HYDRANGEAS

Evening Star, Issue 21624, 20 January 1934, Page 23

HYDRANGEAS

HINTS FOR BEDDING There is every indication thai hydrangeas are coming into favour as subjects for bedding. They arc especially suitable for planting eu masse at corners and in partially-shaded beds; but it would be a mistake to plant them in beds where they would be exposed all day to the sun, as under these conditions the heads are liable to suffer and be faded in appearance. A situation partially shaded gives much better results (says the Auckland ‘ Herald For bedding purposes prepare the soil for hydrangeas by adding plenty of well-decayed leaf soil or spent manure to the soil, and plant out any time in September. The best variety for bedding is Parsival. A bed of this reddishpink variety well grown is a beautiful sight. The “ pips " are much like primula flowers, fringed, and the heads are carried on stout stems. The foliage is small and dark green. The only fault to be found With it is that it must be ‘lifted in autumn and kept dried for the winter, as it is very prone to damping off. It requires drier and warmer treatment than any other variety. Others, unless the situation is very bleak, may remain in the beds all winter. Parsival usually throws up plenty of young growths from the base, and if the plants arc started early’ the voting growths may be taken off as cuttings, and will make ideal plants for bedding the next season.