THE GAILLARDIA.

Hutt News, Volume 3, Issue 5, 26 June 1930, Page 9

THE GAILLARDIA.

It may not be generally knorira that tlio Gaillardia derives its name from M. Gaillard, a French patron of Botany. Tbis is a genus of very ornamental pereiiniaa plants, which are easily cultivated in almost any climate. For many years they have been comparatively neglected, and it is ouly lately t&at an interest in them has been revived. The fact that they bloom throughout the summer in the driest soil, growing to a heigit of about 2 f^eet makes therm a great standby for the summer garden. In some of the newer varieties the yellow has almost tentirely disappeared, only the extreme points of tne petals

still retaining this colour. This is specially notifoabli- in G. Grnmliflora Sanguinoa Peter DruinmomU. ;i single yellow and red. and Pictf't Josophxis, scarlet with yellow -hands, are two of the very latest varieties,' 'with brilliant eolouriSg and stiff stems. For decorative purposes they will be found invaluable, as they lend themselves well to artistic ai-range ment^and their yai'ied colours, are very effective. The present is a good time to plant, and the best soil is a good, light, i'riable loam, though it is surprising in what poor land they will be a success. . Propagation may also be effected toy cuttings in the Autumn a vnd Spring; some growers prof erthis latter, method, from which as a rule: very sturdy plants 'result. ; . - . •■■■ . ■; . ; 7-,.': '". '.■'.'■ \ I have seen a brown room in which they Avere used as the only floral decora- ! tion;. great bowls of theajg. being placed in. every available corner, and the result was' wonderfuljly beautiful. And in a room where red is thjg chief colour.they appear to good advantage, the yellow in this case giving the necessary light colour.