Achimenes (Gesneria household) These inexperienced­home crops require a rising temperature of not less than 6o°F ( 6°C). Their fragile stems might be supported by twigs or allowed to fall out of a dangling basket. The small trumpet-shaped flowers, freely produced, are in shades of pink, violet blue and purple. The tubers are small scaly rhizomes, finest began into development in a field of peatmoss and sand after which transferred to the hanging baskets when rising. In 5-6 in. pots area them 2-3 in. aside in a compost of two elements loam, 2 elements peatmoss, and t half sand, and canopy by 1/2 in. They are often began into development from February to April for succession of bloom. As soon as in development by no means enable them to dry out and hold the ambiance humid by spraying or purple spider mite could assault. Pinch out rising factors to trigger branching, particularly when in hanging baskets. When in flower switch to a cooler place will guarantee an extended show, as will shading from direct sunshine. Dry slowly after flowering and retailer of their soil in a dry place at a temperature of 5o°F (10°C).

Vegetation might be elevated by smooth cuttings in spring in a heat propagator, by seeds sown in March, in a temperature of 65-70°F (18— 21 C), or by eradicating scales and sowing them like seeds. Forking tubers might be divided .

Acidanthera (Iris household)

A. bicolor murielae is a half-hardy corm with 2.5-3 ft. spikes of aromatic white flowers with maroon within the throat. These crops require an extended rising season and within the northern a part of the nation this may be overcome by beginning them in pots in a cool greenhouse in spring and planting them out in late Could or June. Alternatively they are often grown in beds in a cool greenhouse. Stake to forestall wind harm exterior and elevate earlier than frost happens. The place the climate is delicate, corms could also be planted exterior the place they’ll stay.
Allium (Lily household) The decorative onions are bulbs which produce heads of small flowers in smooth colours on stems starting from 3 in. to 4 ft. There are good crops for natur­alizing in skinny woodland, however most want a sunny website on the sting or within the physique of a combined border, on a rock backyard or scree and even the safety of an alpine home. Many make good lower flowers. Some have a powerful onion scent when bruised, subsequently plant these the place they won’t be brushed towards. The wild ramson Allium triquetrum (white) might be naturalized.

Amaryllis (Amaryllis household) (belladonna lily)

This plant can solely be grown outdoor in delicate areas of the nation. It requires a well-drained however well-fed border equivalent to beneath a south-west wall the place it receives the utmost quantity of sunshine.

The massive heads of aromatic, trumpet-shaped flowers are smooth pink, however there’s a good white referred to as Hathor’ and numerous deep pink types. Flowers seem in September on 2-3 ft. stems earlier than the leaves.

The bulbs are very massive and work their necks out of the soil, however it’s clever to begin them just under the floor and to mulch within the fall. Go away them to type dense clumps earlier than lifting and replanting.

Anemone (Ranunculus household)

A. coronaria hybrids, the poppy anemones, have massive flowers, on 8-12 in. stems, in vibrant purple, violet, lavender and purple, some shaded with white, single in De Caen varieties and semi-double in St Brigid. In delicate districts flowers might be had in succession by planting the irregularly formed tubers at any time. In colder areas they could be planted within the fall in frost-proof chilly frames to supply lower flowers. They require a wealthy moist well-cultivated soil.

A. blanda has little tubers. Soak the tubers earlier than planting within the fall z2 in. deep in a sunny place, or beneath deciduous shrubs pruned off the bottom. White, pink, blue, violet and carmine types happen.

Babiana (Iris household) (baboon plant)

B. stricta makes a superb cool greenhouse pot plant. It has i ft. excessive spikes of magenta, blue, purple or sulfur-yellow flowers and might be grown in sheltered borders in milder elements of the nation.

Within the greenhouse deal with all these like freesias grown from corms however plant babianas deeper or they may make droppers to tug themselves down. Open air they flower in June, however in pots are earlier.

Camassia (Lily household) C. quamash varies in flower colour from purplish-blue to creamy-white. It likes good soil and produces tremendous clumps of flowers 2-3 ft. excessive. It flowers in June—July, however all of the flowers on a spike come out directly, so giving it a moderately quick however putting flowering season. C. leichtlinii, with moderately bigger particular person flowers on 3 ft. stems, has the identical colour vary and could be very tremendous in its cream types. All have massive bulbs which want planting not less than 4 in. deep.

Canna (Canna household) (Indian shot) Cannas have swollen rootstocks which can stand up to drying proper out throughout their resting interval, October to March, although they do finest if packed in simply moist peatmoss or left within the soil of their pots, solely being knocked out to re-pot in contemporary wealthy compost. The varieties and hybrids of C. indica produce massive, brilliantly coloured flowers, primarily yellow, orange or scarlet, typically noticed with a darker purple, on 2.5-3.5 ft. excessive stems, with broad inexperienced or darkish purple leaves.

Cannas are tender and wish cool home temperatures even when at relaxation. Introduced into leaf by reasonable watering in March and stored rising steadily, in good wealthy soil, they may flower from June till the autumn. If used exterior, usher in earlier than exhausting frosts happen. When needed break up up the clumps rigorously earlier than planting.

Chionodoxa (Lily household) (glory of the snow) C. luciliae produces its vibrant blue, white centered starry flowers in March or April, a number of on a 6-in. stem. It enjoys sunny locations however doesn’t object to some shade after the leaves have died down. It ought to be fed reasonably. Plant within the fall 2 in. deep and depart the bulbs till they’re overcrowded. It could possibly additionally make a helpful pan for indoors, planted within the fall and handled like hyacinths in pots.

Colchicum (Lily household) (autumn crocus) The earliest to flower is the European wild C. autumnale, the rosy-lilac buds pushing up with none leaves. An entire group of 2-in. flowers is often produced from every bulb and every flower flops over as quickly because it has completed.

The perfect to develop are C. byzantium and C. speciosum, and their hybrids which have a lot larger flowers moderately like rose-pink or white tulips on stalks about 9 in. to i ft. excessive in September. Some like ‘Water-lily’, are double flowered. Others have chequered markings like fritillaries.

The massive bulbs want planting throughout their quick dormant season, in July for C. autumnale, and August for the later ones.

No leaves are produced till the next spring, when C. byzantium and C. speciosum produce large pleated leaves, that are a lot too dominant for the sting of most borders. They’re finest planted in entrance of shrubs or as a border to a vegetable plot the place they benefit from the wealthy, limed soil.

Crinum (Amaryllis household) C. x powellii is a hybrid, hardier than both of its South African dad and mom. It’s a massive bulb, up to 4 ft. excessive, which might be grown in tubs and wheeled out of a cool greenhouse throughout the summer season, or planted completely beneath a sunny wall in delicate locations. Its 2-3 ft. stem has a number of buds on high which open success­ively, every flower being a big trumpet. It could be had in flower any time from July to September and varies from pure white to deep pink.

Spring planting is finest; the necks steadily work out of the soil and wish safety throughout chilly climate.

Crocosmia (Iris household) The montbretias (C. x crocosmiiflora) are hybrids; frequent type is hardy in milder areas. It has 2-3 ft. branching stems of small, trumpet-shaped, orange-red flowers, produced freely, even in poor soil, throughout August. They recognize a sunny state of affairs and reasonable feeding. There are named hybrids with a lot larger flowers which have the benefit that they don’t have lengthy spreading stolons.

C. masonorum, 2-3 ft., has arching development. The deep orange-red flowers, professional­duced in July, all face upwards.

Corms of selection varieties might be lifted in October and replanted in spring, however are finest stored in barely moist peatmoss.

Crocus (Iris household) The massive-flowered Dutch hybrids flower in March, and the little species crocus, by cautious planning, will give flowers from September to March. The autumn and winter flowering ones are avail­ready from July to August and have to be put in instantly, as some will flower virtually directly. The remainder might be planted at any time throughout the fall. The Dutch varieties are tremendous for edging beds and naturalizing in grass and the tiny ones are for alpine home or rock backyard or, in lots of cases for planting underdeciduousshrubs,orevenfornaturaliz­ing in brief grass (attempt C. zonatus, C. speciosus, C. aureus and C. tomasinianus for this). Plant the corms with not above t in. of soil over them. The flowers of the autumn flowering ones will come up earlier than the leaves. Don’t lower grass with crocus naturalized in it till the leaves have died down. The corms wish to be nicely solar baked throughout the summer season. All could also be grown in pans, the Dutch ones in bulb fiber additionally, however should not be introduced right into a heat place till the flowers are almost out.

Cyclamen (Primula household) The tubers of cyclamen get larger every year however don’t make different small tubers, that are solely obtained from seedling crops, the only methodology of improve. The massive greenhouse cyclamen obtainable round Christmas have been raised from seed. Not like a lot of the small `hardy’ cyclamen the perfect show is from the
new plant raised from seed after about i6 months in a heat greenhouse, and though the corm such a plant types might be saved and grown for a lot of extra years it isn’t traditional to take action.

Species cyclamen are offered both in leaf or as dry corms; the latter ought to be handled with nice care because the lack of the dormant buds units the crops again completely. Corms ought to be frivolously lined with sieved leaf mould or peatmoss with some sharp sand and bone-meal, and shouldn’t have this pressed down. Related compost ought to be used as a top-dressing each fall earlier than the flowers or leaves seem.

All cyclamen have the attribute swept-back petals, many have a colour vary from white by means of pink to carmine, typically with throat markings of carmine on the pale flowers, and lots of have stunning marbling on their leaves.

Endymion (Lily household) (bluebell) The English bluebell is E. non-scri pta and the Spanish bluebell, E. hispanicus. The latter have stiffer, heavier-looking flower spikes and are often offered combined in colour, deep blue, sky-blue, lilac pink and white. Each flower in Could and might be naturalized in skinny woodland, however the bulbs of the Spanish bluebell are extra regularly planted in teams in combined borders or naturalized with daffodils in grass. All do finest deep planted within the fall and shouldn’t be disturbed until needed.

Eranthis (Ranunculus household) (winter aconite) E. hyemalis, produces vibrant yellow flowers in February—March on 3-4 in. stems, every ruffled with inexperienced bracts. It types excel­lent floor cowl if planted z in. deep beneath deciduous shrubs or bushes and can naturalize by seed. The tubers are obtainable in August and ought to be planted directly. The crops divide efficiently instantly after flowering.

Different kinds often out there are E. cilicica, with finely lower bronzy foliage, and E. x tubergenii, which lasts in flower longer however doesn’t unfold by self-sown seed.

Erythronium (Lily household) E. dens-canis, the canine’s tooth violet has noticed leaves and nodding pink or white lily-like flowers on 6-in. stems in March—April. Vegetation do nicely on soil containing lime and in mild wooden­land, the place they are often naturalized. They will also be grown in brief turf or amongst shrubs, however should not turn out to be dried out in scorching climate. Plant about 3 in. deep in fall.

Different good erythroniums are E. revolutum `White Magnificence’, to 2 ft. excessive, white marked with brown, April—Could; E. hendersonii, pink with purplish markings stem, April; E. tuolu­mense, mild yellow with vibrant inexperienced un­noticed leaves; its finest hybrid is ‘Pagoda’, 1-1 1/2 ft. All recognize top-dressing with sieved leaf mildew.

Eucomis (Lily household) (pineapple flower) Eucomis are cool greenhouse crops with thick stems which, in July and August, have small greenish-yellow flowers spherical the highest foot or so of stem, which ends in a tuft of leaves—pineapple style. The perfect recognized is E. comosa, (syn. E. punctata). In elements of the nation the place the climate is milder Eucomis could also be grown outdoor. The massive bulbs are finest planted in 5-in. pots in February or March. Relaxation dry within the pots from November to February, in a frost-free place.

Freesia (Iris household) These are often provided as coloured hybrids, the funnel-shaped flowers of which can be white, cream, yellow, orange, pinks, blues and mauves. The newer hybrids are often scented no matter their colour. The wiry, arching stems could attain 2 ft. They’re wonderful for chopping from February to Could.

Plant 7-9 in a 6-in. pot of compost com­posed of two elements loam, r half peatmoss, r half well-rotted manure and r half sharp sand in August, cowl to a depth of r in., and put right into a cool plunge mattress beneath damp peatmoss for a month till roots are nicely fashioned. The greenhouse have to be nicely ventilated, with as dry an environment as potential, with a mini­mum temperature of 45°F (7°C). The leaves have to be supported. After flowering they are often stored rising, and when the climate is match, transferred to a north-facing body until leaves die down when they need to be saved of their pots, dry, till August. Specifically ready corms might be planted outdoor in April for flowering in late summer season.

Seed sown in flowering measurement pots in a propagating body at 65-7o°F (17-21°C) in February-March and grown on cool with none disturbance might be had in flower in November, by bringing them into the inexperienced­• home (minimal 45°F (7°C) in September. Fritillaria (Lily household) F. meleagris, the snake’s head fritillary will develop in most backyard soils, particularly in skinny woodland, however should not dry out fully. It has hanging, huge, bell-like flowers, typically white with inexperienced markings or purplish-pink, typically chequered, on 1-11/2 ft stems in April.

F. imperialis, the crown imperial, could attain 3 ft. and has a hoop of orange or yellow flowers excessive on the stem, which is topped with a tuft of leaves. The massive bulbs are much less liable to rot if began on their sides.

Galanthus (Amaryllis household) (snowdrops) The frequent snowdrop, G. nivalis, has many sorts which prolong the flowering interval from January-February to as early as October with reginae-olgae which flowers earlier than its leaves, to the top of March with `Straffan’. Probably the most readily obtainable are atkinsii, about ten days sooner than the standard kind and far taller (6-8 in.); Arnott’s Seedling’, one other vigorous type, and the double type. All develop nicely in skinny woodland and ought to be planted 3 in. deep within the fall.

G. elwesii is finest grown in full solar and ought to be given an opportunity to ripen with out being overgrown by vegetation. The leaves are broad and the flower stems 6:-8 in. lengthy. Galtonia (Lily household) (Cape Hyacinth) G. candicans produces 3-4 ft. spikes of greenish-white, hyacinth-type flowers in summer season. It makes tremendous teams within the center or again of combined borders. The massive bulbs are finest planted 5-6 in. deep in spring in delicate areas, and when the climate is match, transferred to a north-facing body and as soon as established might be mulched as a substitute of being lifted within the fall. They do finest in wealthy, moist soil.

Gloriosa (Lily household) One of many lily household’s few climbing crops, this wants a heat greenhouse, 70°F (21°C) minimal from February to August. The massive tubers ought to be planted 2 or 3 in 8-in. or bigger pots of compost consisting of loam, peat-moss, well-rotted manure and sand in equal proportions, or in hotter elements of the nation, planted out within the border. Cowl with 2 in. of soil.

G. rothschildiana has long-stalked, vibrant purple flowers like a Turk’s cap lily, typically with a yellow throat. The leaves have tendrils on the suggestions and these allow the crops to cling to no matter assist is offered.

Different forms of G. rothschildiana and likewise G. superba, the glory flower, are some­instances seen with yellow flowers. All want moist, however well-drained soil and a moist ambiance in summer season. G. superba might be grown in an intermediate home. From Sep­tember to January, when fully dry, all might be housed at 55°F (13°C).

Hippeastrum (Amaryllis household) H. pra­tense is the hardiest of those tender bulbs and might be grown exterior in hotter areas, or the place the climate is extra extreme in a cool greenhouse. It makes an excellent pot plant, professional­ducing r ft. stems topped with 2 or 3 deep purple trumpet-shaped flowers with yellow throats in spring or early summer season.

The higher recognized massive greenhouse hy­brids—generally incorrectly referred to as amaryllis — might be had in flower virtually any month of the yr within the greenhouse or indoors relying on their therapy. Bulbs placed on sale from August onwards have been pre­vented from spring flowering and ought to be planted as quickly as out there, when they are often had in flower from November onwards. (These could also be described as ‘ready bulbs’.) They’re adopted by usually early-flower­ing varieties which carry the flowering season by means of to April. Later varieties carry the bloom spherical to July and even September if the bulbs are planted in succession.

The three ft. stems are often topped with 4 huge trumpet flowers which open in fast succession; there are regularly 2 or extra stems per bulb. The bulbs are very massive. Place them half into 4 or 5 in. pots with a cane on the facet. The flower stems could come up earlier than the strap-shaped leaves or with them. They have to be fed liberally. Any small bulbs which have fashioned could also be re­moved and ought to be grown on with none drying off. Dry out the massive bulbs because the leaves yellow, retailer the pots on their sides in a tem­perature of fifty°F (10°C), and depart them thus for about three months earlier than beginning the bulbs into development. In heat elements of the nation, bulbs could also be planted outdoor. Hyacinths (Lily household) The Roman hya­cinths often have a number of slender, loosely packed spikes per bulb; the extra spectacular, stiff spiked ‘Dutch’ ones have the flowers intently packed. Each are very aromatic.

The Dutch hyacinths could also be purchased `specifically ready’ and these ought to be planted as quickly as out there to provide flowers within the greenhouse or indoors by late December or early January. They pressure nicely.

For indoors they could be grown in water solely, in particular hyacinth glasses (discard the bulb after flowering); singly in 3 1/2-in. pots, or shut packed in bigger pots or bowls, with their ‘noses’ simply uncovered. Use bulb fiber for bowls and begin these in a storage or shaded body in order that they aren’t drowned by rain; pots could also be plunged in a cool place outdoor. Don’t carry them into the heat till the roots are nicely developed and the shoot is beginning to develop (often from 8—10 weeks). Then hold in full mild.

Unprepared bulbs which flower about 3 weeks later could also be planted in succession to flower from January to April.

Outside hyacinths ought to be planted in wealthy soil not less than 5 in. deep in October—November. Use solely unprepared bulbs. If used for formal bedding they need to get replaced every season, but when fed nicely will make good clumps amongst shrubs.

The Roman hyacinths, that are white, pink or blue, are generally used on rock gardens, however are at their finest indoors.

After flowering enable the leaves to die down naturally.

Ipheion (Amaryllis household) I. uniflorum (generally listed as Brodiaea, Tritelia or Milla uniflora), is a small South American, early-flowering bulb producing white or pale bluish-mauve funnel-shaped flowers 6 in. above the mass of grassy leaves. It wants well-drained soil in a sunny place. Plant within the fall if in. deep. I. uniflora is hardy to Zone 8 however could also be grown additional north if given safety in winter.

Ixia (Iris household) (African corn lily) These corms could also be grown outdoor the place the climate is favorable and make attention-grabbing cool greenhouse crops flowering after the primary spring rush. They’re offered in combined colours together with deep carmine, white with purple or yellow or purple heart, orange or yellow generally bronze exterior, on 2 ft. tall arching stems. The flowers shut in uninteresting climate however when open totally make a received­derful show. Pot the moderately small corms pretty shut collectively and lined with not less than 2 in. of soil. Ripen nicely after flowering.

I. viridifiora, an arresting plant, has blue-green flowers, darker on the centre, in Could—June. It wants cool greenhouse therapy and correct ripening. It ought to be given bonemeal and protected against slugs and small snails. Ixiolirion (Amaryllis household) I. montanum is a barely tender bulb value rising as a lower flower in a cool greenhouse within the north or exterior in delicate areas. The flowers, on 15-18 in. stems, are in shades of blue, some­instances with violet banding, and bloom in Could or June, I. ledebourii being sooner than the darker I. palasii. Plant within the fall in well-drained compost.

Lachenalia (Lily household) (Cape cowslip). These cool greenhouse bulbs flower in early spring in ethereal situations. Plant 5-7 shut collectively in 5-in. pots in August—September, cowl with 4—i in. of compost and canopy with moist peatmoss in a plunge mattress till development begins. Then place the pots in a well-ventil­ated cool greenhouse.

L. abides nelsonii has spikes of golden-yellow flowers tinged with inexperienced; different varieties have paler yellow flowers and will have purple markings. L. bulbifera (syn L. pendula) has coral purple or salmon tubular flowers marked with purple and inexperienced.

Lachenalias typically have pleasantly mottled foliage. Their flower spikes are lengthy lasting if stored at 45-50°F (7—10°C), but when introduced in­doorways into 65°F ( 18°C) or extra, the crops quickly endure. Ripen nicely after flowering by standing on a shelf beneath the ridge of the greenhouse, and scale back the water till the bulbs are dried out.

Leucojum (Amaryllis household) (snowflake) L. aestivum, the summer season snowflake, flowers from April to Could. It has heads of white, green-marked flowers on 11-2 ft. stems and darkish inexperienced strap-shaped leaves, and its massive bulbs improve quickly to make large clumps if planted in pretty damp soil. Plant 5 in. deep.

L. vernum has just one or two good sized flowers per 8 in. stem, however very tremendous vibrant inexperienced foliage and flowers which can be out in February—March.

L. autumnale is much less hardy however typically does nicely in a sunny, sheltered border. The flowers on 6-8 in. stems are very delicate wanting, tinged with pink (not inexperienced) and often come earlier than the leaves. Plant 3 in. deep.

Lilium (Lily household) (lily) Lilies are sometimes offered packed in peatmoss or wooden shavings to retain their moisture and shield them. They need to be planted as quickly as out there, from September to January, aside from L. candidum and L. testaceum that are often moved `inexperienced’, i.e. whereas nonetheless in leaf, after June—July flowering. Any lily might be moved efficiently instantly after flowering if care is taken to maintain the soil on the roots. As some flower within the fall these is probably not on sale till soil situations exterior are removed from perfect. On this case pot them instantly and plant out later when situations are right.

Excluding L. candidum and different European lilies equivalent to L. martagon which make roots from the bottom of the bulbs solely, lilies ought to be planted with soil not less than twice the depth of the bulb above it, thus a 2 in. deep bulb would wish a gap 6-7 in. deep. It’s because many lilies make roots from the stem within the first few inches of soil, in addi­tion to these under the bulb. Websites for such lilies have to be weed free, for hoeing close to them is disastrous. Many lilies develop wild within the firm of low-growing shrubs, the roots of which assist to empty the soil, and others are discovered on steep slopes the place moisture is flowing beneath the floor for a lot of the yr, however all are on well-drained websites, and if needed particular beds have to be made with further peatmoss and sharp sand to retain moisture however enable free drainage. Beds and even hummocks of such soil which can increase the roots and bulbs above the winter water desk could make all of the distinction between success and failure. Some lilies will tolerate lime and others die if given it. Most lilies wish to have their flowering stems within the solar, not less than for a part of the day, and develop nicely with a floor cowl of low shrubs, and even annuals to guard their roots.

Lily bulbs ought to be examined to ensure there isn’t any basal rot current, as this can trigger the scales to fall away. Such bulbs ought to be burnt. The bulbs might be dusted with a fungicide to forestall the unfold of the fungal illness which causes demise of leaves and even of the entire shoot. As soon as the crops are rising they are often protected against this illness by spraying with a systemic fungicide. Virus ailments are incurable, however their unfold might be checked by spraying crops with a systemic insecticide which kills aphids which unfold virus ailments. Some lilies are com­paratively tolerant of virus ailments, however develop higher with out them, and others are killed by them. The best method to get virus-free inventory is to lift the crops from seed and hold them sprayed. This works for many species however backyard hybrids is not going to come true to type or colour. Nevertheless, if ‘strains’ of lilies are purchased moderately than named varieties these can have been raised from seed, whereas the others can have been propagated from off­units, bulbils and by rooting scale leaves, and the chance of virus is larger with these.

Most lilies might be grown from seed, in reality L. formosanum and L. philippinense, white trumpet, cool greenhouse lilies, might be had in flower inside a yr of sowing the seed. How­ever, many take three or 4 years and L. martagon takes six or seven to succeed in flowering measurement. L. regale flowers after two or three years.

In choosing lilies for gardens solely species with related cultural necessities to the gar­den hybrids have been chosen.

The backyard hybrids are formally labeled in line with their breeding, however the form and place of the flowers are extra readily acknowledged in a backyard and these are con­sidered right here.

Muscari (Lily household (grape hyacinth) M. armeniacum is the sort most regularly of­fered on the market. It makes little heads of honey-scented deep blue flowers on 6-8 in. stems, with plenty of slender, grassy leaves. Varieties are ‘Heavenly Blue’, deep blue; `Cantab’, paler blue; and a white type, although the white generally offered is M. botryoides alba. M. armeniacum makes tremendous sheets of colour in April—Could beneath deciduous shrubs and small bushes and likewise appears nicely as an edging plant, however quickly spreads. It’s going to additionally naturalize in brief turf. M. botryoides makes an excellent rock backyard plant as it isn’t so invasive; its heads of little bells are smaller and a paler blue.

M. comosum isn’t so typically seen as its selection monstrosum, the feather or tassel hya­cinth. This has curious heads of darkish violet-blue threads on 12 – tz—I5-in. stems in Could—June.

M. tubergenianum has pale and darkish blue flowers on the identical head. It’s best1wn on the rock backyard the place it would flower in March—April.

Plant M. armeniacum, M. botryoides and M. tubergenianum 3 in. deep and the others 4 in. deep in any good soil in a sunny place. They’ll all develop on limy soil. Break up clumps as needed after flowering.

Narcissus (Amaryllis household) (daffodil) In gardens the narcissi are finest divided into the big hybrids —to be used naturalized in lengthy grass, in beds for chopping and show, and in pots outdoor and in—and the small species and their hybrids—to be used in brief turf, on rock gardens, in pans within the alpine home or indoors. The official classification is predicated on flower colour and type, the relative size of the petal-like central ring or corona (which can be a trumpet, cup or eye) being of im­portance. The time period daffodil is usually restricted to the big trumpet types, the others being referred to as narcissi.

The bulbs of the small species are tiny; these of the backyard hybrids are massive and offered graded in line with the variety of ‘noses’ (rising factors). Plant single-nosed bulbs with a bulb planter as there isn’t any hazard of them sticking half-way down the holes. The double and triple-nosed bulbs are tremendous for planting in borders or in pots the place an in depth show of flowers is needed within the first yr.

Grass planted with daffodils should not be lower till the foliage has yellowed, nor ought to leaves be picked with flowers, for the foliage builds up the bulb with subsequent yr’s flowers. If the grass is handled with regular garden ferti­lizers there isn’t any have to feed the bulbs (apart from with bonemeal at planting), however bulbs in brief turf should not obtain garden fertilizers as this can encourage the expansion of coarse grasses with which the small bulbs can be unable to compete.

Daffodils ought to be planted as quickly as out there, earlier than hyacinths and tulips. Massive bulbs require holes 6 in. deep and small ones 3-4 in. Bulbs in pots might be positioned shoulder to shoulder with the noses slightly below or simply above the floor. If supposed for forcing they have to be plunged in a cool moist place (except for the variability Paper White) till the roots have developed nicely. Nerine (Amaryllis household) These are South African bulbs though N. sariensis is named the Guernsey lily. They could be grown exterior in hotter areas of the nation, however the place winters are colder they have to be con­sidered a greenhouse plant. The beautiful clear pink flowers seem from September to No­vember, and there may be fairly a variation in flower shade and time of flowering. The leaves die off in late summer season, leaving a brief interval in July-August through which the big bulbs might be moved. Plant them not less than 6 in. deep; they may steadily work their means up­wards till the neck is above floor degree, after they have to be nicely mulched in frosty locations or put down decrease once more. They appear nicely planted out in a mattress in a cool inexperienced­home. Preserve them nicely fed with bonemeal when they’re planted and with liquid fertilizer throughout development.

N. sarniensis isn’t so tall, vigorous or hardy. There are a number of hybrids in pretty shades of scarlet, salmon and wine shades in addition to pinks and whites when grown in a inexperienced­home. Plant them singly in 4-in. pots with the neck of the bulb nicely out and by no means let the temperature fall under 45°F (7°C). Water the soil nicely solely when development begins. After flowering proceed feeding nicely till development ceases. Dry them out and ripen them close to the glass. Divide them solely when it’s essen­tial, as all of them flower finest in crowded situations.

Ornithogalum (Lily household) The Euro­pean 0. umbellatum, the Star of Bethlehem, makes a tremendous wild backyard or skinny woodland bulb. It does nicely in poor, sandy soil, and has flattish heads of greenish-white, star-shaped flowers on 6-8 in. stems. 0. thyrsioides is the chincherinchee, famend for its longevity in water if picked in bud. It flowers in June-July, forming an extended pointed head of white flowers. It isn’t fairly hardy however might be handled like gladiolus (planted in March and lifted in October), or will develop completely in milder areas of the nation, planted 6 in. deep, or in a cool greenhouse.

0. arabicum can be appropriate for pots in a cool greenhouse. It has black-centered white flowers in heads like 0. umbellatum. 0. nutans produces -ft. stems of translucent greenish-white flowers in April and can do nicely in a shady place.

Pancratium (Amaryllis household) (sea lily) These are kind of tender crops with flowers borne on high of an extended stem like amaryllis. They’re often white with inexperienced markings, with lengthy spidery petals from a tube and are sometimes superbly aromatic. They’re appropriate for planting in 5-in. pots in a cool greenhouse and might be stood exterior throughout the summer season in a sheltered place. Solely in tropical areas of the nation can they be grown outdoor.

P. illyricum flowers in Could or June and will have as much as a dozen blooms which open in succession on 1 1/2 ft. stems.

The bulbs ought to be rested throughout the winter when the leaves die down, and stored cool however frost free and dry, however not bone-dry, till the spring.

Puschkinia (Lily household) P. scilloides (syn. P. libanotica) produces 4-6-in. stems of pale blue flowers with a greenish stripe in March. There’s additionally a white type. It makes a tremendous carpet planted 3 in. deep within the fall beneath deciduous shrubs or on a rock backyard, especi­ally in heavy soil. It additionally makes an excellent pan plant.

Ranunculus (Ranunculus household) The tubers of R. asiaticus (generally offered as R. grandiflora) ought to be planted in holes 2-3 in. deep, claws downward, in pots or in clumps

in a sunny border or in a particular mattress for flowers for chopping. They’ll solely be grown outdoor in districts the place winters are much less extreme. Soak them for twenty-four hours earlier than planting.

Plant rigorously any time from October in­facet to April exterior. They want well-drained, wealthy soil and produce massive double flowers on stems 12-15 in. excessive, in shades of yellow, orange, pink and purple. The traditional season is Could to June, however in a greenhouse they are often compelled gently. They’re usually offered combined, however there are a number of strains differing in measurement, doubleness and top of flower and generally known as peony-flowered, French, Persian and Turban.

For chopping particular beds are made with coarse rubble positioned beneath about i ft. of compost containing coarse grit and likewise well-rotted manure, banked up like an asparagus mattress. This ensures the mandatory fast drain­age and excessive degree of feeding. They have to not be allowed to dry out till the leaves die down after flowering. Throughout August the tubers ought to be lifted and saved, ideally hung in paper (not polyethylene) luggage in a frost-proof ethereal place till wanted.

Scilla (Lily household) (squills) Probably the most readily obtainable are S. bifolia, S. sibirica, S. tubergeniana and S. peruviana. The primary three are spring flowering and S. bifolia and S. tubergeniana are value planting in pans of quick-draining compost in a chilly body or alpine home for flowering in March and April respectively. S. sibirica does nicely in sunny borders or in brief turf, and makes an excellent present indoors planted in bulb fiber. On 6-8-in. stems it bears deep vibrant blue flowers; there may be additionally a white type. The flowers of S. bifolia are turquoise blue or pink or white. S. tubergeniana is sort of white, however has a deep blue stripe down the centre. S. peruviana 8—to in., has deep blue, lilac or white flowers massed in a 5-6 in. head, in Could and June. It wants a heat border. Tender varieties can solely be grown within the open in areas of the nation that take pleasure in delicate winters.

Sinningia (Gesneria household) (gloxinia) These heat greenhouse crops have velvety leaves and brilliantly coloured purple, purple, violet and so on. flowers typically with white throats to their trumpets, produced freely for a lot of weeks. Tubers are planted, hole huge up, singly in a compost consisting of equal elements loam and peatmoss, plus some well-decayed manure and sharp sand in 5-in. pots and lined with about t in. of soil, or they’re pressed into packing containers of moist peatmoss and sand till they’ve produced each shoots and roots. That is helpful for checking shoot harm in newly bought tubers. These tubers will• flower in summer season and fall the identical yr. The season might be prolonged by sowing seeds in June to flower early the next summer season, or in January—February for later flowering the identical yr. Feed usually. They want loads of moisture all year long, however might be moved to barely cooler situations whereas really in flower. Dry steadily and retailer at 50-55°F (10-13°C) within the pots.

Smithiana (Gesneria household) As soon as generally known as Gesneria or Naegelia, these require heat greenhouse therapy and are finest grown from tubers planted singly in 5-in. pots in March in a well-drained compost. The flowers are in pretty shades of yellow, orange, apricot and purple, set off by deep inexperienced velvety leaves which damp off if warmth and air flow are insufficient. From March to August the temperature ought to be 6o-7o°F (16-21°C),and as soon as the tubers have began rising nicely plentiful water have to be utilized to the soil, not the foliage. The crops attain 11-2 ft. and flower between July and November. Throughout September and October the warmth might be lowered slowly by about o°°F (6°C) and as soon as flowering has completed they need to be rested steadily and be saved of their pots, dry, at a temperature of 55°F (13°C) throughout the winter.

Notably good crops are finest elevated by cuttings taken in early summer season and rooted in a propagator.

Sparaxis (Iris household) (wand flower) These typically have two or extra colours per bloom in a variety, together with, white with yellow eye, bronze purple with darker eye or with yellow eye, and purplish pink shades. They’re finest planted in March in a heat border the place winters are much less extreme or grown in pots in a cool home, when they could be planted within the fall. The flowers seem in April to late Could in line with therapy. Feed and ripen nicely, however when cleansing off the lifeless foliage don’t pull it out in handfuls, however lower it quick because the decrease nodes can be discovered to comprise small cormels which if left are the technique of speedy improve. Lots of the extra good colours are the results of crossing sparaxis species with the associated Streptanthera. Sprekelia (Amaryllis household) (Jacobean lily) S. formosissima is an attention-grabbing flower, very irregular in form, wanting like a 5-in. huge deep purple orchid. The flowers are often professional­duced singly, often in pairs. Vegetation are sometimes grown in pots in cool greenhouses or in a body, when they could flower as early as Could, however in well-drained, sunny, heat websites in areas the place the winters are hotter. flower in June. The massive bulbs ought to be lined with their very own depth of soil exterior. Feed nicely and ripen completely. Pot or plant when the foliage dies down.

Sternbergia (Amaryllis household) S. lutea, yellow star-flower, produces vibrant golden-yellow crocus-like flowers about 22 in. excessive from late August. If the climate is unhealthy at flowering time shield with a pane of glass, which will even help ripening in a moist fall. The bulbs are finest planted in sunny place in July and will have 4 in. of soil above them. Briefly turf they need to be planted with a bulb planter, not by lifting the turves.

Tigridia (Iris household) (tiger flower) T. pavonia, a half-hardy Mexican bulb-shaped corm produces unusually good flowers with the interior petals and bowl of the flower typically noticed purple and making a tiger-face. The three petals which unfold out flat are scarlet, cherry purple, orange, buff or white; corms are often offered as a mix. The flowers final at some point solely however there are as much as six on every 15-18 in. stem and so they open in succession from June onwards. If handled like gladioli, planted 4-5 in. deep in spring when the hazard of frost has handed and lifted earlier than frosts, they often flower in July. The place winters are much less extreme they are often ignored if given a protecting mulch. They want loads of water and liquid feed throughout summer season after which type good clumps.

Tritonia (Iris household) Tritonias are South African corms, and one solely, T. crocata is freely out there. The flowers are often very brilliantly coloured, orange, a pale coppery shade, yellow or white. They flower in late spring or early summer season in a heat, frost-free border in areas the place the winters are delicate, or in pots in a cool greenhouse. They make good, long-lasting lower flowers. In pots deal with them as freesias, planting them 7-9 in a 5-in. pot in a sandy compost, and supply mild assist. After ripening hold them in the identical measurement pot however substitute among the soil yearly within the fall till the pot is stuffed with corms.

Tulipa (Lily household) (tulip) Tulips have been favourite spring bedding and pot crops in Europe because the mid-Sixteenth century. The flowers are in all colours besides true blues, often solitary, but in addition 3-4 per stem, the backyard hybrids ranging in top from 4-34 in. Good bulbs might be assured to provide a tremendous, even show the primary season, however besides in heat conditions on sandy loam hardly ever professional­duce so many or such massive blooms in later years, although feeding with bonemeal and correct ripening do assist, and by this therapy the smaller species could turn out to be established on sunny ledges of the rock backyard. The bulbs ought to be planted from 4-6 in. deep accord­ing to their measurement, however shouldn’t be put in earlier than October for the April flowering varieties and November for the Could flowering ones.

If used for spring bedding, both alone or coming by means of a shorter floor cowl of forget-me-nots, wallflowers or pansies, the bulbs must be lifted and allowed to complete their development in trenches in a sunny place, until discarded. Tulips in much less con­spicuous locations ought to be allowed to die down earlier than being lifted and positioned in trays in a sunny place (chilly greenhouse, body or win­dow) to finish their ripening. Solely the big bulbs ought to be planted for show the next yr, however small ones might be grown on to flowering measurement in a sunny body. They take as much as seven years to flower from seed.

Some varieties might be compelled, however it is rather vital to develop the bulbs in a plunge mattress till development is nicely up (4-6 in.) after which to carry them steadily into mild and reasonable heat. They don’t reply nicely to excessive temperatures and have to be compelled slowly. Vallota (Amaryllis household) (Scarborough lily) V. speciosa is a South African bulb for the cool or intermediate greenhouse. Bulbs might be planted singly in 3 1/2-in. pots from Could to July. Annually they need to be moved into a bigger pot with out disturbing the clump. After they get grossly overcrowded and small bulbs are being squeezed up free from the mass it’s time to divide and begin afresh. Good soil ought to substitute as a lot as potential of the outdated at every transfer and liquid feeding is important to maintain up the provision of flowering measurement bulbs.

The three-in. trumpet-shaped flowers are moderately just like the smaller hippeastrums, however with extra flowers in every head, on 1-1 1-1 1/2-ft. stems, and are usually a superb vermilion, although each pink and cherry-red types can be found. They flower in late summer season.

Vallotas might be grown efficiently in a sunny window in a wealthy well-drained com­submit. Water rigorously throughout the winter and take away from frost hazard at evening. Bulbs can also be planted exterior in areas the place little frost happens.

Veltheimia (Lily household) V. capensis (syn. V. viridifolia) flowers in early spring in a cool or intermediate home. The flowers type a red-hot poker kind of spike however are straight sided, uninteresting pink bells on the high of a speckled fleshy 15-18-in. stem. They’re the form of uncommon flower colour for off-beat flower preparations, and final nicely in water. The bulbs are massive and might be lifted dry when dormant in the summertime. They need to be planted in September in compost and be stored rising all through the winter, which suggests good mild and an satisfactory tempera­ture. The dried up ends of the leaf bases which type the bulb ought to be stored away from the soil and care ought to be taken to water the soil and never into the neck of the bulb. Zephyranthes (Amaryllis household) (flowers of the western wind) These are bulbs from heat areas in Central and South America, so only some might be tried outdoor within the mildest •elements, although they make good pot crops in a cool home.

Z. candida, with single white flowers like crocuses and rush-like foliage, is the hardiest and probably the most available. It flowers in September-October and makes an excellent edg­ing plant. Additionally often out there are Z. citrina, a vibrant yellow with a greenish base, which isn’t fairly so large; and Z. grandiflora, rosy pink and barely bigger in flower. Each are too tender for something however a cool greenhouse or areas that take pleasure in delicate winters.

The place to plant the backyard flower bulb
Tips on how to plant a backyard bulb – Tulips, Daffodils, Lily, and so on
Flower backyard bulbs, Corms or Tubers on your backyard.
Tips on how to Choose Bulbs, Corms and Tubers in a Backyard Retailer
When to buy Bulbs, Corms and Tubers within the Backyard Shops.
What’s a backyard bulb, corm and tuber?