The Book of Bulbs

CHAPTER VII

HARDY BULBS

This group of bulbs is one of the most valuable, their bright colours and beautiful forms giving the garden much of its attraction in their season.

The garden Hyacinths, the offspring of H. orientalis, are fine for beds or for groups or lines in borders, although too stiff for planting in grass. They like a good, but light, soil, well enriched with thoroughly rotted cow-manure, and may be planted three inches deep in a sunny position in October. There are so many good varieties that intending growers would do well to consult the catalogues of dealers and select from them. Mixed Hyacinths are sold at a cheap rate.

There need be little difficulty experienced in growing Hyacinths in pots, glasses, or jardinets, if proper care is exercised and the bulbs have been properly grown and well-matured the previous season. The pretty early varieties, popularly known as Roman Hyacinths, are very useful, and may be had in bloom at various times by potting at intervals from August onwards, about six bulbs being required for a forty-eight size pot. They like a light rich compost, such as may be made of good fibrous loam, with the addition of well-decayed cow-manure, leaf-soil, and sharp sand; three parts of the first to one each of the second and third being a good proportion. The bulbs should be barely covered, and the pots plunged in ashes and covered with these until the roots have made free growth, when the pots may go into a frame or greenhouse. When the buds show, the pots may be put in bottom heat in a temperature of sixty-five to seventy degrees. The white Roman is the one generally grown for early work, but blush, blue, and straw-coloured forms are also to be had, and form a pleasing change. The large Hyacinths may be grown in a similar compost, although one lighter and richer gives good results. They are potted with the crown just above the surface, and plunged in ashes or fibre in a pit, frame, or open ground. When the spikes show above the ashes they may be taken in and forced if desired. A temperature of about seventy degrees is the highest which should be allowed.

When Hyacinths are grown in water in glasses good sound bulbs must be selected. The water should almost touch the base of the bulb, and a little piece of charcoal should be placed in the glass. After putting in the bulbs the glasses ought to be placed in a cool, dark place, until the roots make their appearance, when they may be brought into the light. Hyacinths may also be grown in moss, Jadoo, and cocoa-fibre and charcoal, and even in sand. Bulbs which have been grown in pots and glasses can afterwards be planted outside.

For early flowering in a sunny place in the rock-garden, the lovely H. azureus, or Muscari azureum, should be grown. It flowers in January or February, and has spikes of small blue flowers. The form freynianum is hardier, but is a little later.

The charming little H. amethystinus, with blue flowers, and its white variety albus, only a few inches high, are bright May-flowering bulbs for the border or rock-garden. They like a light soil.

The Scillas, or Squills, are numerous and important garden flowers. Our native Scilla nutans is pretty in the wild-garden, but it is surpassed by the larger flowers and spikes of S. campanulata or hispanica, the Spanish Squill, which is very beautiful in the garden or the grass. Like our native Scilla, it has sported into several colours, and these show some diversity of quality. The pink and the white varieties of this called rosea grandiflora, Rose Queen, and alba compacta, are all pleasing; as also are grandiflora, deep blue; Emperor, porcelain, striped blue; and aperta, blue, striped white. Less showy, but very delightful, are the early Squills, such as S. bifolia and S. sibirica. These bloom about March, and give some variety of colour. Bifolia is the more variable, and gives us the white variety, alba; a flesh-coloured one, called carnea; and a pink, named rubra. Some new forms, such as Pink Beauty and White Queen, are not in commerce. The typical bifolia and the variety taurica, both blue, are very pretty. S. sibirica is of different habit, though equally dwarf, and has larger, drooping flowers of a fine blue. The variety taurica blooms earlier. S. sibirica alba is one of the greatest acquisitions of recent years, and has charming pure-white flowers. It is a gem for the borders or for pots. Slugs are very fond of S. sibirica. S. verna is a beautiful native Squill, seldom seen in gardens, but its lilac-blue flowers are most attractive. Its white and rose forms are hardly to be met with. S. italica is a somewhat neglected April and May blooming species, with pretty conical heads of light blue flowers. The white variety alba, though scarce, is obtainable, and is a charming plant. Scilla autumnalis likes a light soil, and a warm, dry place on the rockery. It flowers in autumn, and is worth some trouble to establish for the sake of its blue flowers. The pink form, japonica, is desirable.

