Boronia

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 17, 20 January 1940, Page 9 (Supplement)

Boronia

AUSTRALIA'S genus boronia contains some of the sweetestscented flowering plants of our gardens. Seldom, however, are they seen doing well. They are not fond of what is usually known as a "good" soil, and in the majority of eases the plants are killed by kindness. Give them a well-drained soil, without manure, and a position in full sun—and you are 011 the right way to succeed. They are small, slow growing shrubs, and any attempt to force them out of their own pace means failure. Overcrowding with other plants is detrimental. If your soil is heavy add plenty of sand, and when planting ram the soil tight round the roots, thus giving them a firm root run. Although in many eases not long lived, no garden should be without a plant or two, particularly the brownflowered variety, niegastigma. A plant or so of this when in (lower will scent tho whole garden. Above all, do not use lime near them for, like the rhododendron they are better without it. They are hardy ill most districts where frosts are not too severe, but would need protection in the cold districts of the North Island and 111 the South Island. Where they are not hardy enough to stand outside they can be very successfully grown 111 pots in the greenhouse. One point which it is essential to remember is that no forking, spading, or hoeing should bo done close to plants and weeds should be pulled by hand and a topdressing or mulching of sand applied in spring.