TENDER PLANTS THAT WILL THRIVE IN A SHELTERED BORDER. 
87 
the profusion of its pale-orange flowers, which are somewhat larger than a 
shilling. 
Lilium eximium is one of the admirable species introduced by Dr. Siebold from 
Japan, and nothing can be more fitted for growing in a warm border. It is a 
dwarf plant, not rising higher than two feet, with a rigid upright stem, large leaves, 
and flowers which resemble those of L. longiflorum , but are more expansive, and 
altogether of greater dimensions. It is one of the best of all lilies, surpassed merely 
by the more richly-coloured species ; while its flowers are of as pure a white as the 
favourite kind so abundant in gardens. Having been flowered most beautifully in 
a border at the Epsom nursery, there can be no doubt of its sufficient hardihood to 
stand in one which is well backed by plant-erections ; the sole condition to be 
guarded against in winter being superfluous or stagnant water about its bulbs. 
L. longiflorum is hardly inferior, as the habit is quite as dwarf, and the blooms are 
very long, and of a clear white. It is no less adapted to the object under reference 
than the species of which we have just spoken. 
L. speciosum , and its charming varieties, would, if capable of thriving out of 
doors at all, assuredly succeed in the borders of which we treat. Coming from the 
same country as L. eximium , we can perceive no other reason why they should not 
be as hardy, than that their powers of endurance have not yet been put to the 
proof. Since, if covered with a spacious flower-pot, inverted and filled with dry 
litter, they could not possibly be damaged, and as young plants can be obtained in 
any quantity from the scales, we do hope that some one near London, or in the 
more southern counties, will try the hardihood of these delightful plants in the 
current season ; for which end, they should be immediately planted out. The 
capacity of L. Thunbergianum , likewise from Japan, has, on trial, been shown to 
be adequate for its security in ordinary winters ; and besides adding another 
valuable species to the select list we are supplying, it confirms the probability of 
L. speciosum being robust enough at least for the adoption of the test. 
There are few sorts of Alstrcemeria , from the commonest to the most rare, that 
would not succeed in a well-sheltered border. Many will even flourish upon a level 
and wholly exposed plot ; but their slightly-succulent nature renders great caution 
necessary in preventing moisture from accumulating around them, and a raised 
border is most effectual for this. A. Hookeri , Neillii , psittacina , pulchella , and 
aurantiaca , are, we know, perfectly able to bear our winters in a dry situation, 
with a little shelter. And both A. acutifolia and A. hirtella , climbing species, may 
be grown in the border with complete impunity. The former requires to be trained 
to the wall, or to a tall pole ; while the latter does not usually grow above three 
feet high, and may be supported by an ordinary pea-stake. The difference which 
A. acutifolia displays when turned out into a free soil is amazing, and we have seen 
plants of it at Bury Hill, where Mr. Scott cultivates Alstrcemerias very skilfully, 
which were truly magnificent. All of them prefer an enriched soil. 
Epimediums, too, would be lovely plants in a conspicuous border. E. macran -* 
