This article throws light upon the top seventy types of annuals. The types are: 1. Amaranthus 2. Balsam 3. Cock’s Comb 4. Gaillardia 5. Gomphrena 6. Kochia 7. Portulaca 8. Sun Flower 9. Tithonia 10. Zinnia (Compositae) 11. Giant Dahlia 12. Giant of California 13. Giant Cactus 14. Lilliput or Pompon 15. Cupid and other types too.
Type # 1. Amaranthus:
It is native of tropical Asia and tropical America. Its generic name consists of two Greek words, A-not and maraino-fading, and is due to an illusion to the lasting character of the calyx and floral bracts. Plants are tall (90-120 cm) and are very ornamental due to colourful foliage. Therefore, it is grown in groups or in rows but should not be mixed with other annuals.
In mixed planting, colourful foliage dominates over colourful flowers. Planting should be done in sunny situation where foliage develops rich colour. There are many species which are grown in gardens as rainy season annuals. A. caudatus is commonly called as Love-Lies-Bleeding and produces graceful long dropping catkins of purple crimson, pale green or white flower. A. hybridus produces crimson red plumes above light green foliage and looks very attractive.
Another species A. tri-colour rubber produces foliage of bright red whereas A. tri-colour splendens produces rich scarlet foliage. A salicifolius is popular in the garden due to its undulating and drooping foliage of bright orange colour. A bicolour which is commonly called as Molten Fire produces deep maroon foliage and crimson top.
Type # 2. Balsam:
Impatiens balsamina (Balsaminaceae). It is very showy annual and is native of India. It attains the height of 25 to 75 cm and produces many branches along with the main stem. It needs proper training by removing side shoots and only main shoot should be kept for display. Leaves are simple and margin is slightly serrated. The flowers are produced after 60-65 days of planting and flowering continues up to 20-30 days.
The flowers are spurred, 5-6 cm across and like camellia are borne in leaf axils. The flowers are single or double in pure or variegated colours. Dominating colours are red, pink, violet, rose, and white. The important varieties which are grown in the garden are Double Camellia flowered mixed, Rose Flowered, Royal Balsams Mixed and Tall Double Mixed.
The dwarf variety Tom Thumb is uniform, bushy and compact. There are two perennial species which have been used to evolve new types, i.e., I. holstii and I. sultanii. The important varieties are Holstii Hybrid, Bright Rose, Blaze Scarlet, pink Baby, Baby Mixed and Sultani Nana hybrid. Seed pods burst and seed scatter when seed pods are ripened fully. They should be harvested before scattering.
Type # 3. Cock’s Comb:
Celosia sp. (Amarantaceae)
It is native of tropical Asia, Africa and America, The generic word has been derived from Greek word Kelos which means burnt and flowers of some species appear as though burnt. It is very popular in the garden for their flowers. Leaves are simple and have variation in light red or crimson colour.
There are tall as well as dwarf forms. Flower colour varies from deep crimson, deep ink cardinal red to deep orange flowers. The species which dominate in the garden are C. argentea var. Cristata, C. plumosa and C. childsii. The sp. C. argentea var. Cristata is commonly known as Cock’s comb which produces large compact head measuring about 25 or 30 cm.
Plants are tall and dwarf and suitable for pot culture. The important varieties in tall group are Toreador Royal Velvet and Gilbert Celosia whereas dwarf varieties are Golden King, Lilliput, Jewel Box, Glasgow Prize, Aurea, Flame of Fire, and Thompson Magnifica.
C. Childsi (Chinese woo-flower) produces wooly globular flowers which is 7-10 cm across. C. plumosa produces flowers like large plumes resembling Ostrich’s plumes.
Type # 4. Gaillardia:
Gaillardia pulchella (Compositeae)
It is also commonly called as blanket flower and is native of North America. Under Indian conditions it is grown throughout the year and seeds are sown in all the three sowing times and seedlings are transplanted accordingly. Plants are medium in height, bushy (30-45 cm) and produce profusely single to double flowers on long thin sterns measuring about 5-7 cm across.
Flowers are produced profusely in many colours viz. yellow, orange, scarlet, copper colours or combinations of these. There are two common varieties of gaillardia i.e., picta (G. pulchella var. Picta) and Lorenziana (G. pulchella var. Lorenziana). The flowers of picta group are large and single.
