MINA LOBATA

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 218, 3 December 1927, Page 26 (Supplement)

MINA LOBATA

A DAINTY ANNUAL CREEPER (Ipomaea Versicolor). Mina Lobata is a charmns annual climber from Mexico, and derives its name from F. X. Mina, a minister of that country. The vine grows from 15 to 20 feet high, and produces a profusion of creamy white flowers, which, when half grown, assume an attractive shade of bright orange; The buds are vivid red. Although the seeds should be sown during the spring months, the present is not too late provided climate and conditions are suitable. Along the sea coast, gardeners can be assured of a brilliant display during the autumn and early winter months. Mina Lobata is a particularly attractive subject for festooning unsightly buildings, fences, old tree stumps, or in fact, anywhere where it can be given the necessary facilities for climbing. It renders a unique and most attractive display when grown over a summer house or pergola. The plant is quite hardy, and does best in a warm, sheltered position. Tt is not partial to soil. Any well cultivated garden soil will produce good results. In fact, we have observed some excellent specimens growing in pots and boxes. This latter method is excellent for verandah culture, where there is no garden, and should be more extensively employed. The vine will quickly cover any trelag© or mesh with a pleasing festooning of dense verdant foliage, making a delightful screen, which will shortly be studded with a most attractive display of brilliant multi-coloured blossoms. Mina Lobata may aptly be described as one of the gayest annual climbers in cultivation. It is both ornamental and useful, and may be employed wherever a brilliant floral effect is desired to serve as a screen.

Several of the stores offer plants in pots during the summer months, which mean a saving of at least six weeks in time.