SINGLE-FLOWERED CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVII, Issue 21, 22 May 1912, Page 41

SINGLE-FLOWERED CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

(By

E. Molyneux.)

Of the many sections of chrysanthemums none has made such rapid progress as single-flowered varieties. The ■year 1887 brought us two remarkable varieties—Admiral Sir T. Symonds, a rich yellow and the largest bloom, even of any sent out in recent years; not that that was a boon, as too large a flower is not always the most admired. The other variety, Souvenir de Londres, was sent out by Delaux, and was the first of the rich-coloured sorts, being brilliant magenta-crimson. Since then we have had varieties in galore, until now we have colours sufficient to satisfy the most exacting. The tendency now seems to be towards me-dium-sized, shapely flowers, of which the Mensa is the ideal. In this the florets are substantial, shapely, with an elegant recurve at the tip, and, what is of perhaps more importance, the colour is purely white, really an Elaine white. This latter has never been excelled in the purity of its colour, and is the one variety I have always employed as a test of any other so-called white. There is no doubt but that singleflowered chrysanthemums will play a great part in the near future, where quantities of cut flowers are required for filling vases, especially for table decoration, as the double blooms, no matter how small they may be. have a distinctly heavy appearance in small vases, but where they can be employed in a bold manner they are in great request. For the amateur gardener with limited space, singles arc just the thing, as the plants do not require so much root space as other sections, and they are effective either disbudded or grown in a mass and allowed to develop all their blooms. For exhibition In groups the singles always attract notice and are becoming more in evidence. At Windsor, Cardiff and York special encouragement is given to this section, and right well exhibitors respond, the public reaping the benefit of a handsome display. The method of culture that finds most favour is the production of plants to give from twelve to a couple of dozen blooms, each shoot being allowed to carry one flower only. In this way ths blooms are not unduly large, but they are shapely, true in colour, and, having a substantial stem, are so useful in a cut state or equally valuable in groups. Cultivation is simple. Short cuttings inserted' in the usual way will prove excellent plants if care is taken to grow them sturdily by affording plenty of space anil air at all times. A weak growth is. useless. Top the plants once at four inches high, and allow them to grow uninterruptedly afterwards, ex-

cept for thinning the shoots for a given quantity of flowers. Secure the shoots early to supports, yet loosely, so that the flower stems are straight—an important item when arranging them in vases or in a group of plants. ’ The following two dozen varieties represent the very cream of selection: — Mensa, pure white; Charles Kingsley, a magnificent yellow companion to Mensa; Edith Pagram, rich pink; Bronze Edith Pagram, bronze; White Pagram, white; Mary Richardson, reddish salmon; Sylvie Slade, rose-garnet, with a white ring round the disc; Altrincham Yellow, yellow; Metta, deep magenta-red, with a white zone; Mrs. W. Buckingham, pink; Kitty Bourne, deep yellow; Ceddie Mason, bright crimson; Mary Anderson, blush-white; Mrs. R- C. Pulling, pink; Gertrude, white; Reginald Godfrey, clear yellow; Charles Dickens, orange-yellow; Arcturus, vel-vety-crimson; Ideality, pure white, circular form; . Mrs. W. G. Patching, bronze; Crimson Mary Richardson,crimson; Merstham Jewel, reddish terracotta, with golden centre; Sandown Radiance, rich chestnut-crimson; and Manor Beauty, dark red, flushed terracotta.—“ The Gardeners’ Magazine.”