22 



Dreer's Autumn Catalogue, 1896. 



Head of Lilium Aukatum. 



^•LILIES*- 



To the Lily must be awarded the first place amongst hardy bulbs ; their beauty 

 and fragrance are unequalled by any other class of plants, and even surpass the 

 richest exotics for size, form and coloring. The genus embraces a vast number of 

 species; we, however, confine our list to such as are of easy culture and give the 

 best results with the least care. They should be planted deep, covering the bulb 

 with at least 6 inches of soil, and when hard frost sets in, 4 to 6 inches of 

 leaves or litter should be placed over them ; this should be removed in spring, 

 when danger from hard frost is past. The soil best suited for them is a deep, light 

 loam, enriched with thoroughly decomposed cow manure; but good results may be 

 had in any good garden soil. They do grandly in a semi-shaded position, or planted 

 among shrubbery, and in all cases it is well to mulch around the roots. A great 

 many cases of failure with Lilies can be traced to their being planted at the wrong 

 time. We believe that fall planting is much better than spring, and in each case 

 the sooner they are planted after maturity the better. 



Candidum, Harrisii and Longiflorum are mature in August, and the others, with 

 one or two exceptions, in October. Many sorts, including the magnificent Japanese 

 varieties, Auratum, Kramerii. Longiflorum and Speciosum, are now offered at such 

 low prices that liberal plantings can be made at little expense ; it is only when planted 

 in clumps of a dozen to a hundred that they show to best advantage. 



Culture ill PotS. When grown in pots, the best soil is sandy peat, but they 

 will flower finely in a light, rich mixture. It is advisable to begin with the smallest 

 size pot in which the bulbs can be placed, and to shift into larger pots as the plant 

 progresses, and until the flower buds appear, when, of course, no further shifting 

 should be done. A cool temperature suits them best, and the plants should be 

 liberally watered during the period of growth and flowering. 



LILIUM CANDI- 

 DUM. (Annunciation Lily.) 



LILIUM HARRISII. 



(Bermuda Easter Lily.) 



This magnificent Lily is undoubtedly the 

 best for winter forcing, as it comes quickly into 

 bloom and produces flowers in the greatest 

 abundance. The flowers are trumpet-shaped, 

 pure white, gracefully formed and delight- 

 fully fragrant, and if cut when partly opened, 

 will last in perfection for 10 days or 2 weeks. 

 The bulbs should be potted in early fall in 

 rich soil, and the pots plunged in sand, where 

 they should be allowed to remain until the ap- 

 proach of cold weather. The aim should be 

 to prevent the tops starting until the roots 

 have become strong and vigorous, when they 

 may be brought in and placed in gentle heat. 

 It can be forced into bloom at any desired 

 time, and the freedom with which the flowers 

 are produced is truly remarkable; even the 

 smallest bulbs will bloom. For outdoor plant- 

 ing it is very desirable, as it is hardy with 

 slight protection, easy of culture, and one of 

 the finest plants for garden or cemetery deco- 

 ration. 



Mammoth bulbs, 11 to 13 inches in circum- 

 ference. 40 cts. each, $4. 00 per doz. 



Extra size bulbs, 9 to 11 inches in circumference 20 



First " " 7 to 9 " " " 10 



Second " " 5 to 7 " " " 06 



We also have a few Monstrous Bulbs 13 to 15 inches in circumference, suitable for growing 

 specimen plants. 75 cts. each, $7-50 per doz. 



LILIUM AURATUM. Golden Banded Lily.) 



Of all the Lily tribe, this is undoubtedly one of the finest, whether we regard its size, its 

 sweetness, or its exquisite arrangement of color. Its large and graceful flowers are composed 

 of six petals of a delicate ivory white color, thickly studded with chocolate crimson spots, and 

 striped through the centre a golden yellow. From 6 to 20 flowers are produced on a stem, 

 and, as the bulbs acquire age and strength, the flowers increase in size and number. It is 

 perfectly hardy, and thrives best in a moderately dry, rich loam where the water does not lie 

 in winter. Good drainage is necessary to the successful growing of this Lily. Plant 6 

 inches deep, and cover lightly during winter. 



Each. 



Extra large bulbs, 11 to 13 inches in circumference $0 20 



First size, " 9 toll " " " 15 



Second size, " 7 to 9 " " 10 



This is one of the best known 

 and most popular of garden Lilies. 

 The flowers are pure snow white 

 and very fragrant, borne on long 

 stems, and often exceed in number 

 25 to each bulb. It is also a val- 

 uable variety for forcing, being 

 largely used by the florists for this 

 purpose. Large bulbs, 10 cts. each, 

 SL00 per doz., $5.00 per 100. 



Lilium Candidum. 



Each 



Doz. ioo. 



2 00 SI 2 00 



1 00 6 00 



60 4 00 



Doz. ioo. 



S2 00 $10 00 



1 50 8 00 



1 00 6 00 



If wanted by mail, add 5 cts. each to the price of Lily Bulbs for postage. 



Lilivm Hakrisii. 



