FLOWER GARDEN NOTES

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4407, 13 July 1901, Page 6 (Supplement)

FLOWER GARDEN NOTES

(By Geo. Cooper, F.R.H.S.) Blue Primroses. —One of our readers has kindly sent me a few flowers of the new blue variety of primrpse raised l by Mr G. F. Wilson. It is certainly quite a distinct colour, and may lead! to the introduction of other colours in this simple little flower. Narcissi flowers are modestly making) their appearance now—certainly very shyly, but perhaps wo appreciate theml all the more for that reason. So far only the polyanthusi section have ap-l peared; but wo shall shortly expect to welcome others of the Narcissi family! also. White Pearl, Snowflake, and Double Roman are the most useful at' present. Rose Caroline Testcut.—For perfect form and delicate as well as beautiful,' and at times rich, colouring, this handsome rose is woll-nigh unique. One point concerning it is its strong growth,) and when well established it frequently sends 1 up some superb growths. Perhaps: a drawback to its'free use as a pot plant is its strong habit. ' LILIES. Auratums.—This variety, when first introduced into England from Japan,, caused a great sensation in the floral world, and perhaps called forth more' interest than any other plant has ever done since. Certainly it has justified 1 the expectations then formed. Tho f export of bulbs of lilies (mostly of the Auratum family) from Japan forms quite l an important item of commerce to that) country; and is increasing yearly. Nor are the Japanese likely to meet with! any permanent rivals in this trade. By, their cheap labour and a soil peculiarly adapted to lily culture, they are almost 1 beyond the reach of competition. Though: a well-developed specimen at its best, is enough to raise the enthusiasm of, any plant lover, it is extremely erratic in its behaviour, and has a special | liking for taking ill and dying young] that is most melancholy to its friends, and admirers. In .the early day*' of its introduction the Lilimn Auratum: received various names for supposed; distinct sorts. Most of these have nowr been discarded, and the best known are now Virginali, Rubro Vittatum, and; Platiphyllnm. Virginali is almost white, Rubro Vittatum has a broad crimson stripe down the centre of each segment,; while Platiphyllum may he described as, a‘magnified form of th© common Auraturn, somewhat lighter in colour. Giganteum.—This fine lily grows six to eight feet high, and bears a dozen 1 or more blooms, the stem being two inches in diameter near the _ ground.' This is, of course, when its environment, is suitable. It is a native ofi the Himalayas and was intrbi duced over forty years ago, but has never become really popular owing to its disinclination to succeed' in its new home. The flowers are about eight inches long and four inches across. The large cordate leaves are a feature in thpmselves, the larger ones measuring about five inches in length and being proportionately wide. The noble habit of the plant, with its imposing crown of flowers, makes one wish to see it oftener. Oandidum. —The Madonna or Christ* mas Lily is the most popular variety, after the Auratums, both in England and America. Its lovely, fragrant flowers are so helpful for church, and indeed for any sort of decorations, that it xs grown in thousands in almost all countries. Candidum very much resembles the Easter Lily (L. Harisii), and is often confused by amateurs with it, hut whereas the former flowers about Da, cember here, the latter is usually quits two months later in its blooming. Both these white sorts are easily grown here in any good loamy soil. Speciosum.—This section, like that of the first mentioned, is composed of several varieties. S. Album is, as its name denotes, the white variety. Flowers are borne freely in bunches i»f twenty or thirty flowers on a single stem. Eubrum, rose, and Melpomeni, rich crimson purple, are among other varieties. This section could truly bo called th© Cottager’s Lily-instead of Candidum, for it is often seen growing at its best in small gardens, and in places where it is quite neglected and uncared for. which of course only proves that it prefers to be allowed to remain a number of years undisturbed.