The Paeony=flowered Dahlia.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLV, Issue 19, 9 November 1910, Page 39

The Paeony=flowered Dahlia.

Dear Veronica, —Referring to the remarks of “an Auckland Amateur” on the paeony dahlia, published in last week’s “Graphic,” I am aware that many growers of dahlias have in the past taken but little interest in this new type, but I believe from what I witnessed last year at the Shrewsbury Show that the paeony dahlia will become very popular. I imported a few varieties last year, and was successful in growing blooms equal to any exhibited in England. The plants were greatly admired by all who visited my garden last autumn. Many of the varieties, ineluding the Geisha and Queen Wilhelmina (varieties no doubt new to “An Auckland' Amateur”), have much stronger flower stalks than vhe cactus dahlia, and the plants make a gorgeous show in the border. Like other varieties of dahlias, they are not at present of much value as cut flowers, but I venture to predict that within a few years they will become very popular for planting in a large bed or border. Many of the varieties catalogued are not worth growing, as is the ease with some of tihe cactus, the stems being too short to carry the blooms above the growth, but

there are now several paeony dahlias, including the Geisha, Queen Wilhelmina, Attraction, and others, which have stiff stems, and the blooms stand out clear from the foliage. Messrs. Baker (of Wolverhampton), Debbie and Co., 11. Cannell and Co., and other nurserymen have taken up the paeony dahlia, ami these firms exhibited some of the best and latest varieties at the Royal Horticultural Show held in London last August. The large display staged by Messrs. Baker attracted a great deal of attention. Tn their collection they exhibited new varieties which 1 have not seen, including Mrs. A McKeller, Col. J. St. G. Wolseley, Lady Saville, and the Warrior. A report of the society’s meeting published in “The Gardener,” states that Messrs. T. Ware and Co. staged Mrs. George Gordon, a new variety (white) of much merit. Mr. Caleb Smith, nurseryman, V.dgate, South Australia.

has a high opinion of the future of the paeony dahlia, and will be sending out some of the best varieties this season. Tile paeony dahlia, in my opinion, has come to stay.—Yours faithfully. IL BRETT.