54 
BARR’S GENERAL BULB CATALOGUE, Autumn, 1915 
BARR’S BEAUTIFUL LILIES, 
For Naturalising in Flower and Shrubbery Borders, and for 
Greenhouse Decoration. 
For chasteness and beauty of colour and form, the Lily stands pre-eminent amongst hardy plants, 
and by a judicious selection of species a continuous display of bloom can be maintained in the (lower garden 
or greenhouse from May to October. In the flower or shrubbery border they arc most effective when 
planted in bold groups, while isolated clumps on lawns of the taller-growing Lilies produce a fine effect. 
General Hints on Culture. 
Lilies planted out-doors. — The conditions essential to success in growing Lilies may be generally 
summarised thus A cool rooting medium; Perfect drainage; and Shade from hot sun. 
These conditions can be readily fulfilled in the borders of Rhododendron and Azalea beds, or amongst the 
various subjects grown in the herbaceous and shrubbery border. In such positions the young Spring growths 
are protected from cold winds, and the ground is kept shaded and cool by the shade of the surrounding 
plants. This is especially needful in the case of those Lilies which make stem roots, as these are only 
developed freely in shade. On these roots, which are produced at the base of the stem, the flower-head 
largely depends for its successful development, and the bulb for its preservation. As soon as they appear 
a light covering of good rich soil should be given, into which they can root freely. The chief stem-rooting 
Lilies in the following list are marked thus S. There are others which are less dependent on these 
stem roots, which they only produce when the bulbs are planted on rich soil and in shade. 
In preparing the ground for Lilies loosen the soil to a depth of 2 feet or more, and add or fill in the 
necessary compost [see notes below). Plant the bulbs with their tops 2 to 3 inches below the surface, 
surrounding and covering with sand, and then top-dress with a compost of light soil and well-decayed 
manure, working in pieces of burnt or charred wood. As growth advances a mulching of light rich soil 
should be occasionally given, and during the growing period the plants should be freely watered. In late 
autumn cut down the old flower-stems and give a light covering of leaves or peat-fibre. 
Lilies in Pots. — Any one with an unheated 
greenhouse can easily have a very beautiful show of 
Lilies in pots during the summer months. The 
varieties specially recommended for this culture are 
Auralum , Speciosum, Tigrinum, Chalcedonicum, 
Umbellatuni, Elegans , Testaceum, Hansoni, Iienryi, 
Giganteum, Brownii, Brownii var. odorum , Longi- 
florum, Krameri, and Rubellum. 
In potting use a compost of fibrous loam and 
sweet decomposed leaf soil, with plenty of coarse 
sand or a mixture of good peat, loam, and sand, 
adding to the compost a few pieces of charcoal. See 
that the drainage is perfect. The pots should be 
carefully washed and allowed to dry before using ; 
new pots should be well soaked ; never use wet or 
dirty pots. In order to destroy all injurious insect 
life it is a good plan to sterilise the soil to be used 
for potting ; we recommend for this purpose the 
Kondine Soil Steriliser, price 40r. (full par- 
ticulars on application), or small quantities of soil 
can be sterilised in a sack, pouring over it a large 
kettle of boiling water, and then spreading out the 
soil to dry. This will prevent a great deal of after 
trouble from worms or insects attacking the bulb 
roots. Pot firmly, barely covering the top of the 
bulb, and leaving room to add more soil when the 
surface roots appear. Select a situation out of doors, 
protected from the afternoon sun, and stand the pots 
on a bed of ashes raised above the general level to 
avoid stagnant moisture, and make firm to prevent 
the entrance of worms ; then cover with 6 inches of 
peat-fibre or old leaf soil to keep off excessive rains. 
When top growth begins to show above the covering, remove the pots to a cold frame, pit, or greenhouse, 
and start giving water sparingly ; a little clear weak liquid manure given twice a week when the flower- 
buds are well advanced will greatly assist in the development of fine blooms. A north wall or hedge is 
a suitable situation for starting the bulbs. If very early flowers are required the plants may be transferred 
from the cold frame into a gentle heat, but must be kept as near the glass as possible to prevent their 
getting drawn. Shade should be given to the lower portion of the stems to induce free stem-roots, and 
these should be top dressed as they appear. Give air freely, and fumigate if required. When coming into 
bloom a little weak manure-water will be of great assistance to the plants. The Liliums Nepalense, 
LIL1UM AURATUM. 
