FLOWERING BULBS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21112, 20 February 1932, Page 8 (Supplement)

FLOWERING BULBS.

DIRECTIONS FOR PLANTING. The season has again arrived for planting suitable selections from the long lists of hardy early-flowering bulbs. The many uses for which these charming flowering subjects may be employed for the adornment of the garden is well known and appreciated. No garden is complete without a fair representation of the most popular, all being great favourites when in bloom. Many bulbs that have been left in the ground start into new growth after the first February rains, which is the best practical guide for commencing replanting, but, as a rule, the first week in March is the best time to plant the first batch. To secure as prolonged a display as possible males a second planting a fortright or three w ee hs later, continuing at intervals a? long as the bulbs are in fit condition. Where practical, the planting of some suitable varieties should be permanent. "When once planted they should gutt 4>b taken up annually. CAUSE OF FAILURES. The majority of bulbs may be taken up and stored during their season of rest, but if not replanted at the proper time they are liable to shrivel and become exhausted. Many failures result from keeping them out of the ground too long. The roots of some are always more or less in actioa. They must not be kept too long after being taken up. Although the Auckland climate is r.ot suitable for some of the early spring favourites of the Old Country, such as crocuses, snowflakes and others that are seen to best advantage amid frost and enow, we are more than compensated by the innumerable species requiring a milder climate that can be grown and thrive with the greatest ease and perfection. The following are all suitable for present planting. NARCISSUS. The most important of all early-flower-ing, hardy bulbs is the narcissus or daffodil. All are pretty, from the oldest to the latest and rarest novelty. So much has been said and written about theso favourites that it is needless to write further about them, excepting to remind intending planters that now is the time for replanting. Insert the bulbs 4in. deep in beds or in chimps in various •places. Be careful to plant sound bulbs free from the much-dreaded eel worm, the daffodil scourge. -i IRISES AND IXIAS, / Spanish and English irises start early and should be planted at once. They are easily grown and the flowers are very beautiful in their combination of colours and quaint formation. Insert the bulbs 3in. deep in clumps or circular groups, arranging them 3in. apart. Ixias, sparaxis, babianas and tritonias are all exceedingly attractive and easily grown. They should be planted in circular clumps or in groups, placing the bulbs at a depth of about 2in. and the same distance apart, and at intervals to provide a succession. The ixia is a slender, graceful-growing plant. Babianas have hairy leaves and chiefly blue-hued flowers. Tritonias and sparaxis are beautiful flowering bulbs. All are. natives of South Africa. They are best adapted planted in clumps or as.edgings. TULIPS AND HYACINTHS. Tulips are'of easy culture. Double and einglc-fiowered varieties mixed and grouped in flower beds or borders make a gorgeous display with their brilliant and diversely-coloured blossoms. Plant the bulbs about sin. apart and from 2£in. to 3in. deep in good loamy or volcanic eoils. Hyacinths are the most beautiful of all upring-flowering bulbs when well grown, but they are not often seen to perfection locally, as slugs are so destructive to the developing flower spikes. They succeed best in a light, loamy soil. Insert the bulbs Sin. deep and about 9in. apart. LACHENALIAS. Lachenalias or Cape hyacinths are a most interesting, easily-grown and attractive class of dwarf bulbous free flowcring plants that have become most popular for outdoor and pot culture. The variety tricolour (three coloured) is very plentiful and still one of the best. They are specially adapted for borders and for planting at the base of small lawn shrubs. Plant the bulbs 2jin. dorp arid 4in. apart in well-worked and drained soils. They flower freely and increase rapidly. They srhould be planted at once. ANEMONES. The anemone, or wind flower, has few flowers tS compare with it for brilliancy of colour. Double and single flowers can be had in an endless variety of colours and shades. The St. Brigid, in single, semi-double and double forms, is the most popular and the one generally grown locajly. They are equally suitable for planting in various shaped and sized beds and')n chimps or groups in masses. They are also suitable for edgings. Plant from Bin. to 6in. apart and from 2jin. to 3in. deep in well-worked soils. Small seedling.tubers are preferred by local planters.