The Book of Bulbs

CHAPTER III
HARDY BULBS

Amaryllises – Anthericums – Antholyzas – Apios – Arisæmas – Arums – Asphodelines – Asphodeluses – Belamcanda – Bloomerias – Brodiæas – Bulbocodiums

Amaryllises

The only really hardy Amaryllis is A. Belladonna, the Belladonna Lily, which is a very effective plant with silvery rose flowers in late summer or early autumn. The leaves appear in spring, and as the flowers come after these have withered, the Belladonna Lily should have some carpeting plant above the bulbs. It is quite hardy if planted in a warm, sunny position, near a wall, and the tops of the bulbs at least six inches below the surface. It is safer to put some dry leaves or other light material over the bulbs in severe winters, removing this when the leaves come through. It also makes a good pot plant. The form major is even finer.

Anthericums

Some of the hardy plants cultivated in gardens as Anthericums are now included by botanists in other genera, but they will be more conveniently dealt with together under their popular names in gardens. Several of these are very ornamental plants, with handsome spikes of beautiful flowers. They grow well in common soil, not too dry, and are best planted in autumn or spring, at which times they may be divided when desired. Liliago, St Bernard's Lily, grows about one and a half foot high, and has pretty white flowers from May. There is a larger form, called major. A. Liliastrum, St Bruno's Lily, now Paradisea Liliastrum, and also named Czackia Liliastrum, is a still prettier plant, with larger fragrant flowers in the beginning of summer. It is taller than the foregoing. There is a fine variety called major. Ramosum (syn. graminifolium), is pretty also, though the flowers are smaller than those of A. Liliago. It flowers in June, and has white blooms on stems about two feet high, and narrow leaves. Hookeri, whose proper name is Bulbinella Hookeri, is a good plant for a moist border, and has nice yellow flowers in summer.

Antholyzas

Antholyzas are effective plants allied to the Gladiolus and Crocosma, and look very striking in the border. Several are hardy in the greater portion of the United Kingdom if planted about three inches deep and covered the first winter with about two inches of cocoa-nut fibre. One of the best is Antholyza paniculata, which has scarlet and yellow flowers and blooms in autumn. It has handsome leaves, and grows about three feet high, Æthiopica, Cunonia, and spicata are all effective, but paniculata seems the hardiest of all. There is a variety known as major. They can also be grown in pots for the conservatory.

Apios

The only plant of the genus in cultivation is A. tuberosa, the Ground Nut, a hardy North American plant of climbing habit, with sweet-scented purple flowers in August. It is hardy in a sunny, sheltered position, and should be planted three inches deep in rich soil in late autumn or spring.

Arisæmas

These singular, Arum-like plants grow in rather sandy soil, and prefer partial shade. The hardy species are ringens (syns. præcox and Sieboldi), which has green, white, and purple flowers in spring; and triphylla, which has green and brown spathes in June and July. They are increased by seeds or division, and are best planted either early in autumn or in spring.

Arums

The favourite flower which bears the name of Lily of the Nile, or Arum Lily, is not an Arum, and will be found spoken of as Richardia africana, but there are a few true Arums which may be grown for their singularity, if not for the beauties they reveal to those who examine them carefully. The hardy species like a rich, rather sandy soil, with plenty of moisture in it. They should not be planted out the first season until spring, but may afterwards be left in the open ground. Dracontium, the "Green Dragon"; Dracunculus, the "Common Dragon"; italicum; maculatum, our native "Lords and Ladies"; orientale; palæstinum, or sanctum (only hardy in mild places); proboscideum, whose true name is Arisarum proboscideum; and tenuifolium are all hardy.

Asphodelines

These fine hardy plants are closely allied to the Asphodeluses, and may be grown in deep sandy soil with plenty of water during the growing season. The leading species are: – brevicaulis, yellow and green, about one foot high; damascena, two feet high, yellow; liburnica, wo feet high, yellow; and lutea (syn. Asphodelus luteus), about four feet high, yellow; its double form is desirable. Taurica (syn. Asphodelus tauricus) has white flowers on stems about two feet high; and tenuior, now cretica (syn. Asphodelus tenuior), has yellow blooms on a stem about a foot high. The most imposing of all is imperialis, eight feet, with reddish white flowers.

