BIGNONIAS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVIII, Issue 8, 21 August 1912, Page 39

BIGNONIAS.

The great demand for Teconia ( Bignonia) Capensis for hedging pui|X)ses in the Auckland province, suggests the utility of the numerous varieties for garden decorations. It is only within the last three or four years that much attention has been bestowed upon these beautiful flowering plants, and it now goes without controversy that Capensis as a hedge is a great success. The beautiful glossy foliage and gorgeous orange red blossoms make an ideal hedge, hut it is very susceptible to frosts and cannot Im* successfully grown where these are severe. It will, however, when a year or two established, succeed where frosts are not severe. Besides being used as a hedging plant it is a handsome climber and can lx* used for covering unsightly objects or arches, etc., on account of its trailing or ( limbing habit. Hedges are all tin* I letter for support, for a time at least, till the wood gets strong and hard. We have seen a few plants of Barbery introduced every four to six feet, which served this purpose admirably. There are many varieties of Bignonia, and we want to call the attention of ‘‘Graphic” readers to some of them which, in our opinion, are well worth growing. AUSTRALIS.—A vigorous grower with shining, finely cut leaves which are

evergreen. 1 In* Howers are cream and brawn coloured. Cl HR ERE.—A very ha’Udsome evergreen 0:’ her, Howers orange and red. EXCELS A.—Another evergreen variety with yellow 21ml white Howers. GRAND! FLORA—A deciduous variety, Howers scarlet. (•I I LFOYLI I.—A large deciduous variety with red and orange Howers. J ASM INI )l DES. —One of the best known and most highly-prized of the race. It is an evergreen, and has bright smooth, glossy leaves, Howers purple and white. JASMINOIDES ALBA.—A new and very lM*autiful evergreen, sort resembling Jasniinoides except in the Howers, which are white. This variety is scarce and the most expulsive in the list. LATROBE—A (ream flowered sort and evergreen. MACK EN I.—Rosy lilac. MAC'KEN I ROSE.—A very firn* climber with deep rosy lilac Howers, evergreen. TWEEDIANA. -Very free flowering sort with yellow Howers, evergreen. From the foregoing it will he observed, the Bignonia is a numerous family, and our list d(M*s not claim to be a complete one. We have enumerated only varieties which can Im* obtained at small outlay from any nurseryman within the Dominion, and we commend the family to the consideration of those in want of good climbers. BIGNI INI A.