CANNAS OUT OF DOOES AT WISLEY, 1908. 



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CANNAS OUT OF DOORS AT WISLEY, 1908. 



The collection of Cannas grown under glass in 1906 and 1907, com- 

 prising over 200 varieties, was in 1908 planted out of doors to test the 

 value of the different varieties as bedcling-out subjects. The plants 

 were started in gentle heat in March and planted in the open during 

 the first week of June. The soil at Wisley, a light sandy loam, is one 

 admirably suited to the Canna, provided that ample supplies of water 

 and manure can be furnished to enable the plants to reach their full 

 development. The situation chosen should be a fairly sheltered one in 

 order to prevent damage to flower and foliage by high winds, but nothing 

 is to be feared from heat or sunshine if the supply of water is sufficient. 

 The frequent use of the hoe or a good mulch of well-rotted manure will 

 be well repaid. 



The plants continue to throw up flower-spikes until cut by frost, and 

 if, before the first severe frost is experienced, they be lifted with a 

 medium-sized ball of earth and placed under glass, either in a pot, on a 

 bench, or in a bed, they will continue to furnish flowers until, or even 

 later than, Christmas. 



The trial-ground was inspected by a Sub-Committee of the Floral 

 Committee in August, when the following varieties were highly com- 

 mended for the freedom with which they were flowering outdoors : — 



Dark Foliage. 



Dr. Marcus. — Orange red. 

 Wm. Saunders. — Deep red. 



Light Foliage. 



Elizabeth Hoss.— Yellow, richly spotted with red. 

 Fiirst Wied.— Fiery red. 



L. E. Bally.— Pale yellow, spotted with dull red. 

 Meteore. — Rich orange. 



These varieties all belong to the Gladiolus-flowered section, charac- 

 terized by their compact growth, large trusses of flower, and smooth- 

 ness and substance of petal. With the exception of Dr. Marcus 

 and Meteore they had already received Awards of Merit for the beauty 

 of their flowers. For richness of colour and character of foliage, 

 however, this section is surpassed by the newer orchid-flowered Cannas ; 

 and as in this section out of doors the flowers are of only secondary 

 value, there is little to choose between the merits of the different 

 varieties. 



