HARBINGERS OF SPRING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20988, 26 September 1931, Page 8 (Supplement)

HARBINGERS OF SPRING.

POLYANTHUS AND PRIMROSES,

Polyanthus and primroses are the natural harbingeis of spring, and are now in full flower. These old-fashioned, hardy perennials are general favourites and one of the most popular of florist flowers. Cowslips are associated with both. They grow wild in the fields and hedge rows. Primroses grow in the British woods and woodland walks. Locally the growth of grass and weeds and dense shade of evergreen trees and shrubs is unfavourable to their establishment as wild flowers. The new varieties, with exceptionally large flowers and a wide range of colours, including brilliant shades of red, orange, and bronze or buff, as well as the richest maroons and yellows, and the pure white with distinctly marked centres, have placed the piolyanthus in the forefront among hardy florist flowers. From a packet of seed of the finest mixed strain ft wonderful variety of colours may be produced. Flowers of the polyanthus are produced on single stems with heads of numerous flowers. CULTIVATION OF POLYANTHUS. Polyanthus and primroses are propagated by seeds and divisions. The seeds are sown early in January in a pan of light soil. When the seedlings large enough they are pricked out into plant trays and placed in a cool frame. Toward the end of 4h&- autumn they should be lai-ge enough for planting out permanently.; Locally both polyanthus and primroses require to be planted in a loamy moist soil/ and in partially-shaded positions. They go off during the summer when planted fully' exposed to the sun and in naturally poor dry soils. Well-rotted farmyard manure or cow-dung, well incorporated with the soil is ideal. Grown in pots they are very attractive mixed with other flowering pot plants. They are also suitable for the rock garden with a southerly aspect and for naturalising I on moist sloping banks or along the sides of running streams and woodland walks. THE PRIMROSES. Primroses, unlike the polyanthus, produce on single stems one flower to each from the base of the plants. Splendid results have been produced from seeds, including the blue-fiowered, a most novel and attractive variety. The crimson is also very distinctive. There are several other colours in the singles. There are also the double-flowered white, yellow, crimson and mauve. Polyanthus and primroses / are indigenous in Europe I (Britain). Now that, the different varieties are in flower is a good time to add to collections. They transplant easily. GODETIAS AND CLARKIAS. TWO HARDY ANNUALS. Godetias and clarkias are showy, freeflowering hardy annuals that are not sufficently grown and appreciated. Both produce single and double flowers in bright colours and long loose sprays. The / clarkias require to be sown where they are to remain and flower. The seedlings, when large enough, must be thinned to sufficient /distances apart. They do not transplant safely from plant trays. Godetias are extremely showy, freeflowering hardy anntials. They make an effective display' throughout the summer. There are double and single-flowered varieties in various colours. There are different shades of pink, white, rose and scarlet. The tall varieties produce their flowers in long loose sprays and the dwarf kinds in clusters. They are of dwarf bushy habit. They are easily grown, either from transplanted box-grown seedlings or from seeds thinly sown where they are to grow and flower after being thinned to suitable distances apart. ■ TULIPS. I SECTIONS AND GROUPS. Tulips are associated with and spoken of in conjunction with hyacinths. The time to plant and other cultural directions, are almost identical. They are a genus of very beautiful hardy bulbous plants, natives of North Africa, Western and Central Asia, extending as far as Japan. British growers, as with hyacinths, are mostly dependent upon Dutch and other Continental growers for their supplies. The few local growers obtain Dominion and other, colonial-grown bulbs, as those that are imported take too long to become established. lulips are divided into sections and groups and classed under popular headings in single and double formed flowers, comprising a numerous collection of varieties. / 1 here are early flowering single and doujle kinds, late double Parrot and Darwin tulips, and single and double-flowered bedding varieties in large collection!!. Darwin tulips are strong growers and general favourites. They do well locally. J lulips succeed well in volcanic and semi-volcanic soils. They should be I planted three inches deep. ' A distance of six inches, apart is sufficient. The soil requires to be of a somewhat light, welldrained and deeply-dug character. A