Asphodeluses

Asphodels are useful and ornamental in borders and in wild gardens. When well-grown, plants of A. ramosus, the King's Spear, are truly handsome. They like a rich, sandy loam with some manure added, and should always have plenty of water when growing. The principal species are the following: – acaulis, pink, flowering in May, an Algerian species and a little tender; fistulosus, white, in summer, and one a half foot high; and ramosus, five feet high, in summer, with white blooms striped with brown. Albus is a form of the last.

Belamcanda punctata

This distinct, Iris-like plant is usually known as Pardanthus sinensis, and is too seldom met with in gardens. It is a little tender, but may be cultivated in a sheltered position in light soil. It grows about two feet high, and has orange flowers spotted with brown, and Iris-like leaves. I prefer to plant it in spring.

Bloomerias

Bloomerias are pretty, hardy, golden-yellow flowered plants, which are but little grown, but deserve a place in our gardens. The easiest to obtain is aurea, which grows about one foot high and has an umbel of pretty flowers, in July. The only other species, Clevelandii, closely resembles it, but has smaller flowers and more slender stems. They like a warm position in rich, sandy soil, and may be planted in early autumn about two inches deep.

Brodiæas

The Brodiæas have of late been deservedly coming to the front, and their use adds much to the charms of the garden in June and July, although growers must make up their minds to lose a few the first winter should the season be a damp one. Many are very beautiful, and well repay the little trouble they give. They vary much in height, some sending up tall scapes with many-flowered umbels, while others are quite dwarf. They like a light soil and a sunny position, and ought to be planted about two or three inches deep.

Bridgesii and laxa bear some resemblance to each other, and grow from one to two feet high. They have flowers of a purple-blue. Candida resembles these, but has paler bluish flowers. Capitata is another tall grower with blue flowers, the white variety, alba, making a good companion. Coccinea, whose proper name is Brevoortia Ida-Mai, is a fine plant with tall stems and scarlet, green-tipped flowers. Congesta is a tall grower with purple-blue flowers; and other tall species with dark flowers are multiflora and californica. A pretty section with yellow flowers is made up of Hendersoni, with its yellow flowers striped with purple, crocea, and ixioides and its varieties erecta and splendens. The latter species is sometimes known as Calliprora flava or lutea. Howelli is a fine species, with a tall stem and porcelain flowers; the variety lilacina is pleasing. Lactea and pedunculata are both good white species, and the late-blooming Orcutti has light blue flowers.

A charming set of dwarf forms will be found among grandiflora, Purdyi, rosea, and stellaris, with blue or purple flowers; volubilis is a curious twining species, which needs support when it makes growth. It grows about five feet high.

Bulbocodiums

The only Bulbocodium to be met with, except in a few collections, is ruthenicum, almost universally known as vernum, a pretty early spring flowering plant with rosy purple flowers, and much resembling a Crocus in bloom. It thrives in any soil, but should be protected from slugs. There is a variegated-leaved form. These should be planted about two inches deep.

CHAPTER IV
HARDY BULBS

Calochorti and Cyclobothras – Camassias – Colchicums – Convallarias – Forcing Lily of the Valley – Corydalises – Crinums – Crocosmias and Montbretias – Crocuses

Calochorti and Cyclobothras

The Calochortus, with which is now included the Cyclobothra, is one of our most beautiful bulbous plants, its appearance well justifying the names of Butterfly Tulip or Star Tulip applied to it. With a little protection in the way of rough litter, it will thrive outside in mild districts, but those who have any fear for the safety of their bulbs can grow these flowers in frames. They like a raised bed of light, dry soil in which they may be planted in September or October three inches deep, and protected with dry straw or spruce branches. When danger from severe frost is over, this may be removed and plenty of water given. If grown in frames, the lights may be removed at that time. There are now many species and varieties in cultivation, but the following form a good selection for those who wish to begin their cultivation: – albus, pulchellus, cæruleus major (these like a soil largely of leaf-mould, in half-shade), Purdyi, luteus, splendens, and any of the venustus varieties, especially those of the "Eldorado" strain. After the leaves die down, the bulbs should either be lifted and dried, or covered with a frame.

