THE " CUT FLOWER " VALUE OF DELPHINIUMS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19844, 17 July 1926, Page 3

THE " CUT FLOWER " VALUE OF DELPHINIUMS.

Few tonics stand loss in need of discussion to-day than that of the grandeur of the modern Delphinium as a garden plant , its popularity is universal and its merits are recognised by all. One feels less assurance regarding due recognition of tno “cut flower’ value of its noble spikes, and is ratber disposed to the opinion that Delphinium flowers are not invariably appraised at their true worth. Perhaps another way of putting it would be to say the flowers are not always used in a manner calculated to reveal the best that is in them, but the vital point is that the production of the correct material is a governing 1 ffletor without which idefll re* suits are impossible of achievement. It is an -unfortunate misconception which supposes that the small, weakly spikes, side shoots, and more or less starved or stunted produce of Delphiniums should be the material used for cut flower decoration ; no flower can give pleasure or win lasting approval which is constantly seen in an inferior, half-developed state, and to suggest that the larger spikes which reveal the true character and nobility of Delphiniums are too big and heavy for cut flower decorations savours of a very limited outlook regarding floral art. Feathery lightness and daintiness has each its legitimate purpose, and we have no lack of appropriate flowers for such purposes, but the bold, the impressive, the massive, even, are equally purposeful, osscntisl snd <idminxble» and it is under circumstances that warrant bold, imposing and striking effects that Delphiniums become immensely serviceable material.—Gardeners’ Chronicle.