ONE ASPECT OF THE DAFFODIL

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLV, Issue 13, 28 September 1910, Page 44

ONE ASPECT OF THE DAFFODIL

The daffodils are making their usual beautiful show in Messrs. Barr and Sons’ nursery at Long Ditton, and one never visits these acres without bringing back some fresh conception of the fairest flower of spring. Not only are there many novelties that will in the near future attain popularity, but there in almost bewildering varieties are those we have cherished for many years for their iuanty both of leaf and of Hower. We were delighted with the comparatively new race, the result of crossing Narcissus poeticus with the finest forms of Polyanthus or Bunch-llowcred Narcissi, the former being the seed-bearing parent. This race is called ‘•NARCISSI’S POETAZ.” The following is Messrs. Barr's description: •’The plants are tall and vigorous growers, bearing heads of large, wellformed Howers, deliciously fragrant; they are much liner than the common Polyanthus Narcissi, and have the advantage of being quite hardy. In pots or the Hower lander they are very decorative, while the Howers are highly prized for cutting.” It is to this group we would draw particular attention, ami none is net ter adapted for grouping in beds, one Kind in each. Ilian the ’•poeiaz.” All the hybrids are Hower.ng magnificently at Long Dit.011. the most important being those named. Taking them in alpha helical order. Aspasia heads the list, this bearing four or live Luge Howers on a stem that is held well above the leaves. producing ; he effect of a solid mass. There is strong evidence of the Polyanthus Nar cissiis in this race, ami without its somewhat heavy biinchiness; tin* height is 21 inches and the -colour white, against a rich golden yellow’ cup. Elvira is queen of the “Poetaz.” It is one of the most recent introductions, ami was given an award of merit by the Royal Horticultural Society in 1904. 'The beds of it in Messrs. Barr’s nursery are worth a journey to see, the graceful stems, fully 2 feet long, supporting several large, massive Howers, pure white except the cup,

which is bright yellow edged with orange. Ideal is making a great show, and one can never mistake this form with its showy, white, rich orange-centred flowers. In Irene there is a change from white to soft primrose, and the golden cup is fluted. Jaime a Merveille is expensive as yet, but when it comes within the means of -those with a moderate purse, we shall see much of the flowers with their primrose perianth and yellow orange-lined cup. Klondyke (yellow and gold) and Triumph (snow white, with yellow centre) complete the selection. One may plant the whole collection without introducing monotonous effect into the garden, and if Daffodil-lovers are. without one or more of the ‘‘Poetaz,” our advice is, purchase some in autumn and plant in groups, one kind in each.