DAINTY THALICTRUM

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 678, 1 June 1929, Page 12 (Supplement)

DAINTY THALICTRUM

SOME POINTS ON CULTIVATION This lovely decorative Chinese plant has occasioned pleasure to many, and, alas, disappointment to not a few, for when and where it does well it is a most beautiful subject, but to many it presents difficulties. It is with the hope that these few notes will be of assistance to those who have so far not succeeded in establishing this plant, that they are penned. It is, however, possible to learn the cause of its success, and in some measure to give it similar treatment and conditions. The position should be full sun with no overhanging trees; even partial shade from shrubs and other plants is best avoided. It delights in a very rich light soil, which should be well worked during the autumn with plenty of good farmyard manure; chalk or lime, and old mortar rubble should be incorporated. To do it well a certain amount of lime or chalk is essential. Drainage is another important item, and in cold, heavy soils it is imperative that special attention be paid to this. Although sharp drainage is necessary, the fact must not be overlooked that the roots like a cool moist run, and during hot, dry periods an occasional soaking will be found beneficial. Planting should be carried out toward the end of October and during the early part of November. However favourable the condition of the soil may be, autumn planting should never be adhered to. Prepare the selected site during the autumn, but defer planting until spring. This is most important. These suggestions are not impossible, and although they may mean a certain amount of labour and thought, one is well repaid, for the plants will then give you long spikes of purplish-lavender flowers whose dainty spreading panicles are even more decorative than the well-known gypsophila, and certainly less common. Practically all gardeners, professional and amateur, grow successfully the edible asparagus. Thalictrum dipterocarpum is no more difficult; in fact, those who can grow asparagus well will certainly succeed with thalictrum, for its cultivation is very similar. HERBACEOUS BORDER A herbaceous border is one filled mainly with plants which produce new growth and flowers annually from a perennial rootstoek. HEEL-IN '' ' This means putting plants in the soil temporarily until they can be permanently planted. They are usually put close together in a shallow trench, the roots being covered with soil.