This, as was the case with Niobe plantaginea, was first pub- 

 lished as a Hemerocallis in 1797. By some this is considered 

 to be the original Hemerocallis japonica of Thunberg's Flora 

 Japonica; but in that the leaves are said to have seven nerves, 

 making this position hardly tenable, as the leaves in this have 

 from 13-19. This is usually known under the name of Funkia 

 ovata Spreng. There are forms of this also with variegated leaves. 

 The variety alho-marginata has the leaves margined with white. 



A word now as to the uses of these plants in horticulture, 

 to which they lend themselves readily and effectively. By 

 selecting the species, flowers mayl^e had continuously from June 

 to the time of frost. The first to flower are Niobe Sieboldiana 

 and N. Fortunei, closely related species, which are at their prime 

 in June, with white flowers flushed with lavender. As these are 

 waning the deeper lavender flowers of Niobe undidata and its 

 variegated variety make their appearance, late in June or early 

 in July, accompanied at almost the same time by the blue bell- 

 shaped flowers of Niobe coerulea. Next to appear are the flowers 

 of Niobe japonica, and its later-flowering form, the variety tardi- 

 flora, which carry the flowering period of this interesting genus 

 up to the time of killing frosts. Accompanying these last, and 

 perhaps the most stately of them all, is Niobe plantaginea, some- 

 times known as the plantain lily, from the resemblance of its 

 leaves to those of that plant. This is quite in contrast with 

 the other species, the flowers being much larger, of a different 

 shape, and a pure white, with no trace of coloring. They appear 

 usually early in September, and continue through the month. 



Some of the day lilies are desirable foliage plants, in addition 

 to the interest of their flowers. For those who like the rich 

 variegated effect of white and green, perhaps no other plant is 

 more effective than is Niobe undidata variegata, planted as an 

 edging to paths or beds. Where a mass of deep green foliage 

 is desired, Niobe undulata and iV. coendea are desirable; or if a 

 gray green is wished, Niobe Sieboldiana or its close relative N. 

 Fortunei should not be forgotten. The plants spread rapidly, 

 and delight in a deep rich soil, free from soggy conditions, and 

 are impartial to the bright sun or part shade. Masses of them 



