AQUILEGIA

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 690, 15 June 1929, Page 30

AQUILEGIA

GARDEN ARISTOCRAT Aquilegia or Columbine is an old favourite, and the flower has. in recent years, been greatly improved upon by judicious cultivation. f The name is derived from “Aquila.*’ an eagle, or “Columba,” a dove, owing to the reversed flower bearing a semblance to these birds. However, it is now oue of the choicest flowers of the garden, aud well deserving of the little attention it demands, the beautiful introduction. Miss Scott Elliott, coming some years ago as a very pleasing variation. The long-spurred variety is the onl}' one worth growing in the garden of today. It is termed the aristocratic long-spurred Aquilegia, which is a very apropriate designation of such a remarkable flower, with wonderful variety of delicate tints, aud such artistic combinations. tSe.ed may be sown in September, October or November, and will bloom in spring. It is possible by sowing seeds at the present moment to obtain blooms. If too late to bloom this year, which is possible, if pushed along, they will bloom next season, and probably yield superior flowers. The seed may be sown in boxes, and as soon as they are strong enough to be moved, they may be placed into special beds to get more root growth,

and when large enough and strong enough, plant them in their permanent position. It is important to shade the boxes at this time of the year. The foliage of the Aquilegia is very attractive, and suitable for use with cut flowers. When under water, the leaves have a peculiar faculty of gathering moisture "which form nodules like as of quicksilver. AquUegias will stand a lot of feeding, aikl the ground should have been well prepared before being planted. Use old cow manure, with a sprinkling cf some fertiliser. They are not very particular as to soil. Sand and leaf mould will be good, but not too sandy. A dressing of lime before preparing the bed w r ill be the best.