Important varieties are ‘Indian Chief red and Picta Mixed’ whereas the flowers of lorenziana are double having quilled petals with split tips. Important varieties of this group are Lorenziana ‘Sunshine’. ‘Gaity double mixed’, and ‘Double Tetra Fiesta’—a tetraploid variety. The perennial species, G. grandiflora is also very popular in gardens which produce large flowers of yellow-orange and red flowers. Important variety in this group is ‘Goblin’.
Type # 5. Gomphrena:
Gomphrena globosa (Amarantaceae)
It is native of India and commonly called as globe amaranth. Plants are medium or dwarf. Round flowers about 2 cm across are produced of white, purple, magenta, pink and rose colour. Flowering starts after two months of transplanting of seedlings but profuse flowering occurs in September-November.
The common varieties are var. Alba— White; var. Aurea Superba—Golden yellow; var. Nana Compaca Rubra—15 cm high purple flowers; var. Rosea—Pink; var. Rubra—Purple-red. The important varieties are Globosa mixed, Lilliput, buddy and Cissy (white).
Type # 6. Kochia:
Kochia scoparia var. tricophylla (Chenopodiaceae)
Its generic name has been given after Prof. W.D.J. Koch and is commonly called as summer cypress or burning bush. This is the only annual which provides lush green foliage during summer and looks very refreshing and cooling. It is also very popular due to its uniform ovoid conical or globular shape which looks naturally trimmed. It grows to a height of 90-120 cm. It requires sunny situation for its healthy growth. Plants do not produce colourful flowers.
Type # 7. Portulaca:
Portulaca grandiflora (Portulaceae)
It is known as sun plant or Rose moss and is a native of South America. The flowers open in morning and close by afternoon. It is most ideal for beds, post and hanging baskets. Plants are dwarf and have trailing growth habit. Branches are round and succulent. Leaves are thick, fleshy, small and pointed.
Flowers are about 3 cm across and are produced in white, yellow, red, orange, pink, lavender, crimson, purple, etc. In some varieties, flower petals have stripes of contrasting colours. Important varieties are Grandiflora single mixed, double mixed and magic carpet. The perennial form producing bright deep rose coloured single or double flowers is also commonly found growing.
Type # 8. Sun Flower:
Helianthus annus (Compositae)
It is native of western parts of United States of America and its generic name is composed of two Greek words i.e. Helios—sun and anthos—flower. In tall varieties flower rotates with the sun movement. It is hardy, vigorous and produces magnificent flowers. The tall growing varieties (150-180 cm) are: Tall Single yellow—huge (20-25 cm) Yellow Single Flowers and Tall Double chrysanthemum—Yellow chrysanthemum like flowers which is dominating new in the gardens. Sun Gold and yellow Pigmy are double dwarf varieties which produce medium golden orange flowers.
Now-a-days, the hybrids of H. annus and H. cucumerifolius which are known as Sultan’s autumn beauty are available. They are well branched with small flowers on long stems of yellow, orange-yellow, chestnut-brown and maroon flowers.
The Russian sunflower is a tall (180-240 cm) while produces edible oil and cattle feed.
Type # 9. Tithonia:
Tithonia rotundifolia syn. T. speciosa (Compositae)
It is commonly called as Mexican sunflower and is a native of Mexico. It is exceptionally tall growing about 120-240 cm, but its branches are brittle and break very easily. Flowers are large measuring about 5-7 cm having deep orange to scarlet colour with yellow centre.
Type # 10. Zinnia (Compositae):
It has become a very common flower in gardens during summer season flowering of which continues upto September-October. It is a native of Mexico and name after Johnan Gothifried Zinn—a professor of medicine.
Zinnia elegans dominates in the garden due to wide variation in plant height (25-120 cm), flower size (2.5 to above 12 cm) and colour range varying from white, green, red, pink, yellow, orange, salmon, lavender, mauve and various intermediate shades. Flowers are single, semi-double and double. Ray florets are flat, quilled or ruffled. There is large number of varieties available in different groups and new varieties are being added every year.
The important varieties of different groups are:
Type # 11. Giant Dahlia:
Canary Bird (yellow); Dream (Lilac); Meteor (dark red); Oriole (Orange scarlet); Polar Bear (White).
