Neomarica (Marica), have long been favorite house plants in the north, but rather 
rare. They are both curious and beautiful. The blue and white flowers on the tip of a 
leaflike scape in Jan. to April are followed by small plants. They become heavy and the 
scape arches until young plants touch the soil and take root. Hence their common names, 
Walking Iris and Apostle Plant. Culture: Shade plants but they need early and late sun 
to induce flowering. Soil formula, sharp sand, leaf mould and peat or sphagnum. Ever- 
green. Keep well watered, constantly wet. Tolerant to temperature but 50° to 70° is 
good. Not killed by 28°, outside. 
Neomarica gracilis. Smallest and earliest. Use 5” pot. 75c. 
N. Northiana. Larger plant and flowers, slow propagator. Use 6” pot. $1.75. 
N. Hybrids. We crossed the above species and raised plants with flowers as large 
as Northiana, as profuse as gracilis and plants midway in size. They are rapid multipliers. 
$1.75. All 4 kinds for $4.00. 
We have two other species under test but not for sale. A friend in Brazil is trying 
to locate a rare yellow species. We hope to introduce desirable species and hybrids later. 
Moraea polystachia. 2 ft. stems produce a multitude of iris-like flowers, violet with 
mauve and yellow in throat. A bed is a stunning sight. They increase rapidly by selfsown 
seed. Hardy in south and middle south to Tenn. In the north grow in a 5” pot, sandy 
soil with leaf mould, full sun. 15c and 25c ea. $1.00 and $2.00 doz. 
Culture Suggestions. Moraea to Tritonias. These are all most desirable items for 
Southern Gardens. All are hardy to about 24° to 26°. All need full sun exposure, prefer 
sandy or light soil and should be planted about 2” apart in garden or pots and 2” or 3” 
deep. All are winter bloomers and as house plants must have cool rooms. Height of plants 
is stated in inches, thus 20”. 
Babiana Hybrids. 8”. Blue shades, nice plicated foliage. 3 for 15c. 50c/doz. 
Ixia Hybrids. 12”. Fls. white when open. They close at night or on dark days, when 
they aré equally pretty as outside is like a red striped candy kiss. L. 4 for 25c. Small 
bulbs that will flower outside but doubtful for pots 35c/doz. 
Sparaxis. Richly colored fls., on plants about the size of Freesias. Mostly red shades. 
No perfume. Easier to flower in pots than Freesias and hardier outside in south. Blooming 
size, 6 for 25c, 40c/doz. Large, 3 for 15c, 50c doz. 
Tritonia hyalina. 10” Flame Freesia. Deep pink or red, very attractive in pots or 
garden. 10c. $1.00 doz. Small, for outside. 50c/doz. 
LILY FAMILY — Liliaceae 
Many call all bulbs, lilies, an error. Included in the Liliaceae are Hyacinths, Tulips, 
Muscari, Ornithogalum, Veltheimia, Scillas, etc. For Callas see Araceae. 
Scilla peruviana is an ideal bulb for pots or garden. It is hardy to N. Car. and in 
Long Island. As a house plant it does well in cool but sunny rooms. Give full sun out- 
doors. Winter bloomer. The short foliage is nice and flower head is oval and on a short 
stem. Blue fls. Extra large bulbs, 90c. L., 60c and 75c. Blooming size, 40c. 
Ornitholagum arabicum. A round, glossy black ovary in the center of a pure white 
flower makes a striking contrast at Easter time. Hardy only in south, but in the north 
they are easy in pots and bloom for Easter if planted early and grown in a cool room in 
good sun exposure. Low priced, easy to grow and desirable, early white flowers are a 
winning combination. L., 25c. M., 15c. One to 5” or 6” pot. 
Veltheimia viridifolia. This is one of the most beautiful plants one can grow in a 
pot. The glossy vivid green leaves are wavy margined and form a perfect rosette much 
like a bird’s nest fern. From the center arises a scape with tubular drooping flowers 
closely spaced. The color is a deep rosy or purplish pink of an ineffable tone not found 
in any other flower. It begins to bloom, if planted early, in So. Calif. gardens or other 
equally mild climates or in pots in the north by Dec. 15 and continues for nearly 3 
months as larger bulbs send up 2 to several spikes. Culture is very easy. Use a sandy loam 
soil to which is added fine screened peat or leaf mould about one-fourth. Some charcoal 
is good. Do best in part shade. Drainage must be good as they need frequent watering 
21 
