condition 

 particularly favourable to the formation of healthy roots, 

 without which bulbs will not flow T er well. In a month or so 

 the pots will be full of roots, and they may be taken into the 

 greenhouse at any time from then to Christmas. Where a 

 succession of flower in the early months of the year is de- 

 sired, the pots must not be taken into the greenhouse all at 

 once, but at intervals of a week or so. They must be freely 

 supplied with water, not saturated, but sufficient given to 

 keep the soil moist, as if allowed to get dry they seldom 

 flower well. A suitable soil is one-third each of loam, leaf- 

 mould, and well-decayed manure, with a sprinkling of sand, 

 and the whole thoroughly mixed together. In some cases a 

 little support will be needed as the flowers develop, and 

 the beauty of the plant depends upon this being neatly done. 

 Thus the sticks should be as slender as possible, consistent 

 with supplying the proper support, while the ties should 

 not be conspicuous. In tying Hyacinth spikes, or in fact 



