somewhat related, the hybrid nérine has many 
superior qualities. One of the distinguishing 
features is that all Lycoris have black seeds 
while all true nerines have green seeds. 
DESCRIPTION 
Our improved hybrid nerines are in the 
advanced stages of perfection. They are beau- 
tiful; they have interesting forms, exquisite 
colors and lasting qualities. The flowers are 
born in clusters or umbells of six to twenty- 
four funnel-shaped blooms on a single stem. 
The flower spikes are from four to six inches 
in diameter. The stems are from twelve to 
eighteen inches in length. The perianth seg- 
ments of the flower glisten as if the entire 
surface were set with tiny mirrors giving a 
sparkling brilliance—they dazzle in the sun- 
light or artificial light as if they were dusied 
with small particles of gold and silver. 
They range in color from scarlet through 
salmon, coral rose, pink to blush and white, 
often adorned with a stripe down the center 
of the petal. Some petals appear as though 
they had a permanent wave; they are the 
dream of the flower enthusiast in delicacy and 
perfection. As cut flowers the nerine is unex- 
celled for keeping qualities—when associated 
with light graceful foliage as maidenhair ferns 
they lend themselves to beautiful arrange- 
ments. They bloom during the month of Sep- 
tember to November, coming at a time when 
other flowers are scarce. Because of their 
sturdiness, keeping qualities and lustre, they 
are the pride of the florist in making corsages. 
Foliage follows blooming and consisis of 
about six narrow leaves to the bulb, varying 
from eight to eighteen inches in length. Bulbs 
range in size from one-half inch to two inches 
in diameter, depending upon age and care. 
CULTURE 
The Nerine is a long-lived bulb—it is easily 
grown—it is propagated by seed and offsets. 
It requires four years from seed to grow into 
a flowering bulb. The offsets, bulblets or side 
shoots from mature bulbs flower in two to 
three years. They may be separated from the 
parent bulb during their dormant period by 
removing top two inches of soil, rubbing off 
bulblets, then replacing with fresh soil—the 
parent bulbs not being disturbed. 
The flowers are readily hybridized and with 
systematic crossing, patience and care many 
new varieties with superior qualities of color 
and lustre will result. 
The secret of success with nerines is to se- 
cure the fullest possible development of the 
bulbs. 
