AUTUMN ANEMONES

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 44, 15 November 1941, Page 14

AUTUMN ANEMONES

Their Food Requirements

The autumn-flowering anemone—a japonica and its many hybrids has become one of the most popular flowers of late summer, but many gardeners experience difficulty in growing it well. Coolness at the roots is vital. That is the reason why autumn anemones arc always seen at their best in partial shade. They do well enough in sunshine, however, if you mulch the roots now with a 2in. layer of riddled leafmould. A lin. mulch is quite enough in shady positions. Lay the mulch 6in. beyond the spread of the outer leaves. Do not use manure instead of the leafmould or the delicate petals will split and the colours run. Moisture is another essential. A dry autumn anemone will soon wither and give up the ghost for the season. Water plenteously, therefore, in dry weather always in the evening, so that the succulent roots can take their fill dur ing the night. If you want an outstanding display, feed exclusively with soot water, starting now and continuing at weekly intervals till the flowers open. Then cease, or the display will be shortlived. Soot water is the perfect fertilizer for autumn anemones, because it ensures steady development and brings out to perfection their exquisite colours. Dilute liquid manure, which is so often used, forces growth too much.