iS 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



The Pompon, or small double dahlias, are of German origin, but the varieties raised 

 in England are so superior that few German varieties are cultivated here now. The 

 Tom Thumb section of Mr. Girdlestone and Single Cactus types of Messrs. Dobbie & Co. 

 are of quite recent introduction and have many admirers ; with the advent of the single 

 and cactus types the cultivation of the dahlia progressed by leaps and bounds, and 

 there is no fear of these beautiful late summer and early autumn flowers, in their 



several forms, losing favour in a flower- 

 loving country. 



Description and Properties of 

 Dahlias. 



Dahlias are divided into several 

 sections, the most important of which 

 are classed as follows : — 



Show Dahlias.— These include all 

 the large double flowers that are self- 

 coloured, or which have a dark edge on 

 a lighter ground colour. The bloom 

 should be of good size, globular, petals 

 short and cupped, radiating from the 

 centre, and smooth-edged ; centre high, 

 but not above the surrounding petals. 

 Mrs. Gladstone is the most perfect type 



Fig. 5. Pompon Dahlias. Q f a ^ QVf fl ower> 



{Dobbie 4- Co.) 



Pancy Dahlias. — Similar to the 

 shows as regards size and shape, but have two or more colours ; the ground colour of 

 the petals are either striped or splashed with other colours, as in the Eeverend J. B. 

 M. Camm, or the petals have a darker ground colour than the edge, in which case the 

 flower is tipped, like Mrs. Saunders. 



Cactus Dahlias. — Should be produced on long stalks, have full centres, the florets 

 long, spiral and twisted, radiating from the centre. Lady Penzance (Pig. 4) is a good type. 



Pompon or Bouquet Dahlias. — Flowers similar to the show and fancy type in 

 shape, but of diminutive size ; they should be about 1| inches in diameter, have clear 

 and well-defined colours, and be perfect in form. Bacchus is a fine example of the type. 



