BULBS IN AUTUMN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22344, 15 February 1936, Page 8 (Supplement)

BULBS IN AUTUMN

SUPPLY OF FLOWERS Some of the most charming of all bulbous plants are those which flower in the autumn. Theso must bo planted soon after mid-summer, although when there is so much to occupy one's attention, many gardeners overlook the chance and then realise that it is too late to put in any more of those charming autumn flowering crocuses, colchicums and sternbergias, without which no garden could be called properly furnished.

Colchicum autumnale is one of tho prettiest of English wild flowers, growing, freely, as it does, in the meadows, but is surpassed from a garden standpoint by Eome of the exotic species which have larger and more showy flowers. Colchicum speciosus, from tho Caucacus, is of a delightful rosy purple colour, shaped like a crocus. The blooms appear in March and April. This species has very broad leaves, coming after the flowers. When fully grown they are nearly one foot long. Beautiful Varieties There is a beautiful white- variety of this species, which has unfortunately become rather rare, and is correspondingly expensive. Nevertheless, it is well worth the outlay, for an autumn garden offers no more exquisite sight than a glistening drift of this variety, side by side with one of the coloured species. Many people confuse the colchicums with the autumn crocuses, a mistake which is quite understandable when one considers the similarity in the appearance of the two plants, and the added source of confusion provided by their popular names. One ot the most delightful of tho autumn-flowering crocuses is Crocus speciosus, which has immense goblets

of the richest blue and violet, the vivid orange scarlet stigma in the centre of each bloom considerably enhancing the effect. This magnificent plant differs from almost all other species of crocus in one rather important detail: whereas the general preference of the family is for rather shallow planting, the bulbs being covered only with one inch of soil, Crocus Bpeciosus much prefers to be buried three or four inches below the surface. Saffron Crocus Crocus sativus is the true "saffron crocus," being quite an attractive garden plant, with large, purplish lilacflowers, more or less heavily feathered with violet, and further enhanced by the bright orange stigmas, which furnish the saffron of commerce. Saffron at one time had considerable use as a dye, but although now little used for tho dyeing of textiles it has some use in confectionery. From 7000 to 8000 flowers are required to produce three ounceß of dye. Sternbergia lutea, by reason of its reputation for tenderness, has been unjustifiably negiect'id, but it is by no means as easily injured by frc&t as is so often suggested, particularly if planted reasonably, deep. Do not expect too much all at once from the sternbergias. It will take a year or two for them to scsttle down in their new quarters, but once established they will never fail to produce a glorious wealth of shining, yellow cups during late autumn. The requirements of these bulbs art comparatively simple. A compost combining adequate drainage with good moisture-holding capacity during hot weather, is one of the secrets of success. In all cases a sunny position it most favourable, though it is quite pos sible to establish some of the colchicums on the edge of a thin bush. Annual disturbance is neither necessary nor desirable. Provided the plants appear to be thriving satisfactorily, and are obviously not overcrowded, they should be left to spread of their own accord and in time make good drifts of colour.