Type # 12. Giant of California:
Brightness (Pink), Cherry Queen (rose); orange Queen (golden oange), Lavender Gem (Lavender), Purity (white).
Type # 13. Giant Cactus:
Empress (pink); Red Man (scarlet); Snow Man (white); Sun Gold (light yellow).
Type # 14. Lilliput or Pompon:
Peach Blossom, Rose Gem, Canary yellow, white Gem.
Type # 15. Cupid:
Flowers are like small button. Goblin (burnt orange), Pixie (yellow); Snow Drop (white); Pink Buttons (pink).
Other groups are Fantasy, Dwarf Giant, Gaillardia flowered, Peppermint stick, Ortho Polka, Tom Thumb and Thumbelina.
F1 hybrids are very common and are being marketed. Flowers of big size (12-13 cm) are produced on long sturdy flower stalks and are ideal for cut flower. These are available in Dahlia and Cactus group. In Dahlia group important varieties are: Blaze (orange scarlet), Eskimo (creamy white), and Riverside Beauty. Latest addition in this a Peter Pan series which is available in different colours and Fruit Bowl. In cactus group varieties are Bonanza (golden orange), Fire Cracker (red), Princess (Salmon Pink), Sunny Boy (deep yellow), and Cherry Time (Cherry rose).
Tetraploids are also very popular due to free flowering and vigorous growth.
Z. angustifolia (Z. haageana or Z. mexicana) is also common and important varieties are old Maxico and Gold Tip.
Another species i.e., Z. linearis is ideally suitable for edging, beds and mass effect. Flowers are small and profusely produced in September-November. Deep yellow, light yellow and white colours are common.
Type # 16. Acroclinum:
Acroclinum roseum (Compositae)
It is a native of Australia and is popularly known as paper flower and also everlasting flower on account of its hard and paper like petals. Plant attains a height of 40- 70 cm. Rose coloured flowers are produced profusely. Flowers are single or double and keep their form and colour on drying. A. album another species bears pretty white coloured flowers.
A. grandiflorum produces very large flowers of pink colour. For drying, fully opened flowers are plucked and to keep the stem straight, thin steel wire is inserted carefully and hanged downward in a room. The important varieties are double hybrid and Giant Flowered mixture.
Type # 17. Ageratum:
Ageratum houstonianum (Compositae)
It is commonly called as floss flower and is very common in Indian gardens and is a native of Central America. The garden varieties have been evolved from two species i.e. A. conzoides and A. houstonianum. Plant grows upto 15-60 cm and produce flowers of blue, pink and white. A tetraploid form having bigger flowers is also grown in the garden. It is very suitable for rock garden. The flowers remain fresh for long time. There are many varieties but important are : Midget Blue, Blue Cap, Tall blue, Fairy Pink, Violet blue, Blue Dip, Blue Mink Capri, Little Blue Star, White Cushion. F1 hybrid Blue Angel is another attractive variety.
Type # 18. Anchusa:
A. capensis (Boraginaceae)
It is a native of South Africa and is perennial but is grown as an annual flower in Indian gardens. It is highly suitable for pot. Plants attain a height of 45 cm. The flowers are bright blue and produced in clusters. The important varieties are: Blue Bird, blue with white centre; Bedding Bright Blue-azure. A itailice a perennial species that can be grown as biennial in the hills.
Type # 19. Annual Chrysanthemum:
Chrysanthemum sp. (Compositae)
It is a native of mediterranean, North Africa and Europe. There are three common annual species which are cultivated in Indian gardens. They are C. coronarium commonly called as garland chrysanthemum or crown daisy in Europe whereas, Bhambiree or Guldhak in Punjab, market in Delhi and Gendi in U.R, C. carirtatum (summer marguerite) and C. segetum (corn marigold).
Amongst these species only C. coronarium is grown in large areas of western parts of U.R, Delhi and Punjab. In gardens it is ideally suited for shrubberies, beds and as cut flower. Plant grows about 100-120 cm tall. C. coronarium nanum compactum is a dwarf and plant grows upto only 30 cm. Leaves are deeply cut of shining green colour.
Numerous single, semi double and double flowers are produced of large size measuring 5-7.5 cm across weighing about 2.917 kg per plant which are plucked in 9-10 pluckings. The flower colour varies from white, cream ish white, creamish yellow and yellow in C. coronarium and deep yellow in C. segetum.