Ciliaris, hyacinthoides, and peruviana are highly ornamental in the border, with their large heads of flowers in summer, and their broad foliage; they are, however, shy bloomers in some soils after the first year, and want thorough ripening off after blooming.

A Scilla little seen in gardens is Lilio-hyacinthus, which has broad leaves, large bulbs with scales, like those of a Lily, and pretty bluish flowers. There is a rare white variety, but the pink form seems to have been lost.

Puschkinias are pretty bulbous plants allied to the Scillas, and producing neat spikes of porcelain-blue or whitish flowers lined with blue. They are easily grown on light soil, but require protection from slugs when they first appear. They bloom in March, and there is only one species in cultivation – scilloides – the variety compacta having a denser spike.

Chionodoxas deserve all the praise they have received, although in our climate they do not come, as a rule, when we have snow, so that the popular name of "Glory of the Snow" is not so appropriate as in their native country. The best known is C. Luciliæ, which has blue flowers with a large white eye. The greater number of the others are distinct enough for garden purposes, although classed by botanists as varieties of this species. Sardensis is a favourite, with its smaller, deeper coloured flowers, with hardly any white in the centre. Gigantea and Alleni are nearly alike, but the latter has more flowers on the stem, and is deeper in colour. Tmolusii is the latest to bloom of these varieties; it resembles Luciliæ, but is of a deeper, more purplish-blue. There are pink, and also white varieties of all these. Cretica is the least effective of the genus, with the exception of the scarce nana, which is a charming, if not showy little flower, almost white and lined with blue.

The Chionoscillas are hybrids between the Chionodoxas and Scillas, S. bifolia being one of the parents of nearly all the forms in existence. These are interesting and pretty in their varied shades of blue or pink. Seedlings from Chionodoxas do not always come true to the parent, but may revert to one or other of its ancestors.

Muscaris are so numerous, and many resemble each other so closely, that it is needless to attempt to grow more than a selection. Few are prettier than the common M. botryoides, the Grape Hyacinth, which drew from Ruskin words of praise familiar to many. It is very beautiful, and its only fault is its rapid increase. Some of its varieties are prized by those who grow them. The larger of the two white varieties, known as album grandiflorum, and pallidum grandiflorum, with pale blue flowers, are both pretty.

M. racemosum, the Starch Grape Hyacinth, is also pretty, with its large spikes of deep-coloured flowers; there is a pink form, and a scarce white one is also met with. A fine Grape Hyacinth is M. conicum, with brilliant blue flowers in large racemes. M. Heldreichi is one of the earliest and best, with its long spike of blue flowers, each broadly margined with white. M. szovitzianum is a small, rather light-blue species of considerable beauty. M. armeniacum is a good little Grape Hyacinth. M. latifolium is very distinct, with its broad leaves.

M. comosum, the Tufted Hyacinth, is an interesting plant, but it is surpassed for the garden by the form monstrosum, which has curiously pretty frizzed blooms. It ought to be more grown.

The Musk Hyacinths are worth growing, if for nothing but their odour, although they are pretty as well. They are, however, not satisfactory everywhere, and often fail to bloom after the first season. They should have a warm, dry border, where the bulbs will ripen off well. Moschatum and macrocarpum are worthy of a trial at least.

CHAPTER VIII

HARDY BULBS

As a separate volume of this series to treat fully of the Iris is contemplated, only a brief résumé of the genus, with a few general cultural hints, are required at the present time.

