742 THE BOOK OF GARDEXIXG. 



Freesia refracta, and its variety alba (Fig. 488), are extremely 

 pretty and very sweet-scented, bulbous plants. Propagate by offsets. 

 Pot up in August in 6in. pots, putting about a dozen corms in 

 each. Grow in the cold frames during winter, protecting enough 

 to keep out frost. From November onwards take in batches 

 to flower in succession, placing first in the cool pit, and later in 

 the warm pit to flower ; also feed a little at this time and attend 

 to staking. After flowering, ripen off gradually, and continue to 

 keep in pots when dry in the cool pit near the glass, shaking out 

 and repotting in August. Soil : loam, leaf-soil, dry cow-manure, 

 and sand. 



Fig. 489. — Gladiolus xaxus delicatissi:ma. 



Gladiolus are very beautiful and attractive bulbous plants. 

 Although most of the species are used for outdoor decoration, 

 there are still several well worth growing for the greenhouse, 

 especially the early-flowering varieties, which make a fine show 

 during April and IMay. Foremost amongst these are G. Colvilleu 

 bright red ; G. C. alba, white ; and that beautiful variety called 



