DARWIN OR LATE TULIPS 



The Darwins may be left undisturbed for two or three years, but 

 it must be kept in mind that the Tulip is not long-lived in our 

 soil and climate, under ordinary- circumstances. The stems of 

 the Darwins are very long and sturdy, giving a noble stateliness 

 {>eculiar to this class. 



For the borders, among other hardy flowers, for isolated group- 

 ings against a background of shn^bs, or for combinations of deli- 

 cate colors for efifects of contrast in the flower-garden, the Dar- 

 wins are matchless. Their beauty is maddening, whether they 

 are seen wide open in the strong glare of midday, or in the quieter 

 light just before dusk, when the closed flowers best show the 

 grace of their charmingly distinct shapes and the softness of their 

 pale colors. It is this very^ softness of color which, at first sight, 

 fastens the spell of the Darwins upon the lover of garden beauty. 

 The colors have the quality of true pastel shades, and all the 

 varieties (with the possible exception of the scarlet-red tones) 

 combine in the border so harmoniously that the danger of a jar- 

 ring note in the most haphazard planting is quite negligible. 

 For carefully studied arrangements of these Tulips, the color 

 schemes on page 13 should be consulted. In pots, if brought into 

 heat not earlier than the middle of Januarys they force very suc- 

 cessfully; and in the following list the sorts adapted to forcing 

 are indicated. When forced, some varieties lose their true color, 

 but even so they gain a pleasing softness that compensates for 

 the lack of brilliancy. 



Culture. The bulbs should be planted 5 to 6 inches deep, 

 and not less than 5 inches apart. Sand, to the depth of an inch 

 at the base of the bulb, will repay the trouble through the pro- 

 vision for drainage during wet weather. If possible, shelter from 

 cold winds should be aff^orded. For forcing, the bulbs should be 

 potted as soon as received. The flowers appear to better ad- 

 vantage if pots a trifle deeper than ordinarv' bulb-pans are used. 

 It is essential to success that the bulbs are set farther apart 

 than Early Tulips, and are given plenty of room on the benches 

 when vigorous gro\\th begins. If brought along slowly, under 

 moderately cool conditions, much finer colors and stiffer stems 

 will be secured. Too high a temperature should constantly be 

 avoided, or blind growth will result. 



The figure jolloxcing the name indicaies tbe relative time of flowering 



ADELE SANDROCK. 1. Opens a peculiar shade of dull salmon- 

 rose, with rosy margin, changing to dull cerise-pink; white 

 base, marked blue. A distinct flower of medium size. Height 

 26 in. 10 bulbs, 70 cts.; 100 bulbs, $6. 



47 