Camassias

The Camassias, or Quamashes, are handsome plants with long leaves and tall spikes of flowers of much beauty, although rather fugacious. The blooms are generally blue, but there is a white variety of the pretty C. esculenta and a creamy-white one called Leichtlinii. Fraseri is very pretty, and Cusickii and Engelmanni are also worth growing. They like a rather moist, peaty soil and a little shade when they bloom in May or June.

Colchicums

Colchicums or Meadow Saffrons are of much value in the garden in autumn, and in large clumps or masses produce a splendid effect. The few spring species are of less merit and are only desirable for those who like collections of uncommon flowers. They like a rather rich soil, and a sunny position. As the leaves appear in spring, the Colchicums should be grown through grass or other herbage where the flowers can have some support. The best time for planting is immediately after the leaves become yellow. The tops of the corms or bulbs should be about three inches below the surface. Colchicums are very poisonous and must not be planted where there can be any danger of their being eaten for edible tubers. The finest in cultivation are Bornmulleri, Sibthorpii, and speciosum, in several forms, including maximum, rubrum, and the new white album. Byzantinum is a good species, and some of the double forms, ascribed to autumnale, are possibly varieties of this. These double varieties are very useful, the best being album fl. pl., roseum fl. pl., and striatum fl. pl. The ordinary autumnale, of which there are several colours from white to purple, is rather weak in the flower-tubes and is much injured by bad weather. Other good Meadow Saffrons are cilicicum, Bertoloni, Decaisnei, alpinum, variegatum, Bivoniæ, and montanum. The spring-blooming crociflorum, with white flowers lined with violet, is small and much affected by slugs. The new hydrophyllum, which likes a damp spot, is a neat little spring species; luteum, also blooming in spring, does not appear to be so hardy as any of the others.

Convallarias

The cultivation of the Lily of the Valley out of doors calls for no special remarks beyond saying that it likes shade and some moisture. It is also desirable to mention that there are varieties with pink flowers; with double white flowers; and with gold-striped leaves. The first of these shows its colouring much better outside than when grown under glass. Fortin's variety and prolificans are specially good forms.

Forcing Lily of the Valley

Lily of the Valley is easily forced, and this can be done either by lifting large clumps or purchasing crowns, and growing them in a hot-bed or by planting them in pans or pots. The crowns should be kept above the soil, and they ought to be kept moist and dark until they have made some growth, when light should be given. For early bloom at Christmas, the crowns ought to be potted in the beginning or middle of November. A temperature of from 65 to 70 degrees is suitable for forcing this favourite flower. Retarded crowns are coming into favour, and give good results with careful treatment. It is inadvisable to put these in heat at first.

Corydalises

The tuberous-rooted Corydalises are pretty plants resembling in bloom those of the genus which have a herbaceous habit. The best known are bulbosa, known also as solida and tuberosa, also called cava, of both of which there are purple or lilac and white forms. Halleri is a pretty variety of bulbosa. C. nobilis, with yellow flowers, is a handsome May-blooming plant. Semenowii and Sewerzowii are both good yellow species and Scouleri has pale purple flowers and graceful leaves. They like peaty soil and a little shade.

Crinums

The Crinums are remarkably effective flowers, and some are perfectly hardy if given a warm position, preferably one in front of a greenhouse or a wall. The best known is longifolium, also called capense, which has fine fragrant pale rose flowers. The white variety alba is also pretty. Moorei is hardy if planted as recommended, and Powelli and Powelli album are equally as hardy as longifolium. Yemense is a fine white Crinum. Some patience is often necessary until the plants are strong enough to flower. They need copious supplies of water, and should have little litter about them in the first few winters. Their fine leaves are handsome but require a place sheltered from the wind.

Crocosmias and Montbretias

These two flowers go naturally together, not only because Crocosmia aurea is understood to be one of the parents of the hybrid Montbretias, but also because of the resemblance of their long spikes of bright flowers. The only species of Crocosmia, that named above, is a pretty and showy plant, though it is scarcely so hardy as some of the Montbretias and requires protection with dry litter or ashes in some districts when grown in the open. Plant about six inches deep in spring. The form C. a. imperialis is very fine and C. a. maculata is also worth growing. They all make good pot plants for a cool house.

