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.
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.
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.
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.