BEAUTIFUL CANNAS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20792, 7 February 1931, Page 8 (Supplement)

BEAUTIFUL CANNAS.

A GALAXY OF COLOUR. Cannas are now in their fullest perfection. They impart a very beautiful and tropical aspect to the flower garden and grounds by their suitely growth and broad ms.ssive foliage, surmounted by gorgeously coloured blossoms on tall stems in various colours—brilliant scarlet, rich crimson, orange and yellow, pink, yellow striped and spotted with crimson, crimson bordered, bright golden yellow —contrasting with the different. ' shades of foliage, bright green, chocolate bronze, copper, and striped. The newer varieties have large gladioli-like flowers, resembling some orchids. Cannas are the easiest of all flowering plants to grow. They are immune from insects and fungi, and succeed in most situations, excepting the most exposed. They are splendidly adapted for planting on sloping hanks, on the rockery and ,rock border, in the mixed border, and grouped on the lawn with proper, arrangements of foliage and colour of the flowers. The rich dark ..bronzes with brilliant crimson flowers make a magnificent display. FOB POT CULTURE. The dwarfed growers and bright flowering varieties are admirably adapted for growing in pots and tubs. The arranging of those in medium-sized pots, interspersed ,tvith other foliage and flowering plants, is most effective. They require to be regularly watered and given an occasional Jiquid stimulant. ' The beautiful double-flowering petunias are splendid subjects for po*t culture. Wellgrown, carefully trained and staked they are most effective with their full double flowers. Some are beautifully fringed, double pink fringed,pink and white, rose and white, superb crimson, crimson striped, and .blotched white, Double petunias • are equally desirable for outdoor culture. . They may be propagated from seeds arid from cuttings. By the 'latter the true colours are produced, and true to type seedlings, throw a percentage of single flowers. The single large-flow-ered varieties, notably the superbissima and giants of California strain, produce ' enormous flowers with funnel-shaped marbled throats. The flowers are deliriously fragrant and make a most attractive display. Petunias are good dry weather Subjects and seldom require artificial waterings. % SCARLET-FLOWERING GUM. > . • Eucalyptus ficifolia, or scarlet-flowering gum, is now displaying a great profusion of lovely scarlet flowers. Irrespective of the gorgeous blooms, the tree itself is most ornamental with its dense head and Jarge handsome leaves. The flowers are produced at the ends of the branches, limilar to the pohutukawa, which it rivals. - 1 Being raised from seeds it varies in colour from primson to a lovely shade of orange scarlet. To produce plants true to typo the seeds must be gathered from isolated trees'. This small growing tree has become most popular, being extensively grown as single specimens in our gardens and grounds and for avenue and street planting. . Care, is necessary to start th& '\young 'plants and firmly establish them. Early spring is the beat time to transplant small plants from pots into their permanent quarters. Tho smaller the plant the better to prevent the roots becoming pot, bound. ASCLEPIAS. Asclepias curassavica, an exceedingly showy sub-shrubby perennial of erect branching growth,, is easily grown and is most suitable for the mixed border, where it may now'be seen in full flower. Although a native of tropical America, it thrives well locally. It is propagated from seeds, which are freely produced. GENERAL WORK, ' p^K ork t] ] e f ow er garden during the ea.ily part of this, month, is mostly of chiefly in Pu Val ; tolis hods' and borders and ft' f n throughout, in ;v --neat orderly Eom «.?r Surfa r Phould be kept free tthirVi , 8 ? nd ° ther weeds b y hoeing, mn 1 a 5 fI s mulch , conserves the moisture, and helps to retain a uniform temperature. Chrysanthemums ' need almost daily attention—taking the buds removing superfluous side shoots, and tying up the selected branches, and most, important of all, spraying for rust and caterpillars, and mulching the .surface and , watering when necessary. ' Dahlias require constant attention— : disbuddinpr and cutting out superfluous "shoots, sprayinc for caterpillars, keeping :.the sou round them mulched and the plants regularly watered during dry periods. Finish layering carnations. Stake herbaceous perennials, such as michaelmas daisies etc. llant a selection of late flowering seedlings to keep Up a regular succession of flowers. Prepare ' ground for hardy) flowering -bulbs,; laying.out new gardens, ! bow various'perennials under glass and B ? vera ] the-hardy annuals in the.'open ■V B?' ou nd for spring flowering, cut and water li|wns f finally pick off dead flowers i . growlh of some of the r heading aud rockery plants. m v- : - ■kk.