PYRETHRUMS

Evening Star, Issue 20346, 30 November 1929, Page 28

PYRETHRUMS

These lovely perennial flowers are now adding their quota of beauty to the borders (writes “ Lorna,” in the ‘Manawatn Daily Times’). Owing to their great value as cut flowers, hybridists have taken great pains to improve on the old type of flower. Apart from the daisy-liko type, we have those with beautifully quilled centres, while many new colourings have been added to the list.

As border plants they arc in the front rank, and for house decoration, no other hardy (perennial is their equal in lasting qualities. The petals rarely fall, even after a period of ten or tweve days. Their long, slender stalks with graceful fern-like foliage and delightful charming flowers in shades of wTnte, cream, red, crimson, and all shades of pink, provide a wonderful display. Select an open, sunny position when planting pyrethrums and see that the soil is well trenched and well decayed manure incorporated. A good heavy soil is preferable, but nob essential, as they will grow successfully m practically any kind of soil that is well drained and not of a cold, damp nature. In suitable positions in the rock garden, they are often a great success. Lovers of these plants are often troubled with slugs, which do great damage when the plants are commencing to throw up fresh growths and to prevent the destruction of plants where this pest is very troublesome, a light dress, ing of vaporite mixed with the soil will help considerably. It is a mistake to transplant pyrethrums during the late autumn or winter months as so many of them will perish before root action takes place. Many experts favour transplanting as the plants go out of bloom, and provided care and attention in the matter of watering is given until they are established, the planting will be successful. The finest flowers are always found on the moderate sized clumps, so they should not be allowed to go too long before dividing. Clumps can be cut with a blunt knife, or nulled apart with the fingers. If the clumps have long been neglected only the outside portions should be replanted.