UNCOMMON OLD-TIMER

Press, Volume C, Issue 29643, 13 October 1961, Page 8

UNCOMMON OLD-TIMER

Crown Imperial Seldom Seen

The Crown Imperial was introduced to cultivation in Europe long before the beginning of the 1600’s, but despite this early start' it is not common to cultivation nowadays. When it is seen, even the most unobservant gardener stops in admiration; a stem three feet tall, with whorls of leaves on the lower part, and then a cluster of pendant bells suspended from the top of the naked upper stem, amongst a crest of erect green leaves Four or five large flowers occur in the cluster, red, yellow or reddish - orange according to variety. No wonder that such an arrogant flower attracts attention. There is a legend that this plant refused to bow its head when Our Lord was passing on the road to Calvary; the pendant bells, and the unshed tears found in the nectaries. are a lasting token of humble repentance following proud defiance. Bulbs are huge—anything up to six inches across, and they have an odd and persistent musty smell. Where the old flower stalk emerged from the thick scales is a deep cavity, large enough to put one’s thumb in—a characteristic feature. The Crbwn Imperial flowers in late September and early October, and is relatively easy-going so far as garden position is concerned, half-shade seems to be equally as preferable as a sunny spot, but the soil should not be too dry nor too light. ' The best results are often obtained on quite heavy soils, as long as the bulb does not actually lie wet. Planting time is from late summer onwards. Keep it in mind till then.