In C. carinatum flower colour is white, yellow colour having band of purple or crimson colour and thus flower looks like tricolour and is good for garden display. There are several varieties available in all three species. The important varieties of C. carinatum are Court Jester, Rainbow mixed, Pole Star, Torch, Spectalite and Chelsea. In case of C. segetum good varieties are Eldorado, Evening Star, Golden Glow and Morning Star.
Type # 20. Antirrhinum:
Antirrhinum majus (Scrophulariaceae)
It is a native of South America and due to curious shape of flowers which resemble to dog or rabbit; it is popularly called as snap dragon, dog flower, or bunny rabbit or bunny mouth. The height of plant varies from 30 cm to more than 90 cm. Leaves are simple.
Magnificent flowers are produced on long spikes of many colours and various shades like white, cream, yellow, rose, salmon, pink, mauve, red, magenta, orange, bronze. Flowers have good keeping quality and flowers remain fresh for 6-7 days. It is most ideally suited for beds, pot, edging, window boxes, herbaceous border and rock garden.
There is a wide range of varieties suitable for various purposes. The important varieties of tall Giant or Grandiflora group are Tip Top Canary yellow, Tip Top apple blossom, Tip Top White, Tip Top Orange Rose, Triumph, Bright orange, Triumph Scarlet, Triumph Gold whereas the varieties of intermediate or semi-dwarf are Intermediate bright Pink, Intermediate Guardsman, Intermediate White, Intermediate Mauve, Bedding scarlet.
Dwarf or Tom Thumb varieties hardly grow about 30 cm and important variety is Orange Scarlet. The crosses between A. majus and A. molle resulted into a new series which is known as miniature or magic carpet and important varieties are Magic Carpet and Floral Carpet. F1 hybrids are getting very popular and two series are very common i.e. Rocket type with prominent varieties like F1 Golden Rocket, F1 White Rocket, and F1 Bronze Rocket.
Super Giants are another series in which plants grow tall and produce standard blossoms. Different colours like red, yellow, white, gold, bronze, pink and rose are available. Other important varieties of this series are Candle Light, Sun Set, and Sky Scraper. Lollipop Nanum and F2 hybrid are also popular due to their variable height and mixture flower colour. In double Azalea series of snapdragon, flowers are double like azalea and are bigger.
Madame Butterfly is a good variety of double azalea series. Sweet Heart series, a tetraploid, is also getting popular because plants grow 30 cm tall and are double. The different colours such as bronze, pink, red, white and yellow are available. Super tetraploids are resistant to rust and important varieties are High Moon, Glacier, Crimson Giant and Volcano.
Recently there are flowers in such varieties which do not snap and are called without snap or penstemon type. The common series is bright Butterflies in which each floret looks like a colourful butterfly. Plants grow 60-70 cm tall, produce branches freely. Flowers are available in a wide range of colours i.e. pink, red, bronze, rose white and yellow.
There is another Pixie series available in different colours like Orange Pixie, Pink Pixie, White Pixie, Rose Pixie, Red Pixie, etc. There is scented antirrhinum also which have soft clove like fragrance. The scented varieties are Super Jet, Vanguard and Venus.
There is another introduction of Monarch strain which is available in different colours: crimson, scarlet, orange, and coral.
Type # 21. Arctotis:
A. stoechadifolia (Compositae)
It is commonly called as African daisy and is native to South Africa. It is suitable for pot, bed and herbaceous border. Plant grows tall and has deeply cut foliage. Daisy like flowers measuring about 4-5 cm of white colour having lilac centres are produced. Flowers are closed in the night and reopen in the morning.
Interspecific hybridization has resulted in large flowered hybrids. They are vigorous growing and produce bigger size of blooms of about 8-10 cm in different colours like white, orange, pink, yellow, and dark red.
Type # 22. Aster:
Callistephus chinensis (Compositae)
It is native of China and Japan and is an excellent cut flower. The remarkable improvement has been made in its shape and colour range in Europe after its introduction in 18th century. Dwarf (15 cm) and tall (90 cm) forms are available. Flower size also varies from very small button like pompons to large size. Different shapes like, single, double, anemone, reflexed, paeony and quilled are available. There is a wide range of colour of flowers available varying from white, yellow, blue, lavender, red, salmon rose, magenta, and scarlet.
