ANTIRRHINUMS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVII, Issue 20, 15 May 1912, Page 41

ANTIRRHINUMS.

(By T h om as Stn i t !i). There are many varieties and endless colour combiuat ions of Antirrhinum majus (Snapdragon), known to gardens to-day, and they are esteemed not only fur their great beauty, but also fortheir general usefulness. SOW EARLY. The best results are obtained from autumn sowing, as tins enables a long growing period to be given, without the use of much artificial heat, hence the plants are robust and sturdy. Seed is best sown in shallow boxes of prepared soil. These should be placed in a greenhouse to germinate, afterwards transplanting the seedlings into boxes, allowing two inches between the plants, and growing them in frames protected by handlights till such time as they are large enough for planting in their flowering position. Many of the choicest colour forms of Antirrhinums come true from the seed—at least true enough for all practical purposes, as the rogues rarely exceed three per cent. This gives them exceptional value in bedding arrangements, as a uniform colour, in conjunction with the superb habit and form of the flowers, yields a brilliant effect when the plants are well grown and skilfully placed. The range of colours is from pink, coralpink, carmine, rose, red, and crimson, to fiery scarlet. Of the latter, some strains are very brilliant, and the colour can be given full play against heavy evergreen shrubs. ADAPTABILITY OF PLANTS. There are three distinct types of Antirrhinum, Tom Thumb, intermediate, and tall, the relative height of each being

nine, eighteen, and thirty-six inches re speetively. The height and symmetry of the plants is fairly constant, and even the tallest varieties generaly grow erect, and require no support from stakes. Although Antirrhinums are strikingly adapted for bedding purposes, they are equally suitable for massing in herbaceous borders, in beds or borders of annuals, and in shrubberies. Indeed, for the latter purpose it would be difficult to name another plant, yielding so glorious a display for only a trivial outlay. GOOD C VLTI RE ADVISABLE. Antirrhinums succeed under very indifferent conditions at times; yet, in spite of this, it more than compensates for labour and expense, if their flowering position is well prepared, and, if possible, some time in advance of planting. The site selected should be well drained, and not overhung by trees, and the ground I>e dug and manured with a light dress ing of well-rotted farmyard manure. Before planting lightly firm the soil by treading, and secure each plant firmly around the neek as planting proceeds, as Antirrhinums rarely develop well-bal-lanced specimens when the soil is too loose. Little after attention is called for. beyond removing seed-pods in the early stages, while later in the summer it will be advisable to remove the centre spike once the flowers are spent, and thereby encourage the lateral growths to develop, as front these a bright display is main turned up till the time the plants are destroyed by frost. One other aspect of Antirrhinum cul ture may be noted, as it is more or less in demand at all seasons; that is, their value as cut flowers. For this deman I one would naturally favour the tall growing kinds, as length of stem enhances the value.—“ Garden Life.”