89-i JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



HARDY SUMMER- AND AUTUMN-FLOWERING BULBS. 



By P. Rudolph Barr, F.R.H.S. 



[Delivered October 21, 1902.] 



I propose in this paper to pass in review those bulbous plants which 

 may be recommended chiefly for their decorative character in the 

 flower garden and their easy culture, and also to give short practical 

 notes on the treatment of each. I take the word bulb in its popular 

 rather than botanical sense, as otherwise many beautiful flowers would 

 have to be excluded which cannot be scientifically designated as bulbous, 

 as some of them form corms, some tubers, some rhizomes, and so on. 

 Thus, the Gladiolus makes a conn, while the Alstroemeria forms tubers ; 

 nevertheless, they all serve the same purpose to the flower as does a bulb 

 to the Hyacinth, and they are generally all classed by amateurs under the 

 term bulbous plants. 



Before the beauty and brilliancy of the May-flowering Tulips have 

 quite faded from our memory, we find ourselves taking delight in the fresh 

 bright shades of the Spanish Iris, the sumptuous flowers of the English 

 Iris, and the brilliant colours of Ranunculus and Ixia come to gladden us. 



June. 



Ranunculus. — Let us take the Ranunculus to start with. It is a pity 

 that these charming flowers are not now seen more frequently in gardens, 

 as they are easily grown and give a most brilliant effect when massed in 

 the border or used for filling beds. They make a carpet of rich green 

 foliage, above which rise the rose-shaped flowers of scarlet, rose, white, 

 yellow, orange, and many other striking colours, making a brilliant show 

 in the garden at the end of May and early part of June. A well-drained, 

 light rich soil, and a sunny situation which is not wind-swept, are con- 

 ditions which the Ranunculus enjoys. During April and May, when in 

 full growth, they slwuld be kept well watered if the weather be dry. 

 Plant the roots in October or November, or in cold districts in February : 

 they should be put in three or four inches apart, claws downwards, with the 

 crown two inches below the surface and covered with sand. The finest 

 class to grow is the French or Turco-Persian strain, but the Turban 

 varieties should also be used, being very robust. 



Iris. — The Spanish and English Irises are the flowers attracting our 

 attention next ; these are now very popular, especially the Spanish Iris, 

 which has taken a prominent place in England as a market flower, being 

 grown by millions for cutting. Daring the last few years, considerable 

 improvement has been made in this family, varieties being raised with 

 larger flowers and longer stems than the older varieties possessed. 

 Regarded as a border plant, the Spanish Iris is of great value, and fine 

 breaks of rich colour can be obtained by its use. I would just mention 

 a few really fine varieties which should be grown, both for garden effect 

 and for cutting : Princess Ida (white and primrose), Cantab (azure-blue), 



