HARDY BULBS AND TUBERS. 
267 
kind. The bulbs of both species should be planted 3m. deep 
and 6in. apart in September and October. It is not necessary 
to lift the bulbs after flowering-. They may remain where they 
are for three years, then be lifted and replanted in August or 
early September. Both kinds should be grown in bold groups, 
the bare earth being carpeted with violas or some other dwarf 
plant. Bulbous Irises may be increased by offsets. 
Ixia. — A charming genus of bulbous perennials, natives of 
S. Africa, members of the Iris order (Iridacese), but only hardy 
enough to grow outdoors in warm districts. To succeed with 
them they must be grown in a well-drained sheltered border 
near a south wall or in a raised bed. The soil must be a 
sandy loam, and the bulbs be planted early in November or 
in February. Plant them 3m. deep and 3m. apart. In severe 
weather protect the beds with a covering of bracken or dry 
litter. It is not necessary to lift the bulbs after flowering, 
which takes place in summer. The flowers are valuable for 
cutting. The following are pretty kinds : Craeteroides, cerise- 
scarlet ; Erubescens major, rose-carmine ; Golden Drop, golden 
yellow; La Favourite, primrose, crimson centre; Magnifica., 
yellow, chocolate centre ; Magnum Bonum, white, blue centre ; 
Nitens, magenta; Praestans, crimson; Queen of Roses, rose; 
Vulcan, orange-red ; White Queen, white, crimson centre. In- 
creased by offsets. 
Ixiolirion (Ixia Lily). — Hardy bulbous plants, belonging 
to the Amaryllis order (Amaryllidaceae), and natives of Western 
Asia. Two species are cultivated, namely, I. kolpakowskianum 
and I. montanum. Both have grassy foliage. The former 
has blue or bluish-white funnel-shaped flowers borne in May, 
and the latter lilac blossoms borne in June. Tartaricum or 
Ledebouri, and macranthum are varieties of I. montanum. The 
flowers are valuable for cutting and last a long time in a cut 
state. These bulbs require to be grown in sandy loam in a 
sunny well-drained border or on a rockery. Damp, heavy soils 
are unsuitable. Plant the bulbs 4 to 6in. deep in September or 
October. When planting place a layer of silver sand under and 
around each bulb. In winter protect either with a hand- 
light or a thick covering of bracken. Some growers prefer 
to lift the bulbs in August, store them in sand in a frost-proof 
place, and plant in March. Increased by seeds sown in sandy 
soil in a cold frame in autumn or spring. The seedlings flower 
when three to four years old. 
Lapeyrousia (Flowering Grass). — L. cruenta, the only 
species grown, is a member of the Iris family (Iridaceae), and 
a native of South Africa. It is a bulbous-rooted perennial, 
