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THE BOOK OF GARDENING. 



flowered plant in cultivation, usually classed as an Anthericum-^. 

 Hookeri. It should, however, be relegated to a separate genus 

 Bulbinella. Most graceful foliage characterises the plants, ' which 

 produce their flowers in early summer, the spikes being 

 from i ft. to 2-J-ft. long in the case of the large form of 

 A. Liliastrum. Though usually found in trade catalogues under the 

 names here adopted, A. Liliastrum is .more correctly described 

 as Paradisea Liliastrum. Increased either by division in autumn 

 or by seeds. A. ramosum is a most graceful species, with white 

 flowers. It should be included where space can be spared. 



Babianas. — Undeniably beautiful though these are, they are too- 

 tender to be grown outside, expect in very favoured spots and 

 under very favourable conditions, such 

 as a sunny south border, and a light, 

 loamy, well-drained soil. The flowers- 

 are bright as to colour, and Ixia-like in 

 form (Fig. 192). December is the best 

 month to plant, covering the ground well 

 with light litter to protect the foliage from 

 frosts; it should be removed in spring. 

 The bulbs should 'be planted some 

 3m. or 4m. deep. 



Bessera. — B. elegans, a pretty 

 little Mexican bulb, is sometimes- 

 successfully cultivated outside when 

 conditions similar to those named 

 under Babiana obtain. It cannot, 

 however, be classed as truly hardy. 

 The flowers are scarlet, and in- 

 drooping umbels, and the foliage- 

 is graceful. 



Bloomeria. — Here again we have 

 one of those choice bulbous subjects- 

 whose culture may be attempted 

 where conditions similar to those 

 recommended for Brodiaa obtain. 

 The species B. aurea is yellow with a brown stripe, and the 

 flowers are produced in umbels in summer. 



Bravoa. — Another plant for a sheltered border, and a light, 

 warm soil, is B. geminiflora. It is a bright little subject, with 

 drooping racemes of scarlet tubular flowers borne on spikes 2ft. 

 high. Increased by offsets in autumn. 



Brevoortia coccinea (Fig. 193) is the plant usually cultivated 

 as a Brodicea, and is one of the most graceful and striking of 

 such plants. The tubular flowers are scarlet, tipped with green, 

 and are produced on very thin wiry stalks, 2ft. or more high- 

 For culture, see Brodiaea. 



Fig 192. — Babiana. 



