Evening star., 1957-04-19
DuyIilies

IlC Q6NAuy Nk1ClklCAO AOCdllloi
comes as near meeting the
specifications as any single plant
A second article on perenniols will op-
peer in The Sunday Stor.
group, but even it does not put
on its finest floral display with
out some soil preparation. Very
few daylilies have been observed
in the Washington area showing
any signs of disease. and no
insect injury has been reported.
However, the daylily does not
have a long season of bloom
compared with ANIMALS although
by careful selection of varieties
bloom may be had for over three
months.
There are dwarf, medium and
large-sized varieties of daylilies
so that they are suitable for
most situations. They bloom best
in full sun or light shade. In
fact, some varieties do better
in partial shade as they burn
or fade in full sun.
The perennial candytuft
(1beris) comes close to being a
second to daylilies in meeting
our original definition. 1t, too,
likes good soil preparation if it
is to grow and produce the broad
mat of bloom of which it is
capable. Disease and insect pests
of the candytuft are seldom en-
countered in this area.
A well-drained situation and a
sweet soil are necessary for good
growth.
Because of its low growth, the
candytuft makes a good plant
Tor the foreground or edging.
Peonies are a favorite of many
gardeners and belong in the
sunny border. but they are more
demanding than the daylilies
and candytuft. In the first place
they require good drainage: Sec
ondly. they cannot withstand
competition with grass and
weeds. and. they need to be well
fertilized if they are to produce
the big snowy blooms desired.
Peonies must not be buried.
The buds at the top Of woody
crown must not be more than
2 inches below the surface of the
ground. Ants have been accused
OF injuring peonies. but unless
they feed on a diseased plant
they do no damage.
Healthy roots planted in a
suitable situation will bloom and
be dependable, although the late
season bloomers are less depend
able than the early season
boomers.
Sunflowers
The perennial sunfl0wer Hell
opsisl is near the top of the list
II We follow the definition, but
is seldom encountered in local
gardens. They probably have the
longest season of bloom of any
perennial. Growing to about 4
feet. these sun lovers produce
single or double flowers that are
useful for cutting as we'll as for
garden display. Being a true
sun lover they require a we'll
drained situation. Put them in
the back of the border in clumps
of two or three for garden effect.
Bulloon-Flowers
The balloon flower (Platy-
codon) belongs in our list of de-
pendable perennials since it
should be used rather than a
campanula. We are too far south
for the campanulas and the
large showy bells Of the balloon
flower make an acceptable sub
stitute. There are pink. blue,
and white forms. as well as a
double one. Give them a sunny
situation in a well-drained soil
for best results.
The balloon flower resents
crowding and is short-lived un-
less given space. 1t does need
stalking for the stems tend to
sprawl. They are not tall growers
so put them near the front Of
the border.
GoiIIurdiu
The .Gsillardia (Gaillardia) Is
another perennial with a long
season of bloom. Its orange and