146 BULBS AND THEIR CULTIVATION, 



Watsonia. This genus of South African bulbous- 

 rooted plants resemble the gladioli in habit of growth and 

 manner of flowering. They are well adapted for 'cold- 

 house culture, or for forcing into flower early, similarly 

 to Gladiolus Colvillei The Bride. The species and varie- 

 ties are W. meriana, purple-scarlet; meriana coccinea, 

 scarlet; meriana iridifolia, white; meriana rosea-alba, 

 white and pink; and rosea, rose. W. meriana iridifolia 

 alba is valuable for yielding flowers for cutting. 



The cultural details are similar to those advised for 

 Gladiolus Colvillei and its varieties. 



Zephyranthes. Beautiful South American bulbous 

 flowering plants. The species adapted for pot culture are 

 those mentioned in the list of hardy bulbs. 



They should be grown three in a 5in. pot, in a compost 

 of two parts loam, one part peat or leaf-mould, and one 

 part of coarse silver sand. Plant the bulbs an inch deep 

 in August, and otherwise treat as advised for Babianas. 



CHAPTER V. 



FORCING BULBS. 



To have bulbs in flower at Christmas, or in the months 

 of January or February, certain special kinds must be 

 selected, given special treatment, and be grown in a 

 higher temperature than under ordinary conditions. A 

 hothouse or a warm greenhouse is indispensable to ensure 

 early flowers. The bulbs, moreover, must be potted 



