ANTIRRHINUMS FOR THE SUMMER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22356, 1 September 1934, Page 7

ANTIRRHINUMS FOR THE SUMMER

Full use of the Tall, Intermediate, and Tom Thumb sections makes the planning of antirrhinum beds and borders an easy task. For medium-sized ones* the 18-inch Intermediates are ideal, though it is often advisable to break up their flat outline with dot plant*, or centre-pieces of one of the tall section, which will read) nearly three feet in height. The Tom Thumbs form compact little balls, a mere six inches high, but are literally smothered in huge flowers. They are all distinguished by the size of their individual blooms, and the sturdy, compact habit of the plants. For the most part, they represent a great advance on the older and smaller-flowered varieties. The deep rose of Rosella, or the delicate pink Fair Lady, could not fail to please when bedded with an edging of yellow Tom Thumb, or blue lobelia, and Eldorado is the ideal variety to be planted as a vivid contrast to such a brilliant shade as Red Chief. Interspersing the bed with a few plants of the tall Crimson King and edging with crimson Tom Thumb would be another effective method of contrasting its clear glowing yellow. The terra-cotta and orange shades, such as Orange King, are seen to most advantage when planted alone, or with similarly shaded varieties. Priina Donna, Victory, Golden Dawn, and Sunset are all good kinds which could be used to plant a scheme the appeal of which would be based on gradations of a similar shade in place of vivid contrasts. Only the very largest-flowered varieties should be planted with the Majesties. If some varieties are noticeably larger and stronger than others, it will detract considerably from the general effect. There is no dearth of good kinds" to choose from, and any of the following can be selected with every confidence: — Tall.-—Goliath, salmon and apricot; Queen Victoria, white; Cerise King, cerise-pink and white; Feltham Beauty, rose-pink; and Yellow King. The lastnamed, though one of the oldest varieties in commerce, is still among the largest and most popular. Intermediate. —Eclipse, crimson; Carmine Queen, rose-carmine; Bonny Lass, rose-pink; Mauve Beauty; Malmaison, silvery-pink, with rich, dark foliage; Golden Monarch; Picture, yellow, suffused apricot; and Rose Eclipse. Intermediate (Majestic).—-Rose Marie, light ealmon; Primrose, primrose-yellow; Avalanche, white; Dawn o’ Day, rose pink and apricot.

Most of the Tom Thumbs are sold to colour. There are, however, a few outstanding named varieties, including Wild Rose, the name of which is its best description; Snowflake, pure white; and Henry IV, bronze and gold. The month of October is the ideal time for planting, and the earlier it can be completed consistent with safety the better.

Modern seed strains have been brought to such a pitch of perfection that colour rogues are now remarkable for thenabsence. As an additional precaution, the plants should be carefully examined before lifting, and any which are noticeably different in shape or colour discarded. Few varieties have foliage which is identical in every respect, and the colouring, and shape of the undersides of the leaves will usually betray rogues. Those growers who have not the facilities for raising their own stock from seeds can purchase now thoroughly hardened plants ready to go out to their flowering quarters. If they are obtained from a reputable source, no rogueing will be required, as it is always carefully attended to before the plants leave the nursery. CULTURE NOTES. Once established, antirrhinums have a decided preference for a fairly dry soil. Sharp drainage is a much more important point than soil richness. A piece of ground in good heart will grow them to perfection, without the aid of further feeding, though a few doses of liquid manure after the plants have been in bloom for some time will help to maintain the quality of the spikes. Pinching out the growing points of the main shoots at planting time is no longer necessary. Modern varieties break freely without artificial aid, and pinching not only retards flowering by at least a week, but is also the means of robbing the plant of its finest spike. This latter must, of course, be cut out before it has a chance to set seed, or the development of the lateral growths will be seriously hindered. For a massed effect the Intermediate varieties should have nine inches to a foot of space each way, but the more massive Tails will require at least 18 inches. The Tom Thumbs are very compact in growth, and will be amply satisfied with six inches. Firm planting is essential, and the roots must be spread out to their fullest extent in a hole of ample size, but watering should not he necessary unless a prolonged dry spell follows the planting.—D. T. M., in Amateur Gardening.