Fritillarias--Funkias--Galanthuses--Galtonias--Gladioli--Hemerocallises
Although many of the Fritillarias are more distinguished for their singularity than for the brilliance of their colouring, there are few more interesting garden plants. The native species, F. meleagris, is varied in colour and in depth of markings, and the Dutch have raised some pretty named varieties. The white form, F. m. alba, is very beautiful. The varieties of the broad-leaved form of Meleagris are but little grown in Great Britain. There are now many pretty species which are quite as easy to grow, but which do not need such a damp position as suits F. meleagris best, although it grows in dry soil as well. Recurva has beautiful scarlet and yellow flowers, but is difficult to establish. Aurea, with yellow flowers and of dwarf habit, is more easily grown, and is the brightest of the yellow Snake's Head Lilies. Pallidiflora, with pale yellow flowers, is distinct; and the pretty armena gives several varieties with flowers varying from greenish to bright yellow and red. Walujewi is very fine; and Moggridgei is well worth trying also. Acmopetala is a fine, tall species; and such species as Burnati, citrina, lanceolata, lusitanica, lutea, oranensis, pudica, pyrenaica, ruthenica, and Thunbergii are all of interest to those who care for such flowers.
The Crown Imperial, F. imperialis, is so well known that its noble appearance and its value for the garden need no praise. There are several varieties, which range in colour from pale yellow to deep red. In addition, we have a form, called "Crown upon Crown," which has two tiers of flowers; one with a fasciated stem; and two with variegated leaves, one having white and the other yellow margins, and bands on the leaves. These make fine plants. The smaller Fritillarias should be planted about two inches, and the Crown Imperials about four inches deep. The latter like a good rich soil, and all should be as short a time out of the ground as possible. All can be grown in pots.
Funkias, or Plantain Lilies, are among the most ornamental of our hardy flowers, and look exceedingly ornamental in borders or by the margin of water, where their fine leaves are in keeping with their surroundings. They all like some shade, but to induce F. subcordata (syn. grandiflora) to flower well it should have a warm, sunny place. They are best planted in spring. F. lancifolia has pretty leaves and purple flowers. There are several varieties, such as undulata, alba, variegata, and albo-marginata. Ovata has handsome large leaves and purple flowers, and the variety aurea-variegata is particularly fine. Sieboldiana has ornamental foliage and pale lilac flowers. It and the variety marmorata, with marbled foliage, are fine for groups. Fortunei and its variety variegata are both splendid plants, and glauca is another good species.