The hybrid Montbretias are now so well known as to need no commendation, and the constant production of new varieties renders it inexpedient to give a list of varieties. While they are perfectly hardy in some gardens, in others they must be protected in a similar manner to the Crocosmias. It is also desirable to lift them and replant a few inches apart when they show signs of flowering unsatisfactorily. Otherwise they may be treated like the Crocosmias. They like a sunny, but not too dry, place in the garden.

Crocuses

Crocuses are such brilliant and beautiful flowers that one need not occupy space with their praises. Their use in beds, borders, pots, or in grass is necessary if we are to enjoy our gardens to the full. While the popular Dutch varieties, whose names will be found in any bulb catalogue, will retain their place in the garden, they will be largely supplemented by the different species by whose aid the interest in these flowers will be much increased. By their help we can not only extend the Crocus season, so as to have flowers in autumn and winter as well as in spring, but they will also give us new colours and markings of much beauty. The autumn Crocuses are of much value. The earliest is C. vallicola, with creamy flowers, but it is not very hardy and wants a frame. Speciosus and its larger form Aitchisoni are of great service with their blue-purple blooms. Zonatus, pulchellus, iridiflorus, and iridiflorus major are all good, as also are lævigatus, cancellatus, with its variety asturicus, hadriaticus, medius, nudiflorus, ochroleucus, Salzmanni, and Tournefortii. Sativus, the old Saffron Crocus, is showy, but is a shy bloomer in most gardens. Its forms, cartwrightianus, elwesianus, and Pallasii are better flowerers. Scharojani should have a frame. White varieties of some of these Croci are highly prized.

The winter-flowering Croci are also very beautiful, and with the protection of a little glass over them in bad weather will give much pleasure, especially in December or January, when other out-door flowers are scarce. Chrysanthus, which varies much in colour; Imperati, a valuable species; the charming Sieberi, dalmaticus, etruscus, Gaillardotti, the yellow Korolkowii, nevadensis, the orange suterianus, and the pretty suaveolens, might be included and protected by glass covers from the storms.

Following these come the spring Croci: aureus, said to be the parent of the Dutch yellow, giving us shades of some variety; while biflorus yields some very beautiful forms, such as argenteus, estriatus, Pestalozzœ, pusillus, and Weldeni. Then, apart from the Dutch varieties, vernus gives a number of forms, George Maw, Leedsi, leucorhynchus, leucostigma, and Petro Polowsky being among the most distinct of these. Alatavicus, ancyrensis, banaticus, Balansæ, corsicus, Fleischeri, gargaricus, Malyi, Olivieri, reticulatus, stellaris, susianus, the varied versicolor, and the charming tommasinianus will give many exquisite pictures. These will give little trouble if planted, in early autumn, about three inches deep in rather light, peaty soil. Growing Crocuses from seed is very interesting work, and may be productive of excellent results. Crocuses in pots should be planted close together, and the pots plunged outside until growth begins.

CHAPTER V
HARDY BULBS

Cyclamens – Dicentras – Dieramas – Eranthis – Eremuruses – Erythroniums – Eucomises

Cyclamens

The hardy Cyclamens or Sowbreads are charming little flowers which grow well under the shade of trees or in the rock-garden. They like a rich, but light soil, with a few stones mixed with it, and to be planted an inch or two beneath the surface. The earliest and one of the best is C. Coum, which has pretty crimson flowers about January. There are a pleasing white variety and a few other colours such as rose and lilac. Libanoticum is later and has large flowers and leaves. Ibericum succeeds these, and the Atkinsi varieties are very beautiful, in various shades from white to purple. Cilicicum and alpinum are tiny little species with red or white flowers and small leaves, and are best suited for the rock-garden. Europæum, red or lilac, in August, is more difficult to grow, but likes shade and partial covering with a low carpeting plant. The best of the late species is neapolitanum, or hederæfolium, which has prettily marked leaves succeeding the red or white flowers which come in autumn. These plants can be raised from seeds sown as soon as ripe, or in spring.

