GENTIANA ACAULIS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19952, 20 November 1926, Page 3

GENTIANA ACAULIS.

SHOULD BE MORE WIDELY GROWN. Among tho many interesting contributors to the Gardeners’ Chronicle, tho notes sent in from time to time bv Mr F. C. Puddle, gardener to Lord Aberconway, North Wales, ■ usually contain items of general interest. We extract the following referring to Gentiana acaulis : “Masses oi this lovely Gentian should not bo allowed to become unduly crowded, or their flowering will be unsatisfactory. The present is a suitable time to lift, divide and replant them. Although a charming subject for the rod: garden, Gentiana acaulis is perhaps most effective when used as an edging to a sunny border and this method of growing it is worthy of oxten-

sion to tho many gardens where it is only represented by a small patch, giving no idea of its superb beauty. Gcntiana acaulis is not so fastidious as is generally imagined, provided that its few wants are supplied, and these are: exposure to sunshine. lime in tho soil, efficient drainage and frequent top-dressings. The soil should be dug deeply and enriched with a liberal amount of leaf-mould or spine other form of humus. If mortar rubble is added it will bo an advantage and will assist in providing drainage, but it should not bo considered an adequate means of rectifying a deficiency of lime in tho soil, for, being practically insoluble, it is only by direct contact that tho roots are able to assimilate tho lime contained in it. In lime-free soils a more ready moans of supplying lime must bo found, and this may be provided Ijy tho addition of carbonate of lime. After preparation, the soil should be made firm, and the Gentianas planted in small clumps, each consisting of about six growths, at a distance of Sin to Ain apart. If three rows of plants are included they will soon meet and form a very neat and pleasing border.”