FLOWER OF THE SEASON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20722, 15 November 1930, Page 5 (Supplement)

FLOWER OF THE SEASON.

CULTURE OF ROSES. Tho flower of the season is undoubtedly the rose. Tho varieties belonging to tho large-flowering, climbing section, to tho hybrid perpetual, teas, hybrid tea, and pernetianay sections aro now in the zenith of their glory, with Alberica barbier, tho first of tho wichuraiana varieties to come into flower. The weather throughout tho eprirg befog moist and tho temperature below tho usual averago, has been exceptionally favourable to the general growth- of roses, which have been very vigorous and free from leaf diseases and nph-des. ' The flowers retain their true colours arid good lasting qualities without fading prematurely, as usually occurs under bright sunshine and dry soil conditions.

To prolong the flowering of roses, pick off all spent blooms every morning. Keep a good look out for aphis and spray 011 its first appearance upon the young, tender shod..;, (iishurst's Compound is an effective remedy when applied warm through a syringe with a fine nozzle. Lightly stirring the surface soil around the bushes in (ho beds and other places is beneficial as it aerates the soil and adds to its appearance. Now that the different varieties are in full bloom is the proper timo to make/ notes and list any that are to bo discarded. An annual revision is always necessary to climate delicato unfurnished plants, and some of the older varieties that are superseded by later introductions. Many of tho good old kinds still retain their leading places, among them being somo of the most highly-scented, an essential sadly lacking in most of the later creations. A rose ■without perfume, no matter how exquisitely the form and colouring, loses its principal charm. SCARLET SALVIAS. DECORATIVE VALUE. Salvia bonfire, fireball, and splendens are forms : of Splendens bonfire, being a mora compact, grower and profuse and continuous bloomer. The decorative value of scarlet salvias is so apparent that they have become immensely popular, and are now considered indispensable in every tlower garden. A bed or group of scarlet salvias literally covered with long spikes of brilliant scarlet flowers that continue in perfection throughout the late summer months and right into tho winter, provides a gorgeous wealth of colour. Salvias are of the easiest culture, and. they keep remarkably free from all insects. Each plant should have ample room to develop without being crowded, and should be planted about 15in. apart to allow it to branch out. Now is a suitable time to bed out salvias. Earlier plantings, like 'zinnias, will have remained stationary and suffered from the want of a warmer and more uniform (temperature. CELOSTA FAMILY. PROFUSION OF BLOOMS. (.Vlosia I pyramidalis (tho feathered cockscomb), forms elegant pyramidal plants with numerous feathery plumes in various showy colours. There aro a number of varieties of this species all of which are highly ornamental. The variety plumosa is a popular strain with its beautiful plumes of yellow, .scarlet, crimson and salmon sh/ides. These , celosias flower with the preatest profusion throughout the summer and autumn. They aro splendid dry weather subjects, and the flowers itVo highly prized for cutting. They last a long time and may be mixed v.ilb immortelles or everlasting flowers. Towards the end of this month is soon enough to begin planting and the late batch may be planted early in January, thus producing a long succession. Ihe foliage of some is of a reddish colour. They should bo planted either singly or in clumps about nine inches between each plant, at intervals in the mixed border where they make a beautifully geol'geous display, contrasting with tho other occu pants. The tall-growing Varieties requiro to be staked to prevent their being in jured by strong winds. CELOSIA CRISTATA. Celosia cristatu, the common old-fash-Jonecl cockscomb, produces large heads of flowers the finest strains being those of compact dwarf habit and of a rich crimson ■ nlour/ Other mixed colours include white, goiden orange, rose ami rich crimson. They are largely prized hy many growers, being quite unique with their large combs of conspicuous flower. fri addition to outside culture they aro iViost useful for growing in pots for this purpose. The dwarf plants and largo heads of flower are essential. 'lhey aro well Vorth growing for variety.