232 
THE FLOWER GARDEN. 
varieties of it. This is one of the best species for growing ir 
shrubberies or woodlands or in grass. Other interesting 
species are S. amcena (Star Hyacinth), indigo-blue, March and 
April ; S. bifolia, blue, March ; S. hyacinthoides, bluish-lilac, 
April and May; S. italica (Italian Bluebell), blue flowers and 
blue stamens, fragrant, April and May ; and S. peruviana, blue, 
May and June. The last four should be grown in warm sunny 
borders in sandy, well-drained soil. S. festalis and S. his- 
panica are best suited for shrubbery borders and woodland 
gardens ; and S. sibirica may be mixed with snowdrops and 
grown in the grass, or in masses, or as edgings to beds and 
borders. Plant the bulbs 3in. deep and 3in. or so apart in 
September or October. See also remarks on planting crocuses, 
etc., in grass and elsewhere. Once planted do not disturb 
the bulbs, then they will multiply and produce a wealth of 
blossom in spring. Increased by offsets in autumn. 
Sparasti G. — A genus of very pretty and showy spring- 
flowering, bulbous-rooted plants, belonging to the Iris order 
(Iridaceae), and natives of South Africa. The plants are of 
slender growth, with narrow leaves and graceful flower-stems, 
on W'hich are borne flowers, each measuring 2in. in diameter, 
and of the most pleasing combination of colours. The two 
species in cultivation are S. grandiflora, deep violet-purple, 
while or crimson, with a dark-coloured centre, May, i to 2ft. ; 
and S. tricolor, orange-red, yellow and purple brown, May. 
There are a number of very pretty varieties of the latter, the 
names of which will be found in florists’ lists. S. pulcherrima 
used to be included in this genus, but is now placed in 
the genus Dierama, which see. The Sparaxi require precisely 
the same cultural treatment as Ixias, which see. 
Sternbergia (Lily of the Field). — Very pretty bulbous 
plants, bearing crocus-like flowers, chiefly in autumn. They 
belong to the Amaryllis order (Amaryllidacese), and are natives 
of Asia Minor. S. lutea (Winter Daffodil) is supposed to be 
the Lily of the Field alluded to in Holy Writ. It grows about 
a foot high, has strap-like leaves, and bright yellow, crocus- 
like flowers borne in September and October. A variety of it 
named angustifolia is superior to the type, flowering more 
freely and also making more vigorous growth. Other species 
are S. colchiflora, dw'arf, 3 to 4in., flowers pale yellow, borne 
in September ; S. fischeriana, a yellow-flowered species bloom- 
ing in April ; and S. macrantha, yellow-flowered, blooming 
in September. These interesting bulbs should be grown in 
groups on a sunny rockery, or in a well-drained warm border in 
sandy loam and leaf-mould. Plant the bulbs 4m. deep and 
4 to 6in. apart in August or September. In winter add a 
