118 
GARDENING IN THE SOUTHWEST 
SPECIOSUM LILIES 
RUBRUM AND MELPOMENE 
The two most beautiful of all the Lilies that 
are growing in the writer’s garden are Kubrum 
and Melpomene of the Speciosum group. The 
blossoms, whose segments curl back, not unlike the well- 
known Tiger Lily , are "white, shaded rose and spotted 
crimson”. In coloring Melpomene differs from Kubrum 
only by its deeper tones. 
The bulbs of these Lilies should be planted from eight 
to twelve inches deep, for they are stem-rooting, and 
bulblets form between the main bulb and the surface 
of the soil. It is preferable to plant them in the Fall, 
although, as with most Lilies, they may be planted in 
the Spring. 
Unfortunately they do not flower until after the 
Spring pageantry of blossoms has passed, and those who 
are away from home during midsummer fail to see 
the tall graceful bloom-stalks whose blossoms range 
up and down, making a joyous pyramid of daintiness. 
UMBELLATUM 
The Umbellatum Lilies are a brilliant addition to our South¬ 
western gardens. They are perfectly hardy and multiply surpris¬ 
ingly well in our heavy soil. This variety does not seem to be very 
choosey about soil, as it is being grown in several locations where 
soil conditions vary greatly. 
Its blossom-time follows the Jonquils (April), and because 
it does not grow as tall as many other Lilies (only about two and 
one-half feet) its garden value lies in using it in clumps (groups) 
where a strong splash of color is desired. The shape of the flower, 
which clusters at the top of the bloom-stalk, is quite individual, 
while their color ranges from yellow and orange to a brick-dusty 
red. Named varieties are usually more to be desired than a varied 
collection, for one may thus select both color and height of stem. 
Orange and yellow Zinnias and Marigolds may be planted among 
