GARDENERS’ QUERIES Flowering Cherry

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30145, 31 May 1963, Page 6

GARDENERS’ QUERIES Flowering Cherry

On my way to work each day I pass a garden in which there is a tree which la and has been for some weeks, covered with blossom. The tree is of medium size and is now devoid of leaves. Flowers are small and pink and look very much like cherry blossom but I always thought that flowering cherries produced their blossom in late winter and spring. Could this one be flowering out of season, and if so. is this an unusual occurrence? I realise that the description is vague but I would be very interested if you could suggest what the tree might be.—

“Interested" (Rkcarton). The tree is a flowering cherry and it Is almost certain that it is Pruhus subhirtella autumnalls. This particular variety will begin flowering In the autumn soon after the leaves fall and will continue throughout the winter when the weather is mild. It is uncommon in NewZealand.

Blemished Quince 1 am enclosing a quince and 1 would like your opinion of the brown marks on It. The larger the fruit the more marked they seem to be. Last year was the first time that 1 noticed these blemishes on the fruit; the tree is 10 years old.—Lß. (Leeston). The fruit is being attacked by Fabaea scald, a fungus disease which is quite prevalent on many quince varieties. It can be con-trolled by spraying w-ith Bordeaux mixture at bud movement, open to white stage, again at petal fall 14 days later, and then at 18-21 day intervals until early February.

Aphis On Creepers I have a Virginia creeprr which in the late summer is attacked by aphide,. These are small and light in colour and exude whitish substance similar to woolly aphis: the leaves become very dirty. How can 1 combat these attacks?—TAW (Waimale). Il sounds very much though woolly aphis are casing the trouble, these peattack a wide range of plant I suggest that you spray wit malathion in the spring at ate-bud-burst and follow this u with a second spray about tw weeks later. Infected Dahlias Could you tell me what is wrong with the enclosed dahlia leaves? is it virus or rust? I Intend to burn them if diseased.—“Pahlla** (Walmate).

The leaves show symptom, of spotted wUt virus for which there is no control and I advise you to burn all plants showing the infection. Missed Flowering The flowers of my Hoya carnosa almost reach the flowering sUge and thin drop off. It is possible that I have been watering my riant too much lor allhoush do not leave it standing in water, this situation Is often approached; il is iu a north-facing window. Enclosed is a bunch of grapes which is typical of this year's crop. The condition occurred last year for the flrst time. Only a few bunches of grapes low down on the vine escape. Could you offer a suggestion as to the cause and if possible a control?—N.B. (New Brighton). Flowers.are often produced on a Hoya at this time ot the year. When temperatures of many rooms fall quite low at night, this can have an adverse effect on flower development and when temperatures fall too low flowers may fall without opening This condition is accentuated by wet conditions at the roots. I feel that you are keeping the Hoya too wet and recommend that you considerably reduce the amount of water that you give It. As the temperature increases again in the spring and growth recommences you can then Increase the amount of water Sun scorch can trouble Hoyas tn a northern aspect which can also result tn flower drop The specimens of grapes sent indicate powdery mildew which is easily controlled. 4 fluid oz lime sulphur to which is added Uoz couoidul sulphur and four gallons of water Karathan, at s«ox to four gallons of water can be used as an alternative.