Phloxes.

Otago Witness, Issue 1974, 19 September 1889, Page 9

Phloxes.

Annual phloxes are of great value for fcho enrichment of tho garden during the sumnrer months, and are suitable for the amateur gardener, as the culture ia exceedingly fcimple. The best time for sowing tho scod is the middle of Septombor, and the proper plan, as in most other cases, is to sow the seed in l. shallow pan which must be well crocked and filled to within three quartpra of an inch of tbe rim with moderately fine soil. Having mado the surface moist and leyoJ, bow the seed thinly and place the pan in a warm frame, Ah soon as the young plants have gained sufficient Btrength prick them off into bixes, or pot off into sin pota, throe plants in each. A substantial soil should be employed, and one consififcag of three parts loam tov/hich ono of manure has been added will be fouud in every way suitable. Keep them in the frame, but aa they advance in growth give air freely, so as to promote vigour and robustness, it ia of prime importance, in order to secure & free, well-developed growth, to prepare the beds beforehand, and it is necessary to have a moderately rich soil, as whon upon a poor staple the plants make but a weakly growth and show very few flowers. But when in a sunny position and upon ground they like, the display is of the most "delightful character and is kept up far into tho autumn, The annual phloxes are well suited for the embel • lishment of the border, the flowers being produced with great freedom, and if a judicious selection is made, a wide range of colour is Becured. The be3t varieties are atropurptfrea alba oculata, white and purple ; brilliant, lively rose ; chamois rose, dwarf, delicate pink; oinnabarin&, cinnabar ; earminea, red ; snowball, pure wbite ; and Victoria, scarlet , phlox Drummoudi, bortensiseflora, is a very free fLwtuing form.