HARDY SUMMER- AND AUTUMN-FLOWERING BULBS. 907 



which, however, is not often seen blooming in gardens, no doubt on 

 account of a suitable spot not being selected for it. Its requirements 

 are a rich light soil and a warm sunny situation, such as at the foot 

 of a south wall, fully exposed to the sun, or a similar position on rock- 

 work, where it should remain undisturbed. When established, its large 

 white Crocus-like flowers, expanding in the sunshine, are very attractive. 



Sternbergia lutea. — Commonly known as the Lily of the Field, 

 Stembergia is a valuable little bulbous plant on account of its brilliant 

 yellow Crocus-like flowers being produced in October, when gardens are 

 beginning to lose their colour. Complaints are often made of this bulb 

 flowering shyly, but the reason no doubt is want of sufficient sun. It 

 seems to like a deep and fairly rich soil, mixed with a little mortar 



rubbish, and a sheltered position where it can obtain all possible sun. 

 The bulbs should be planted four to six inches deep. A carpeting of Stone- 

 crop or other surface-rooting little plants will afford a protection to the 

 bulbs in winter and show the flowers off to advantage. 



Lcucojum autumnale. — The Autumn Snowflake, sometimes called 

 Acis autumnalis, is a graceful little subject to naturalise on rockwork 

 in moist sandy soil. It bears small white flowers with delicate pink 

 markings. 



Scilla autumnalis. — This and its variety japonica bloom in August 

 and September, and are pretty little objects when seen established on 

 rockwork or massed in front of borders. The type has elegant little 

 heads of purplish-blue flowers, w T hile the blooms of japonica are of a 

 pretty bright rose. 



Fig. 208. — Cyclamen coum album established. 



