268 
THE FLOWER GARDEN. 
moisture in spring and summer, but not too damp in winter, 
and partial shade. Plant the tubers 2 to 3m. apart and ii to 
2in. deep in August or September. When the leaves die, 
remove the old soil as far as the tubers, and top-dress with 
decayed manure and leaf-mould. In winter protect with dry 
leaves. Increased by seeds sown in sandy peat and leaf- 
mould in a cold frame in autumn. Grow the seedlings on in 
pots in a frame for a year, then plant out. 
Dierama (Wandflower). — A genus of South African bul- 
bous plants, belonging to the Iris order (Iridaceae). D. pul- 
cherrimum (Syn. Sparaxis pulcherrima) grows 3 to 6ft. high, 
has sword-shaped leaves and long graceful flower stems fur- 
nished with drooping, tubular, blood-red flowers in September. 
There are white, red and striped varieties of it. A hardy and 
beautiful species. D. pendula has lilac flowers borne on scapes 
4ft. high, and is also a very pretty species. Both require to be 
grown under similar conditions to Ixias, which see. 
Eranthis (Winter Aconite). — Dwarf tuberous-rooted 
perennials, which flower from January to March. All are 
yellow-flowered and belong to the Buttercup order (Ranuncu- 
laceas). The best known species is E. hyemalis. This is a 
native of Europe and grows 3 to 4m. high. It is extensively 
grown for naturalising in woodland borders, grassy slopes, 
and in turf under the shade of trees. It is one of the first 
hardy flowers to bloom in the open, and a mass of its bright 
yellow blossoms is very effective early in the year. The other 
species are, E. cilicica and E. sibirica. The small tubers 
should be scattered about and then planted where they lie a 
couple of inches deep in September or October. They are 
hardly suitable for the mixed border on account of the tubers 
being so easily disturbed by planting operations. Still, a few 
patches here and there in a border or rockery will be very 
pleasing if they can be so grown. The foliage soon dies. 
Increased by division when the foliage dies. 
Eremurus.— This is a genus of very handsome bulbous- 
rooted flowering perennials, belonging to the Lily order ( Lili- 
aceae). Many of them are of stately and noble growth, but 
they are unfortunately not hardy enough to succeed really well 
outdoors except in a few favoured districts. Those who live in 
mild, sheltered districts may grow these plants in positions 
sheltered from north and east winds. To ensure success it 
is advisable to prepare a special well-drained bed, fully 3ft. 
deep and composed of good sandy loam, decayed cow manure 
and leaf-mould. In this plant the roots 3 to 4ft. apart in 
autumn, keeping the crown just out of the soil. In winter 
