This is a grand spring plant, and not so much grown as it ought to be. When grown in 6 and 8 inch pots, they are found most useful for decorative purposes when in bloom.

After flowering in early spring, if the plants are getting large, break them up, putting them into pots the sizes mentioned, using good fibry loam, leaf-mould, a little silver sand, with a few pieces of charcoal. The pots should be clean and well drained, as when in active growth liberal supplies of water must be given. When potted, let all be placed in a temperature about 60°, shading from bright sun until taken to the fresh shift, when daily attention in watering and syringing throughout the season will be required. They will soon start into growth, and make nice plants if not kept too close nor shaded. Those that are intended for larger plants ought to be shifted on into larger pots whenever the roots have all reached the sides of the pots, as they should never be allowed to get matted. Place them in the same house, and give them the same treatment. Those that have not been shifted should be assisted with weak manure-waterings. As the autumn advances, water to a certain extent should be withheld, at the same time reducing the temperature gradually to about from 403 to 45°; in this they will stand all through the depth of winter, requiring little attention, except an occasional watering, as they must not be allowed to get too dry.

In spring a few might be placed in a warm house to induce them to throw up their flowers a little earlier than the general stock. When allowed to flower in a cool house the flowers are richer in colour, and last much longer than those that have been forced. It is also a most useful thing to cut from, and, like the Gladiolus, opens its blooms after being cut and placed in water.