Dicentras

A few of the tuberous-rooted Dicentras or Dielytras deserve mention here. Among them are Cucullaria, white and yellow, and about three inches high; and spectabilis, a well-known and handsome plant, which needs shelter from cold spring winds. They like a light, peaty soil and some shade.

Dieramas

The known species of Dierama, known in gardens as Sparaxis, are pendula and pulcherrimum. Both are graceful hardy flowers with long stems, arching over and bearing many loosely hanging bells of various shades of purple, and even white. The one mostly seen in British gardens is pulcherrimum, which has stems from four to six feet long; pendula being a little less robust. They are rather difficult to establish, and like to be planted under stones. Plant in spring about four inches deep.

Eranthis, Winter Aconite

The Eranthis or Winter Aconite would receive more attention were it not so cheap, but it should be largely planted in moist and shady places, which it brightens up early in the season. Either in the border, rock-garden, or grass, it is very effective when in a mass. It may be grown from seed. The species generally grown is Eranthis hyemalis, but recently a species, named E. cilicicus, which blooms later, and has deeper coloured flowers, with a less ornamental "ruff," has been introduced. It is scarcely so hardy as E. hyemalis. The Winter Aconite will grow in almost any soil which does not become too dry. It should be as short a time out of the soil as possible.

Eremuruses

The Eremuri are among the noblest of our hardy flowers with tuberous roots, and are exceedingly ornamental with their magnificent spikes of flower. They may be planted in autumn or in spring, though the first is the better time, unless the plants are in pots. There is much difference of opinion among growers regarding their requirements in the way of sun or shade. Much depends upon the gardens, and the writer has seen plants equally good with a north or north-west aspect, and in other places with a due south exposure. In the latter case, however, there is more danger from spring frosts. The crown should be about two inches beneath the surface, and the soil should be light and rich, although it may have a hard bottom. Protect with dry litter, and keep a good lookout for slugs when growth begins. Cover if there is danger of frost in spring, and give plenty of water during the growing period.

The best blooming species, and among the most beautiful, is E. himalaicus, with white flowers, and sometimes eight feet high, but generally less. Robustus, with its variety elwesianus, grow taller, and have charming flesh-coloured flowers. Olgæ, with whitish flowers, is very beautiful, and Bungei is among the best of the yellow species, though caucasicus and spectabilis are also good yellow Eremuri.

Erythroniums

The Erythroniums or Dog's Tooth Violets are delightful little spring flowers, which are becoming increasingly appreciated. All are very beautiful, their marbled or mottled foliage adding to their other attractions. Some of the Dutch named sorts, such as Blanca, Von Humboldt, Rubens, Rouge Trappeuse, &c., are of a large size, and are very pleasing. The colours of the common Dens-canis vary from white to rose and purple or violet, and all the plants do well in the border, but better still in grass. In warm gardens they do best in shade, but in others they require sun. The American Erythroniums are very beautiful, but should generally have a sunnier place than the others. They like a rather light soil, but americanum, which has yellow flowers, prefers one of a heavier nature, and, to induce flowering, should have its roots in a confined space. Albidum has whitish flowers; giganteum has from one to six whitish flowers with a yellow base and mottled leaves; grandiflorum has from three to ten yellow flowers on a stem, and unmottled leaves; and nuttallianum has a shorter stem with smaller flowers than the last, of which it is a variety.

Hartwegi, Bolanderi, montanum, citrinum, purpurascens, and Howelli have all yellow or whitish flowers. Of these, Hartwegi is the earliest, and Howelli among the most beautiful.

Revolutum, Johnsoni, and Hendersoni have all exquisite rose or purple flowers. Propullans has small rose-coloured blooms. Bolanderi is sometimes sold as Smithii or grandiflorum var. Smithii. Japonicum and sibiricum are fine Asiatic forms of Dens-canis, with handsome purple or rosy purple flowers.

Eucomises

The curious looking Eucomises are hardier than is generally believed, and may be grown in the border or in front of a greenhouse or stove, with a little covering of litter in winter. Although not showy, they are worth growing for their long spikes of whitish flowers, spotted with rose, and their long mottled foliage. They like a light, but not poor soil. Punctata is probably the hardiest, but regia and bicolor are also hardy if planted about six inches deep.