The Clivia or Imantophyllum is an old plant of the family of Amaryllideae. Since a long time, we possess two very distinct species - the Clivia miniata and the Clivia nobilis. The flower of the former is comparatively large, with six petals of an orange-reddish color, turning to yellow towards the centre; the flower is wide open, with free petals, erected and gathered in spikes. But the Clivia nobilis flowers are drooping, smaller, of an orange color with green tops, and very little open. By crossing these two species, the Clivia cyrthanti-flora is raised. This hybrid has the habit of Clivia nobilis, but the flowers are intermediate between the two above named species. About twelve to fifteen years ago, a new strain of Clivia made its appearance. I say strain or breed, and not a species or hybrid, as the plants in question are only perfected Clivia miniata; they are generally known by the name of Clivia with large flowers, and we need not hesitate to say they are one of the greatest conquests made in horticulture. The plants were obtained in this way. Seeds of Clivia miniata were sown, and produced plants, the flowers of which differed a little from the old type. Of course the best ones were kept, and in this way we obtained flowers different from the genuine species.

In one, the color was darker; in another, the centre of the flower was of lighter yellow turning to white; in still another, the flower was larger, better shaped, and the spikes larger and better furnished. This was the result of care and patience, because the Clivia seedlings do not flower until the fourth year. If there should have been another species of Clivia in the way of the miniata, having about the same shape and a better color, no doubt we should have come to as good results in a shorter way. The first varieties of this species were:

Clivia Miniata Robusturn

Clivia Miniata Robusturn - of which the color is only a little varying, but the flowers better shaped and on enormous spikes.

Clivia Miniata Vanhouttei

Color darker and large flowers.

Clivia Miniata Maximum Vanhouttei

Perfection of the former.

Clivia Miniata Splendens

Having the small foliage of the common miniata, but flowers and spikes greatly improved in size, shape and color.

Clivia Miniata Perfectum

Oi a dark color and a beautiful shape.

Clivia Julianna

Flowers large.

Clivia Miniata Mlle. Vanhoutte

Much improved, both in color and size and shape.

Clivia Miniata Seckhoutei

Very large flowers and lively color, with nearly white centre, enormous spikes.

Clivia Miniata Lindeni

This is one of the varieties noted for the good shape and the beauty of its flower. The middle of the flower is of a yellowish white color.

All these were the first obtained, with a few others beside. All were quite different from the old species (miniata), and it is by the aid of them, and by repeated crossings, are obtained this lovely strain of Clivias generally known by the name of Clivias with large flowers. The growth of Clivias is very easy. These plants can stand above freezing point any temperature, even cold or warm. To have the plants in perfection, put them in a medium temperature, half-shaded and moderately moist. S. Denis, Westrem, near Ghent, Belgium.