bulbs bloom. Plant in at least half shade, 4” deep. They are easy to grow in the 
north, as they do not require a long season. Dig and store bulbs over winter. 
In mild climates where only a light crust of soil freezes they need not be dug. 
They are rather gorgeous and unusual. Small bulbs, 25c. M. 50c, 75c¢ and $1.00. 
Large, $1.25 and $1.50. These large bulbs usually sell for at least twice this 
price. 
Arum palaestinum. Black Calla or Solomon’s Lily. Foliage and flower like 
callas. Really black. Plant 4” deep. Flowers about Feb. in pots or in the garden 
in the south. No bad odor. Best in half shade. We usually list these in the fall 
only but this year we saved a limited number. They should be planted very 
soon. Special. Small, blooming size, 20c. M. 35c. L. 50c. Jumbo bulbs, 75c. 
Order before Feb. 15 if possible. 
Dracunculus vulgaris. Gorgeous tropical foliage with large black-purple 
flowers with carrion odor when first opened. Hardy in north if planted 8” to 
12” deep and mulched. 25c. Top size, 50c. 
Sauromatum venosum. Odd tropical foliage, and the most unusual flower, 
with a spathe 16” long, 1” wide, yellow with purple-black spots. Spathe lies 
on the ground hence the common name, Lizard Lily. Dry bulbs will bloom out 
of ground. Disagreeable odor. Need shade, plenty water. Large plants suggest 
tropical jungle. Hardy. S. 25c. Largest blooming size, $1.50 ea. Order early, 
or they will have bloomed. 
ORCHID FAMILY. Orchidaceae 
Last year we offered a list of native Orchids. These did not succeed so 
well for me here and I hesitate to recommend them for a hot, dry climate. 
Some of our customers however, reported success. I have tried to find other 
terrestial orchids than the following but those offered by growers are at a 
price which would limit their sale too much. The following are easy to grow 
and low in price. 
Bletilla hyacintha. Attractive plaited leaves. Small amethyst-purple, typi- 
cally orchid-shaped flowers in a 15” raceme. Very nice for cutting and for a 
corsage. Give half shade and best soil is sandy loam into which is spaded 4” 
to 6” of leaf mould. Add peat also if possible. These are not available after 
Mar. 1. Better to plant at once. 35c. Quite large bulbs, 50c. 
B. hyacintha alba. A white flowering form. 75c. 
Epidendrum O’Brienianum. These are the rankest growing among Orchids. 
The inflorescence, usually terminal consists of a dense raceme of deep scarlet- 
red flowers. Plant in a warm place in full sun. Add plenty of peat and leaf 
mould to a sandy soil. Water freely in the dry season. Good sized cutting with 
roots, $1.00. Small cuttings, 50c and 75c ea. Large clumps, $5.00 to $10.00. 
THE PINEAPPLE FAMILY. Bromeliaceae 
The Bromeliaceae. Bromeliads or The Pineapple Family are not bulbs but 
they do interest us. They have a rich tropical beauty both in foliage and flower. 
They are quite tender but are very easy in pots in the north. Here they require 
shade but in the house they should have some sun. Give little water in winter 
but much in summer. 
Billbergias are the most exciting of the family. Since they are epiphytes 
they prefer to be rooted in peat, sphagnum or leaf mould but do perfectly in 
a loose sandy soil containing much leaf mould. The most perfect setting is in 
the cup formed by the axil of a dead leaf of the ornamental Date Palm. Fill 
this space with the mould abundantly furnished by the tree. Sprinkle often. 
Plants offered are single offsets. 
Billbergia amoena. The showiest of all. From spring to early fall it sends 
up occasional spikes that have brilliant orange bracts with green flowers tipped 
dark blue. $1.50. 
B. distachia hybrid. The stiff leaves are variegated and richly colored. The 
flower scape has vivid red bracts. $1.00. 
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