212 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



CANNAS AT WISLEY, 1906-07. 



In the spring of 1906, 271 stocks of Carinas were received for trial 

 from growers and raisers in Europe and America. Arriving at different 

 periods, and in various stages of growth and vigour, it was impossible 

 during 1906 to properly compare their merits. They were, therefore, 

 together with twenty-six additional stocks, started in gentle heat under 

 equal conditions in March 1907. The compost used was a turfy loam, 

 intimately mixed with some well-decayed manure and leaves, with 

 sufficient sand to ensure thorough drainage. As vigorous root action 

 proceeded they were rapidly advanced from the 48's, in which they 

 were started, to the 10- and 12-inch pots in which they were flowered. 

 Cannas are gross feeders, and, while in active growth, should receive 

 copious supplies of water with occasional applications of artificial 

 fertilisers. The plants, at intervals of from seven to ten days, received 

 small doses of Peruvian guano — a generous treatment that was amply 

 repaid in the additional wealth of bloom and vigour of foliage. The 

 stocks filled two greenhouses, and with their brilliant flowers and 

 handsome foliage produced a fine display during the months of July 

 to October inclusive ; 220 distinct varieties were represented. These 

 were three times inspected by the Floral Committee, and the following 

 varieties were selected as the best in the collection, receiving awards of 

 merit (A.M.), or highly commended (XXX) : — 



White. — Blanche Wintzer. 



Yellow. — Burbank, R. Wallace, Wyoming. 



Orange. — Hesperide, Oscar Dannecker, S. T. Wright, Uncle Sam. 

 Rose. — Duke of York, Frau Philipp Siesmayer, Isabella Breitschwerdt, 

 Melrose, Venus. 



Red.— Fiirst Wied, Grossherzog Ernst Ludwig, Karl Kirsten, Pluto, 

 Wilhelm Bofinger, Wm. Saunders. 



Yellow, spotted with red. — Elizabeth Hoss, Gladiator, J. B. van der 

 Schoot, R. Wallace. 



The garden cannas are generally grouped in two sections, though 

 the now evident distinctions between the sections already show signs of 

 breaking down in the newer varieties, such as S. T. Wright and Uncle 

 Sam, the Italian or orchid-flowered section represented by O. in the 

 Report, and the French, Crozy or gladiolus-flowered varieties marked G. 



The gladiolus-flowered type was introduced some fifty years ago, 

 though Mine. Crozy and most of the older varieties are now far surpassed 

 by recent introductions. These are derived from intercrossing Canna 

 iridiflora, C. Warsccwiczii and C. glauca. They are characterised by 

 their dwarf habit, free-flowering qualities, fine spike, brilliant colour, and 

 smooth petals. 



The orchid-flowered varieties were first raised in 1893, when 

 Mme. Crozy x C. flaccida produced Italia and Austria. They are of 



