42 THE BOOK OF THE WINTER GARDEN 



during January, and usually carry more flowers per spike 

 than do the Christmas roses. 



They are well adapted for planting in shrubberies and 

 woodlands. 



So also is H, foetidusy occasionally found wild, with 

 many green flowers edged with dull purple. Its chief 

 beauty lies in the foliage, which, when plentiful, is very 

 noticeable from its dark colouring. 



The best time for lifting and dividing is directly after 

 the flowers fade, but if doing well they should be left 

 alone to form handsome clumps. 



Winter Hyacinths 



{Hyacinthus ciliatus). — A delightful February flowering 

 bulb from Asia Minor, with flowers of grape hyacinth 

 pattern. They are blue, and are most attractive if the 

 bulbs are set closely together, like snowdrops. On a 

 south border flowers appear in December and last for 

 several weeks. There is a large variety — giganteus. 

 The so-called Muscari praecox commences to flower in 

 January. 



Bulbous Irises 



Those named on page 49 are all suitable for south 

 borders in cold districts, and other sites in favoured 

 gardens. Their flowers are for the most part fragrant, 

 their colours varied and rich. As the satiny petals 

 are very fragile, they are easily spoiled by frost, winds, 

 or rain ; but a hand light, or any protection of this 

 kind, would prevent such evils. The bulbs should 

 be planted when procured, allowing 3 inches soil 

 above their apex. Care should be taken not to press 

 the bulb into the soil in those cases where the roots are 

 fleshy, as any pressure causes them to snap off". They 

 like well drained soil, and it is well to place a handful 



