M. VAN WAVEREN & SONS, INC. 
101 West 31st Street, New York City 
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS 
BELAMCANDA CHINENSIS 
In “Horticulture” Eileen Neuhauser reports on 
THE COVETED “BLACKBERRY LILY” 
“A portion of the trial grounds at Garfield Park, 
Chicago, has been devoted to the culture of Belamcanda 
chinensis, or “Blackberry Lily” as it is commonly termed. 
A number of plants were grown from seed and were 
hardened off out-of-doors for several years. They 
bloomed very profusely this year, making an excellent 
showing. 
A number of readers of Horticulture are, no doubt, 
familiar with this colorful perennial that was prized so 
highly in days gone by, but there are many who are not 
acquainted with this lovely plant. There seems to be a 
movement for reviving interest in old time plant favor¬ 
ites and B. chinensis is one very interesting subject that 
has been brought to light again. 
This species was originally introduced from China 
and Japan about the year 1825, and has become natu¬ 
ralized in some sections of our country where the Win¬ 
ters are not very severe. However, if planted in a 
sheltered situation in the northern states, it generally 
comes through in nice shape. This plant is delightful 
when it springs up quite carelessly amid ornamental 
shrubs or when it is planted in the herbaceous border. It 
belongs to the Iris family and attains a height of two 
feet. Its orange-colored blooms, produced on erect 
branching stems, are two inches across and strikingly 
spotted with purplish orange. 
Masses of these plants add immensely to the gayety 
of the garden and, incidentally, the blossoms are splen¬ 
did for cutting. The flowers are followed by shining 
black roundish seeds that make up the seed pods and 
their resemblance to the blackberry is marked, so much 
so that birds often mistake them for the fruit. A florist 
of my acquaintance cuts the fruits while they are on the 
stalk and saves them for use in dried bouquets where 
variety is desired. They last a surprisingly long time 
and are most attractive. 
In India, B chinensis serves a medicinal purpose, 
according to a publication on “Useful Plants of India” 
by Major Heber Drury. He states, “The whole plant 
boiled is applied as a lotion to the body as an antidote 
to every poison. The root beaten up or bruised and 
applied to the bite of a cobra will effect a cure.” 
The “Blackberry Lily” requires a sandy loam. It 
may be propagated by seed or root division. 
We can offer a few hundred strong divisions at $10.00 
per 100. 
IRIS RETICULATA 
The flowers are of the same type as the Spanish Iris, 
about half its size and of velvety royal purple color. 
Delightful fragrance. The bulbs are ready in late August 
and can be potted up in bowls with bulb fibre for forcing 
indoors, from September 15th on. They will flower 
from December 25th on. Height about 8 inches when 
in full bloom. Small clumps in sheltered rockery pockets 
bloom early in April. 
As long as unsplcj ___ per 100 $12.00 
KNIPHOFIA HYBRIDA MIRABILIS 
Wonderful progress has been made in the creation 
of graceful Kniphofia (Tritoma). By breeding the old 
forms to a little known white species of slender habit 
a new race has been developed, which not only has 
abundant grace, but also a looser formation and the 
most enchanting tints. Our seedlings range from pure 
white to the deepest golden yellow self colors, from 
palest orange to dark ox-blood red. Besides that there 
are also the most attractive bicolors, such as white and 
orange, white and red, yellow and bronze, tricolors, etc. 
The stems vary from the thinness of a knitting needle 
to lead pencil thickness. 
We have segregated about 20 outstanding types, of 
each of which we can supply strong divisions at $0.75 to 
$3.00 each. Our blocks of seedlings have drawn the 
admiration of every visitor during July, August and 
September. 
Strong divisions, per 100 $20.00; per 1,000 $150.00; 
f. o. b. Salisbury, Maryland. November or April ship¬ 
ment. 
LEUCOJUM 
The old, old Snowflake comes back again. Thrives 
wonderfully well with us. Last May we had a vase-full 
on our desk again. Stems as long as Poeticus and from 
2 to 4 of the charming white bells to each head, with the 
curious pale green dot on the point of each petal. The 
foliage and the bulbs look like those of the Narcissi. 
Per 100, $5.00. 
NERINE SARNIENSIS 
This gorgeous Nerine is undoubtedly the hardiest 
member of the species. We find it naturalized in the 
grounds around famous Ware Church at Gloucester, Va., 
which was built in the 17th century. It blooms there 
end of September with 18 inch stems, which firmly sup¬ 
port the exquisite vivid crimson umbels. North of 
Washington it should be treated as a house plant, 3 bulbs 
in a 5 inch pot will do nicely. 
The bulbs are shipped from our Virginia nurseries 
together with Narcissus, or earlier, if desired. Seedsmen 
should list this fine Nerine in their summer catalogues. 
The bulbs are so inexpensive and the flowers truly 
wonderful. 
Per 100 
Selected large bulbs___ $13.00 
Extra No. 1 bulbs_ 8.00 
Medium grade, for propagation_ 5.00 
In some European catalogues one may find collections 
of 40 to 50 varieties of Nerines, ranging in price from 
$0.50 to $10.00 each. These collections are highly prized 
by foreign private estate owners. We can furnish about 
forty varieties subject to special permit for their impor¬ 
tation into this country. 
Per 1000 
RANUNCULUS. Should he planted “claws 
down” and preferably early in spring if 
wanted outdoors. A little light much even 
then helps to protect the young foliage 
against cutting winds. For indoors, 3 bulbs 
in a 5 inch pot is enough. The special Giant 
French strain we offer, blooms profusely with 
tall stems and gorgeous colors. 
Strong, one year old, No. 1 Bulbs _ $30.00 
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