BULBOUS PLANTS 273 



lar varieties are: Romano, the commonest bright scarlet variety; 

 Hercules, the best white; Citron, a clear yellowish orange; Souci 

 Dore, a brownish orange; Grootvorst, a handsome light carmine. 



Outdoor Culture. As the Ranunculus blooms in late May 

 and early June and is not hardy, the bulbs must be planted in a 

 partially shaded spot as soon as danger of frost has passed. They 

 should be planted about 2 inches deep and 6 inches apart and 

 should be surrounded by sand, both above and below the bulbs. 

 After the leaves have matured in August the bulbs should be lifted 

 and stored in a cool place. 



Greenhouse Culture. The plants should not be forced by 

 great heat; 40 to 50 degrees is sufficient. High temperature will 

 cause weak and crooked stems. A second requirement is good 

 drainage; abundance of moisture causes the bulbs to decay. Com- 

 mercially, the bulbs are placed in flats or benches and planted in 

 late October and are kept cool to form roots. They will bloom 

 from February to late March. 



Propagation. They are propagated principally in Holland 

 and are grown from seed in three years. Before the war three or 

 four millions were shipped to France each year. 



SANDERSONIA. 5. aurantiaca is one of the prettiest species 

 of the Lily family, but one seldom sees it in good condition. Its 

 claim for attention lies in the peculiarly shaped flowers which are 

 slightly bell shaped and pendulous. It does well planted out in 

 peaty soils. The tubers should be carefully collected on the 

 approach of frost and replanted in Spring. The tubers keep 

 well in dr}^ sand during the Winter months. Give about same 

 treatment as for Gloriosa. 



Propagation. Seeds are produced only sparingly. 



SCILLA (Squill, includes Wood Hyacinth). The Scillas are 

 for the most part Spring flowers, and are not much used by florists, 

 but they are useful and beautiful out of doors. 5. nonscripta {nu- 

 tans) is the wild Hyacinth. S. sibirica, the Siberian Squill, and 

 5. bijolia are good dwarf species. S. italica, the Italian Squill; 

 5. puschkinioides and 5. campanulata (hispanica), the Wood Hya- 

 cinth are all worth growing. They are generally able to persist 

 without coddling for many years; they are supplied by dealers. 



Propagation. Some of the best of the species are easily 

 raised from seeds, although the bulbs naturally divide. 



TECOPHILiEA (Chilean Crocus). T. cyanocrocus and the 

 form named after Max Leitchlin produce beautiful blue flowers. 



