Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1941-10-25


shall include them in our future
paintings, while others will be dis
carded for one reason or another.
Perhaps the most pleasant sur
prise was the new large Powered
zinnia, David Burpee." have long
preferred the Fantasy type OF zin-
MAS, although the color range was
not all that was desired. This new
variety-perhaps type is a better
description, since they come in
mixed colors-produced many Of the
finest colors. There were shades OF
apricot, buff, orange, ETC., and the
flowers lasted unusually well when
cut.
We did not have a particularly
successful season in growing plants
of the dwarf zinnia, BLACK Ruby"
but those plants that did come were
free Towering, and the color was
unusual. In other gardens some
fine paintings were noted.
The new marigold, "Spry," and
the wildfire hybrids were successful
and the c0lors pleasing. We shall
use them as edgings next year. for
they do we'll in our hot, dry borders;
the flowers are long lasting and
freely produced. We did not try the
new chrysanthemum-f Powered mari
gold, "Limelight," but those observed
were very good. The flowers seemed
a bit large for the rather dwarf
plants, and it may be that the color
is too light for some. There was
no trace of the center, which often
spoils the appearance Of marigolds
Many gardeners tried the carna-
ion-fowered marigolds this year
and thought them fine. To me the
petals are so irregular in size and
arrangement as to produce the
wrong impression-that Is one OF
the reasons that I was impressed
with the chrysanthemum Powered
type.
Petunia Radiance" stands out In
flower arrangement and in the gar
den. Its color, a cerise-rose. Is so
warm that it will undoubtedly re-
main a favorite for some time to
come. While the variety Honor
Bright" has good color. We prefer
Radiance"
Among the border plants sweet
alyssum has long been supreme.
This was available only in white,
and while that Is one Of the most
useful colors in the garden, there
were some who wished for other
colors. The variety violet Queen"
did as we'll with us as the old white
varieties, so we recommend 1t to
those interested in other colors.
It lowered all season long, and the
dwarf, bushy plants made an excel
lent edging.
1 know all gardeners who tried
the scabiosa Peace" will agree that
it is the best of the white annual
scabiosas. AS a cut flower scabiosas
have long been satisfactory and are
widely used. This new variety
seems to be bushier than the older
varieties, and the clear color makes
it a welcome addition. The variety
Sulphur Yellow" made fair
enough growth, but the color was
too pale to suit our taste. Like the
petunia, Cream STAR" we probably
will not grow them again, waiting
for a yellow of deeper hue.
Many gardeners do not look upon
the calliopsis as an edging plant,
but the dwarf variety. Crimson
hri1lioyt ShRvUtTSO
during its brief season. However,
the calliopsis have too brief sea-
son of bloom to be generally used
Is edging plants. Perhaps their
best use is to follow spring flower
ing bulbs. At any rate, Crimson
King" made a brilliant showing
while it lasted.
The verbena Rose Queen" deep
rose, almost red in tone, was a
pleasant addition to the varieties
we have grown. Gardeners with
gardens that are relatively cool and
moist will find the verbena a useful,
low growing annual. Ours is too
hot and dry for success.
The new snapdragons, Cooper
Queen" Gypsy Girl" and amber
and Cold" received late start in
our garden, and drought nearly nm
ished them. When the rains finally
came only a handful of plants were
left. However. they are rust re-
sistant and with cool weather are
making a splendid showing. Next
spring I will start my seed earlier,
so that they may be well established
before the heat of the summer.
They are truly cool weather plant
and to be successful must be given
an early start. The resistance to
rust offers local gardeners the OPP
portunity to again enjoy this flower.
which used to be so widely planted.
With the coming of the disease
commonly called rust" the grow
ing of snapdragons practically
ceased. Now that "rust-resistant"
varieties are available there is no
reason why we should not have
them in our gardens.
Zinnia 'Linearis' is not q new
plant as far as horticulture goes,
but it does seem to be new to many
local gardeners. The dwarf, busny
plant is useful as an edging. and
the freely produced orange flowers
are q show from early summer until
frost. For a hot, dry place it is out
standing. We prefer it to the So
called "Mexicana" type, although
they have much the same habit OF
growth. Linearis is a single, while
the Mexicana is available in both
single and double Towering forms.
These rambling observations ap-
pear to be rather on the favorable
side, which would indicate that the
test gardens are reliable indica-
ton of the value of the new an
nuals. However, it would seem de-
sirable for garden clubs and others
to discuss the seasons results, so
that others may have the benefit OF
local trials.