Several varieties are available and some of them are wilt resistant. In India, Ostrich Plume Salmon Rose, Ostrich Plume Blue, Ostrich Feather are very common. Some of wilt resistant varieties are Early Wonder, Giant Comet, Queen of Market, Star-Dust, Unicene Record. Other good varieties are Super Giants, Giant Curved, Super Princess, Early Charm, Crego series and Giant perfection series.
Type # 23. Bells of Ireland:
Molucella laevis (Labiatae)
It is native of mediterranean region and is very attractive when the plants dry up. Flowers are produced in leafy axils and calyces are big pale translucent, green and veined. These calyces appear like bells. The calyces are persistent and turn ivory white at maturity. Long branches are cut at green as well as at dry stage and are arranged in flower arrangement. Dry stems can be kept in rooms for long time.
Type # 24. Brachycome:
Brachycome iberidifolia (Compositae)
It is popularly known as Swan River daisy and in Greek language Brachycome means soft short hair. It is native to Australia. Plants are dwarf and grow up to 15-18 cm and have finely cut foliage. Flowers are small (2.5 cm across) and are produced in abundance which are white, blue and light pink. It is ideally suited for pot, bedding and rock garden. Important varieties are Azure, Fairy, Blue Gem, Mauve Beauty, Purple King and Summer Beauty.
Type # 25. Calendula:
Calendula officinalis (Compositae)
It is also called as pot marigold and is native to South Europe. It is very popular amongst gardeners on account of its easy culture, early to bloom and profuse flowering habit. Plants are medium in height and grow up to 20-50 cm. Leaves are long, hairy and somewhat sticky. Flowers are single, semi double and double which are produced in light yellow, yellow and orange colours measuring about 5-7 cm.
It is highly suitable for pot, bedding and window boxes. Flowers are also used as cut flowers. There are many varieties available in different colours. Important varieties in orange colour are Orange King, Grandiflora, Campfire whereas in yellow colour are Golden Emperor, Golden King, Sunshine, Yellow Colossal.
Art shade is another variety of soft shade of light yellow to light orange coloured flowers. Other varieties are Pacific Beauty, Apricot Beauty, Flame Beauty, Lemon Beauty, Orange Coronet, Dwarf Family Circle mixed, F1 Mandarin, Dwarf Double Fiesta, Giant Early, and Geisha Girl.
Type # 26. California Poppy:
Eschscholtzia californica (Papaveraceae)
It is native of California (U.S.A.) and plants are suitable for bedding—along with walks and paths in the gardens. Plant grows to a height of 30-40 cm. Leaves are finally cut and smooth. Flowers are open cup shaped, single or semi double or double in various colour shades i.e. yellow, orange, white, red, pink, crimson, etc.
The varieties are grouped into three groups i.e:
(a) Tall Single—Chrome Queen, Flambeau, Mandarin, Orange King;
(b) Dwarf single—Aurora, Fire flame, Mikado and
(c) Double flowered—Art Shades, Autumn Glory, Carmine Queen, Crocea, Enchantress,and Scarlet Glow.
Type # 27. Candytuft:
Iberis sp. (Cruciferae)
It is native of Europe and is a dwarf annual. It is suitable for pot, bedding, edging and herbaceous border. There are two distinct species grown the garden. I. umbellata attains the height upto 45 cm. Leaves are long, small and having smooth surface. Flowers of white and purple colour are produced at the top of branches into flat umbel. Another species i.e., I. amara which is also called as hyacinth flower, produce flowers arranged on long branches about 15 cm spikes. The important varieties are ‘White Spiral’ and ‘Empress’.
Type # 28. Cineraria:
Senecio cruentus (Compositae)
It is a native of Canary Islands and being shade loving plant, it is most ideally suited for pot growing, shady places in garden and conservatories. Plants attain the height of 30-60 cm. Leaves are large and green which are cut. Flowers are produced at the top of branches which are very attractive and eye catching. The flowers of self or contrast colour in a wide range varying from white, blue, lilac, purple, pink are available.
There are various forms which are being grown in the garden like tall and compact, large flowered singles, stellata singles-looking like stars, open habit, intermediate and multi-flora Nana-producing dwarf plants. The important varieties are Copenhagen Market, Maxima Grandiflora, Hybrida Grandiflora, Maxima Nana, