Beautiful Bulbous Plants Part 8

=When to Plant.=--The best time to plant Daffodil bulbs is from the end of August to November. As there is a great difference in the size of the bulbs, according to the variety, the depth of planting should vary accordingly. Thus bulbs 1 to 2 inches deep from top of neck to base should be planted quite 3 or 4 inches deep, while larger ones will be planted 4 to 6 inches deep in proportion, and about the same distance apart, except, of course, when they are used between other plants like Tulips, Wallflowers, Polyanthuses, &c., for a combination display in spring.

Most of the Daffodils are valuable for cutting and decorative purposes generally when in season, and when one has the convenience of a greenhouse--cold or otherwise--the flowering period can be extended from Christmas onwards.

Daffodils are most easily increased by the offsets from the old bulbs.

These may be lifted in early summer, when the leaves have begun to turn yellow. Seeds may also be sown when ripe (see page 36), but to secure them the plants must be left much longer in the ground, so as to mature them.

Nearly all kinds of Daffodils--especially those having only one flower on a stem--may be grown in the open air. There are hundreds of varieties to choose from, but the uninitiated may start with such kinds as the beautiful white and flat-flowered "Poet's Narcissus" (_N. poeticus_), which is also called the "Pheasant's Eye" Narcissus, because of the crimson and orange circles round the rim of the flat saucer-like "corona" in the centre (see Plate 7, fig. 29). There are several varieties of the Poet's Narcissus, one of the best for ordinary purposes being _ornatus_. Where the soil is particularly rich and well-drained the double-flowered variety, called the "Gardenia" Narcissus, owing to the shape of its beautiful white blossoms (see Plate 7, fig. 28), may be grown. Unfortunately this variety often comes "blind," that is, the blossoms remain undeveloped in the papery sheath on top of the stem. To check this the bulbs are best lifted and transplanted early to fresh soil. Another popular and easily-grown Daffodil is the common Double Yellow one known as _Telamonius plenus_ or _Van Sion_. It is a form of the Tenby Daffodil (_N. obvallaris_) which is a single form with beautiful yellow flowers, having a large "trumpet" or corona in the centre. Closely related to this is the Great Spanish Daffodil (_N.

major_) which has large bright lemon-yellow flowers, which are still larger and of richer yellow in the variety _maximus_.

="Ajax" Daffodils.=--To these may be added the numerous forms, of which the common Lent Lily (also called "Ajax" or "Trumpet Daffodil") is the type, and which has pale sulphur-yellow blossoms with a lemon-yellow "trumpet." Some of the finest Daffodils, with large spreading flowers and correspondingly large and deep trumpets, belong to this section, among which may be mentioned _Ard Righ_ or _Yellow King_, _C. W. Cowan_, _Colleen Bawn_, _Emperor_, _Glory of Leiden_, _Golden Spur_, _Henry Irving_, _Hudibras_, _John Nelson_, _Madame de Graaff_ (see Plate 4, fig. 17), _Monarch_, _W. Goldring_, &c. All these have single flowers varying in colour from almost pure white (as in _C. W. Cowan_, _Colleen Bawn_, and _Madame de Graaff_) to deep golden-yellow in many of the other varieties. There are a few double-flowered forms of the "Lent Lily," the best known being _Capax_, lemon-yellow; _grandiplenus_, deep yellow, _plenissimus_, and the Old Double Lent Lily grown in Gerarde's garden over 300 years ago.

="Bicolor" Daffodils.=--Another very fine group of Trumpet Daffodils are those known as "bicolors," so called because the spreading segments are one colour (generally white or creamy), while the trumpet is another colour (usually some shade of soft or deep yellow). Amongst the most popular forms in this group may be mentioned _Ellen Willmott_ (see Plate 4, fig. 16), _Empress, Grandee_, _Horsfieldi_ (see Plate 4, fig. 18), _Mrs. J. B. M. Camm_, _Mrs. Morland Crossfield,_ _Mrs. Walter T. Ware_, _Princeps_ or _Irish Giant, Victoria,_ and _Weardale Perfection_ (see Plate 6, fig. 26).

The "=Star Daffodils=" (_N. incomparabilis_) have spreading starry petals, and a cup or chalice-like corona or trumpet in the centre. They are a very free growing group, the commoner kinds of which (such as _Autocrat_, _Cynosure_, _Stella_) may be naturalised in thousands in the gra.s.s, where they may be seen at "a glance tossing their heads in sprightly dance." Some other very fine forms are _C. J. Backhouse_, _Frank Miles_, _Geo. Nicholson_, _Gloria Mundi_ (see Plate 5, fig. 21), _Lulworth_ (see Plate 6, fig. 27), _Mary Anderson_, _Sir Watkin_ (see Plate 5, fig. 23), and _Princess Mary of Cambridge_ (see Plate 5, fig.

21), &c., but there are many others. There are also several double varieties of Star Daffodils, the most common being "b.u.t.ter and Eggs,"

_Orange Phoenix_ (or _Eggs and Bacon_) and _Sulphur Phoenix_ (or _Codlins and Cream_).

There are many other kinds of Daffodils which have only one flower on a stem, many of them being natural or artificial hybrids. s.p.a.ce will not permit detailed descriptions, but the following may be looked upon as the best:--_Backhousei_, _Barri_ (with several forms), _Bernardi_, _Burbidgei_, (with several forms), _gracilis_, _Humei_, _intermedius_, _Johnstoni_ (with several forms), _Leedsi_ (with several fine forms), _Macleayi_, _moschatus_ (with several forms, the best being _cernuus_), _muticus_, and _Nelsoni_ (with several forms).

In the foregoing sections the blossoms are all of a fairly large size, and borne on stalks a foot or more high. There is, however a charming group in which the blossoms are in most cases comparatively small and the flower stalks short. These kinds are valuable for planting in bold ma.s.ses in partially shaded places in the rockery, or in short gra.s.s.

_N. cyclamineus_ is a charming little Daffodil. It belongs to the Lent Lily group botanically. The blossoms, however, are much smaller; the segments being lemon-yellow, and abruptly turned back upon the stalk from the orange-yellow cylindrical "trumpet." (See Plate 5, fig. 19.)

_N. minor_ is another miniature form of Lent Lily, with gracefully-twisted sulphur-yellow segments surrounding a deeper yellow spreading "trumpet." The variety _minimus_ is smaller still, with rich yellow flowers, while _plenus_ (or _Rip Van Winkle_) is a double variety.

One kind that differs conspicuously from all others is the "Hooped Petticoat" or "Medusa Trumpet" Daffodil (_N. Bulbocodium_), at one time considered a distinct genus (_Corbularia_). It is a charming species, having bright-yellow flowers, the chief characteristic of which is the cone-like or broadly funnel-shaped trumpet. There are several varieties, such as _citrinus_ (lemon-yellow), _conspicuus_ (golden-yellow), _Graellsi_ (primrose-yellow), _monophyllus_ (snow-white, leaves solitary), _nivalis_, (orange-yellow).

PLATE 27. WATSONIA MERIANA (99) WATSONIA ALBA (100) WATSONIA ANGUSTA (101) MONTBRETIA CROCOSMIaeFLORA (102)

=Polyanthus or Tazetta Narcissus.=--Pa.s.sing from the Daffodils with solitary flowers on a stalk, we come to a small group in which several blossoms adorn the top of the stem. The most important of these is perhaps the Polyanthus or Bunch Narcissus (_N. Tazetta_) which was well-known to the old Greek and Roman poets, although in a wild state it is met with eastwards across Europe and Asia, to China and j.a.pan. The typical _N. Tazetta_ has 4 to 8 flowers on top of the stem, the spreading segments being pure white and the cup-shaped corona lemon-yellow. There are many varieties, and although the individual blossoms are not very large, they are sometimes produced in much larger numbers than the type. The best-known varieties are the _Scilly White_, _Grand Soleil d'or_, _Grand Monarque_ (Plate 6, figs. 24 and 25), and the _Paper White_--all largely grown in the open air in the Scilly Isles--but rather too tender for out-door cultivation in less favoured parts of the kingdom.

Of late years, a Chinese form (really only _N. Tazetta_) called the "Sacred Lily" or "Joss Flower," has attracted attention, and has been recommended for growing in ornamental bowls, &c., in drawing-rooms, in a compost (if it can be called such) of pebbles and clean water. The common mistake made in growing the Joss Lily in this way is that the plants do not get sufficient light in ordinary rooms, and consequently both leaves and stems are too weak to stand erect.

Other Daffodils with several flowers on a stalk are the Sweet-Scented Jonquil (_N. Jonquilla_), easily recognised by its roundish leaves and rich yellow flowers with a cup-shaped corona. There are several varieties including a double one known as "Queen Anne's Jonquil." The Rush-leaved Jonquil (_N. juncifolius_) with roundish rush-like leaves is closely related, its bright yellow blossoms being distinguished from those of the Jonquil by being fewer and having broader ovate segments.

_N. triandrus_, popularly called "Ganymede's Cup," is a charming little species with 1 to 6 pure-white flowers in which the segments are bent back from the cup-shaped corona. There are several varieties, including a lovely white one (_albus_) called "Angel's Tears," shown on Plate 5, fig. 20. _Concolor_, pale yellow; _calathinus_, white or sulphur-yellow; _pallidulus_, primrose-yellow; while _pulch.e.l.lus_ has primrose-yellow segments and a white corona.

The bulbs of _N. triandrus_ and its varieties being rather small--half to three-quarters of an inch in diameter--the spots where they are planted should be marked, otherwise they are apt to get lost or destroyed. Until the stock is large they are probably safer grown in pots in cold frames.

As new varieties and hybrids are being added each year, the reader who wishes to grow novelties is advised to consult the bulb catalogues of such firms as Messrs. Barr & Sons, Covent Garden; Messrs. Ware, Feltham; Mr. Hartland, of Cork; Mr. Perry, Winchmore Hill, &c.

=NOTHOSCORDUM fragrans.=--A st.u.r.dy North American plant, 1 to 2 feet high, with roundish oblong bulbs, having thick fleshy roots. It is closely related to the Alliums, as may be seen by its umbels of white starry flowers, the segments of which are keeled with lilac on the outside.

This species grows in ordinary good garden soil of a gritty nature, and is easily increased by offsets.

=ORNITHOGALUM= (_Star of Bethlehem_).--Although a large genus, only a few species are considered worth growing, except in botanical collections. The best known representative of the group is probably the Common Star of Bethlehem (_O. umbellatum_), which is now naturalised in copses and meadows in some parts of England, and may be utilised in the same way in large gardens with an abundance of gra.s.s-land. The cl.u.s.ters of pure-white starry blossoms appear in May and June, on stalks about 1 foot high, and are keeled with green behind. Very similar in appearance are the flowers of _O. arabic.u.m_, which, however, appear in June and July, and are much larger, sometimes 2 inches across, with golden anthers, and a shining black ovary in the centre, as shown in Plate 29, fig. 107. Unfortunately, this species is rather tender in the colder parts of the kingdom, and should be protected in winter. As an alternative the plants may be grown in pots in cold greenhouses, or in gla.s.ses of water in the same way as Hyacinths (see p. 84.) _O. nutans_, the drooping white flowers of which are also shown on Plate 29, fig.

108, is almost as hardy as _O. umbellatum_, and may be naturalised in the same way. _O. arcuatum_ has pure white erect flowers in May and June on stalks 2 feet or more high. _O. pyramidale_, the white flowers of which have a green stripe behind, and are borne on stalks 1-1/2 to 2 feet high in June and July, is another species worth growing in ma.s.ses in the shrubberies, or in the gra.s.s (see Plate 19, fig. 74); and _O.

pyrenaic.u.m_, with pale yellow-green flowers may be given similar treatment.

Ordinary well-drained garden soil of a more or less sandy nature will suit the Ornithogalums. They are easily increased by offsets.

=PANCRATIUM.=--Most of the plants in this genus require to be grown in heat and moisture under gla.s.s. Two species, however--both with cl.u.s.ters of white sweet-scented flowers on stout stalks 1 to 2 feet high--can be grown in the open air in the milder parts of the British Islands. They are _P. illyric.u.m_ and _P. maritimum_, both natives of Southern Europe.

They have large pear-shaped bulbs with a tapering neck 9 to 12 inches long, and consequently require to be planted pretty deeply, say about a foot in September. A well-drained sandy loam and leaf-soil suits them best, and they may be increased by offsets.

=POLIANTHES tuberosa= (_Tuberose_).--Although what are known as African, American, Italian, and Pearl Tuberoses, are usually grown in warm greenhouses, nevertheless the plants may be grown with a fair degree of success in the open air in the milder parts of the kingdom. The thickish bulbs, about 2 inches through, may be planted out about the end of May, only just covering the tops with an inch or two of soil. The thin and narrow leaves will soon appear, and about August the pure waxy-white heavily-scented blossoms will be thrown up on stalks 2 to 3 feet high, that may require a thin stake to keep them erect. There are single and double-flowered varieties, the latter being most popular for cultivation under gla.s.s. For this purpose the bulbs may be treated as advised at p.

46.

=PUSCHKINIA scilloides.=--A charming little plant, with ovoid bulbs about an inch through, and narrow leaves about 6 inches long. About March and April the white or very pale blue blossoms appear, and are decorated with a conspicuous deep-blue line down the centre of each segment. Warm sheltered spots in the rock-garden or flower border, and a compost of rich sandy loam and leaf-soil suit this plant best. The bulbs should be planted, 3 or 4 inches deep, in September or October (but not later), and may, if convenient, remain in the same spot for three or four seasons without being lifted. This is best done when the foliage has withered, and will give an opportunity for detaching the offsets to increase the stock.

