ZEPHYKANTHES. 



25 



ZEPHYKANTHES. 



For the open border this genus furnishes some of 

 the most useful bulbs in cultivation; they are easily 

 managed, requiring the same treatment as the Gladiolus ; 

 they should be planted at the same time, only rather more 

 closely. Two of the species are continual bloomers. 

 They are particularly adapted for open air culture, and 

 are, in fact, of but little use, relatively, elsewhere. 

 See engraving, Page 11. There are a number of species 

 and varieties ; the truly useful ones are : 



Z. Atamasco. — A native of Virginia and south- 

 ward, where it is popularly known as the Atamasco Lily. 

 It is also known as Amaryllis Atamasco; flowers white, 

 changing to light pink, singly on stems about one foot 

 high. This rarely blooms more than once in a season. 



Z. Candida (Amaryllis Candida). — Peruvian Swamp 

 Lily. This is one of the most useful of the species. 

 The bulbs are small, produced in bunches ; flowers about 

 two inches across, pure white, on stems eight inches high. 

 This is a capital border plant ; it forms a solid mass of 

 grass-like foliage, and is in constant bloom from July 

 until killed down by frost. Its pure white flowers, ris- 

 ing just above the bright green foliage, form a striking 

 and pleasing contrast. The bulbs should be separated 

 in the spring and planted in masses, or as a border, two 

 inches apart each way. Take up in the fall, after a 

 heavy frost, and store the same as the Gladiolus. 



Z. rosea (Fairy Lily). — This should be treated in 

 precisely the same manner as the above, excepting that 

 the bulbs should be planted five inches apart each way. 

 The two species should be planted in rows, side by side, 

 or in masses close together, in order to produce that har- 

 mony of color, that white, bright pink and green always 



