Selecting, Anemones

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22991, 19 March 1938, Page 10 (Supplement)

Selecting, Anemones

Sli owy Combinations r JpiIE tuberous anemones, as distinct from tlio Jierbaceous ones, may be divided into three main groups—the poppy anemones, anemone fulgens and the wood anemones. Of these the poppy anemone is by far the best known. Giant French, or the Caen t3 T pea, find a place in most gardens, and it must be admitted that they are unrivalled for brilliancy of colour. Brilliant Combination A really good selection of tho French and Caen types will produce flowers in a wide range of colours. There are quite a few named kinds, among which His Excellency, a handsome scarlet, is outstanding. In addition there are the doubles,' which are also• obtainable in hybrid forms, and in named varieties. Blue Gown, a charming dark mauve, ' is ouo of tho best and is notable not only for its delightful colouring but for its robust habit. Cornflower, a dark amethyst blue, is also outstanding, as are Queen of Brilliance, a vivid cherry scarlet which is particularly effective in bedding schemes, and Scarlet King, a true scarlet which is also known under the name of Vesuvius. Either of tho blues in association with scarlet will produce an effect which cannot fail to please. Anemone St. Brigid, though classed, as a poppy anemone, and sharing the same cultural tastes, is almost worthy of being listed as a distinct type, for it is a semi-double and tho petals are finely divided. It must bo numbered among tho finest of all anemones, for tho colours in all shades of rose, "pink, vermilion, scarlet and blue, each with a handsome central blue-black boss, are brilliant to a degree. For cutting purposes the St. Brigids are deservedly popular, and likes all the poppy anemone class, they last a remarkably long time in water. Mention must also be made of Anemone St. Bavo, another grand strain in colours ranging through every shade from carmino to blush. An Early-Flowering Type Anemone fulgens although quite distinct from the poppy anemones, has similar cultural tastes. It is much earlier to flower, however, and it is not uncommon 111 mild districts to find these blooming in midwinter. If planted in successional batches during autumn, a supply of the dazzling scarlet blooms will be obtained throughout the spring. As is only natural with so early blooming a plant, it is always advisable to chooso a slightly sheltered position where "thoro is some protection from cold ground winds. As regards soil, neither poppy anemone nor A. fulgens are over particular. A deep, rich, sandy loam is ideal, but they will thrive iii any well-cultivated plot so long as good drainage is assured. Where tho soil is inclined to be wet and sticky, it is a ?ood plan to work some coarse sand through tho top six inches. Just when the tubers should be planted is a point which depends very argely on the kind of soil available md the district. Early autumn planting can be undertaken if tho land is ight and well-drained, but in cold districts and on heavy soils it is better o defer the operation till' tho turn of -lie. year. Very deep planting is nevor recommended but the tubers should lave two or throe inches of soil over hem. Tho lesser depth in heavy soil.