=SCHIZOSTYLIS coccinea.=--A charming South African plant, 2 to 3 feet high, with the appearance of a Gladiolus in the sword-like leaves. The brilliant crimson blossoms, each about 2 inches across, appear from September to November, and consequently often get spoiled by the weather unless protected. They are excellent for cutting and valuable so late in the season. The plants flourish in rich sandy loam, peat and leaf-soil, and are more satisfactory in the open air in the mildest parts of the kingdom. In other parts they should be planted on a sheltered south border where they can be protected in winter if necessary. Grown in pots, the plants are popular for greenhouse decoration. Increase is effected by dividing the thickish rootstocks in spring.

PLATE 28. GLADIOLUS NANCEIa.n.u.s (103) GLADIOLUS LEMOINEI (104) GLADIOLUS CHILDSI (105)

=SCILLA= (_Squill_; _Bluebell_).--The Squills and Bluebells are amongst the most charming of our spring-flowering bulbous plants, and it is astonishing that they are not more extensively utilised for naturalising in the gra.s.s, with Snowdrops, Crocuses, Narcissi, Chionodoxas, &c., with which they harmonise so well. Preferring partially shaded spots, they are particularly valuable for planting in woodland walks, and beneath our native trees in parks and pleasure grounds. The hardier kinds require practically no cultivation, and will flourish in any of the places indicated or in ordinary garden soil in the rock-garden or flower border. The best time to plant is about September and October, and as the bulbs are 1-1/2 to 2 inches in diameter, they should be buried about 3 or 4 inches deep, and in hundreds and thousands if possible instead of in twos and threes.

The best-known member of the genus is undoubtedly our Common British Bluebell or Wood Hyacinth (_S. festalis_). It is to be found in abundance in woods and copses, and from April to June sends up its tall stalks of drooping bell-shaped flowers, the colour of which varies from bluish-purple to white or pink, according to the several varieties, such as _alba_, _rosea_, and _rubra_, &c.

Another fine species is the Spanish Bluebell (_S. hispanica_ or _S.

campanulata_), perhaps the finest-looking Bluebell in the open air. The ordinary variety has porcelain-blue flowers on stalks a foot or more high. It is surpa.s.sed in beauty, however, by its white variety _alba_, which flowers freely and grows vigorously. There are also forms with pink or rosy flowers, such as _rosea_ or _carnea_, _rubra_, &c., all of which appear in April and May.

The species, however, that finds so much favour for autumn planting is _S. sibirica_, a charming species, with purple-coated bulbs, and bright porcelain-blue blossoms with more or less spreading segments. They appear in February and March on stalks 3 to 6 inches high, but are more numerous in the variety called _multiflora_ (see Plate 2, fig. 7). Owing to its early blooming, it is of course a great favourite with other early flowering plants.

Other kinds of Scilla that may be grown in the open air in the same way as those already mentioned are:--The Star Hyacinth (_S. amoena_), which requires rather warm sheltered spots. It has bright indigo blue flowers with spreading segments from March to May. _S. bifolia_ grows 6 to 9 inches high, and produces its bright-blue, bell-shaped flowers in March.

There are several forms of it, such as _alba_, white, _rosea_, pale rose, &c. _S. hyacinthoides_, bluish-lilac; _S. italica_, blue; _S.

verna_, porcelain-blue; _S. patula_, deep blue with white edges; and _S.

monophylla_, with blue or violet flowers, all appearing in April and May.

Quite distinct in appearance from all these is _S. peruviana_, which, by the way, is not a native of Peru, but of the Mediterranean region. It has large, pear-shaped bulbs, and rosettes of leaves 6 to 12 inches long, with bristly margins. The bright blue starry blossoms appear in May and June, and are borne in broadly conical cl.u.s.ters, which elongate during the flowering period. There are white (_alba_) and yellow (_lutea_) varieties, the first-named of which is shown on Plate 17, fig.

69.

This species may be grown in warm sheltered spots in the border or rock-garden, in dryish, well-drained soil. The bulbs should be planted 4 to 6 inches deep, and in cold localities should be protected from severe frosts in winter.

Scillas may be increased by offsets taken from the old bulbs when the foliage has withered.

=SISYRINCHIUM grandiflorum.=--This is the best garden plant out of about fifty species. Like Schizostylis coccinea, it can scarcely be called a "bulbous" plant, as it has only short thickened rootstocks. It grows about a foot high, having striated leaves, and deep purple blossoms (as shown in Plate 20, fig. 79), which, however, are white in the variety _alb.u.m_. It is an excellent plant for the rock-garden, where it should be planted in bold clumps, in light sandy loam and peat. Increased by division of the rootstocks about September.