Irises, which supply plants suitable for almost any position in the garden, are naturally divided into two great groups, the first having a short rhizomatous root-stock, and the other one of a bulbous character. Each of these is divided into separate sections, about which it may be said that no common treatment can be dictated. The sub-genus Apogon, which comprises the beardless Flag Irises, embraces plants which require totally different treatment. Thus, unguicularis, or stylosa, likes a dry, stony soil, while sibirica and others prefer a moist one. The plants of the sub-genus Pardanthopsis have flowers like the Apogon Irises, but are without the crest. They generally prefer a moist, well-drained soil. The Oncocyclus, or "Cushion" Irises, are much prized for their singular beauty, but are not easily grown in gardens, unless in frames, where they can have a long period of rest before they start into growth in winter, or lifted and dried. This rest should begin immediately after they flower. They like lime in the soil.

The Regelia Irises form the link between the last and the Pogon Irises, and should have similar treatment to the Cushion Irises. The Evansea section contains some pretty plants, which often do well in dry places. They have a pretty crest on the flower. The plant grown by the Japanese on the roofs of their houses (I. tectorum) belongs to this group. Pseudevansea Irises have a beard which springs from a rudimentary crest, and otherwise much resemble the Evansea section, but few are in cultivation.

The Pogon Irises form the most important section of non-bulbous Irises in gardens, and are distinguished by the beard down the claw and lower part of the blade. They will thrive almost anywhere, but should, as a rule, have sun. They do well on walls and roofs. The familiar "German" Irises will give a good idea of the appearance of all the plants of this sub-genus.

The bulbous Irises are very beautiful, but details as to their treatment cannot be given now. For cutting, the Spanish Iris (I. Xiphium) is very useful and it makes a fine bedding or border plant. It prefers a rather dry soil, but should be lifted and replanted every two years or so. The English Iris (I. Xiphioides) prefers a stronger and moister soil, and is a beautiful plant in the garden.

I. reticulata and its forms belong to this section and are charming in the garden or in pots, though liable to a troublesome disease, which is best checked by lifting the bulbs and destroying those which are much affected. The sub-genus Gynandiris contains only one species, I. Sisyrinchium, which is not absolutely hardy and should be grown in a frame. Several of the Juno section, such as persica, alata, and palæstina, are best in frames, but I. orchioides is quite hardy and makes a fine border or rockery plant. The Hermodactylus section consists of I. tuberosus, which is native to some parts of the South of England, and is a curious and interesting species worth a place in gardens.

The Kniphofias or Tritomas are among the most brilliant of our garden flowers and are of gorgeous effect in lines or masses in the garden. The greater number are hardy in most gardens, particularly if the crowns of the tuberous roots are planted about three inches below the surface of the soil, and the old leaves fastened together at the top to throw off winter rains. One of the most dependable species is Aloides (syn. Uvaria) of which there are many varieties varying in colour from pale yellow to deep red. Grandis, nobilis, and Saundersii are all good forms. Burchelli, a dwarf species with red and yellow flowers is pretty; caulescens, corallina, foliosa, Nelsoni, and modesta are also worth growing. Macowani and pumila are pleasing dwarf species. There are many hybrid forms, such as Autumn Glory, Chloris, Clotho, Diana, Lachesis, Obelisque, Osiris, Pfitzeri, Robert Cannell, and Star of Baden Baden. Rooperi is an almost continuous bloomer; Tuckii is a free flowerer; and Leichtlini and the variety distachya are distinct Kniphofias. These noble flowers should be planted in spring. They are easily raised from seeds. They like plenty of moisture in summer.

The Lapeyrousias or Anomathecas are brilliant little bulbous plants with blood-red flowers which look remarkably effective in shady places. They are hardy in warm places in light soil, but in cold localities should be grown in a frame. They ought to be planted two or three inches deep and covered with litter for a winter or two. They produce seeds freely and these should be scattered in suitable places and covered over with a little soil. The one usually seen is L. cruenta, but there is also one, called grandiflora, with larger flowers.

The Leucojum, or Snowflake, ought to be more largely grown in the flower garden or in grass, where its white, drooping bells look charming. The Spring Snowflake, L. vernum, is among the most beautiful with its large, handsome white flowers, each tipped with a green spot on each outer segment. There are several forms, that sold as carpaticum being early and pretty. There are also yellow-spotted forms which are of much beauty, and one of these seems to be the true carpaticum. Miss Hope's variety is the latest Spring Snowflake. The Summer Snowflake is less pleasing because of its habit, but it is a pretty and useful flower. There are two or three varieties of L. æstivum, one known as L. pulchellum being a little earlier than the other L. æstivum and having smaller flowers. The autumn Snowflake, L. autumnale or Acis autumnalis, is an exquisite little bulb with white blossoms, tinged with rose. It flowers in July or August and likes a sandy soil; the others will grow in any good compost. Plant about two inches deep, and as soon as they can be procured.

CHAPTER IX

HARDY BULBS

The Lily is the noblest of bulbous plants, and it is to be regretted that its cultivation often presents insuperable difficulties in many gardens. There are a few species which can be grown almost anywhere, it is true, but the greater number require special conditions of soil or climate. As this noble plant may form the subject of a separate work in this series, I shall only give a brief summary of the leading species and their requirements for the benefit of the general reader.

The easiest to grow in the garden are those which are satisfied with ordinary, well-dug soil, with the addition of some leaf-soil, if it is heavy, or some loam, if light. This class comprises the favourite candidum, the Madonna Lily, of which there are several varieties, such as one with a golden margin to the leaves; spicatum, also known as flore pleno, which has partly double flowers; and striatum, with flowers streaked purple outside. There are also chalcedonicum, with scarlet "Turk's-cap" flowers and its variety Heldreichii; the dark-hued hybrid dalhansoni; bulbiferum; the pretty concolor, with its forms Coridion and pulchellum; the brilliant croceum; dauricum, known as umbellatum in some gardens; the pretty elegans (syn. thunbergianum); the good yellow Hansoni; and that comparatively new Lily, Henryi. In this soil, also, can be grown the exquisite longiflorum, with its trumpet-shaped blooms, and its varieties giganteum, eximium (Wilsoni of some), foliis albo-marginatus, Takesima, Harrisii, and præcox. The hybrid Marhan thrives in the same soil, as also do the typical Martagon; the pretty pomponium; the strongly-scented pyrenaicum; and the ever popular speciosum (syn. lancifolium), of which there are so many good varieties, such as album Krætzeri, album novum, Melpomene, roseum superbum, cruentum and punctatum. To these may be added the pretty tenuifolium; the well-known tigrinum, with its forms splendens, Fortunei, and fl. A selection of varieties of L. elegans would include such as Alice Wilson, alutaceum, atrosanguineum, aurantiacum, Batemani, often called L. Batemanniæ, Horsmanni, Flore-pleno, Prince of Orange, Van Houttei, and Wilsoni. There are also a number of varieties of umbellatum.

The following Lilies require a deep and well-dug friable loam, lightened with sand and leaf-soil if of a clayey nature: —

Alexandræ, a fine new Lily; the splendid auratum with its many forms, of which platyphyllum, rubrovittatum, virginale and Wittei may be named; Bolanderi; Brownii; callosum; columbianum, giganteum and the allied cordifolium; the fine Humboldtii; the rather unsatisfactory japonicum, better known as Krameri; japonicum Colchesteri; Leichtlinii; Lowii, neilgherrense. Martagon album; M. dalmaticum; M. cataniæ; nepalense; pulchellum; the pretty new rubellum; rubescens; sulphureum; monadelphum or szovitzianum – a well proved species – Wallacei, and washingtonianum. Although these all do with the compost named, unfortunately some are almost impossible to grow in ordinary gardens.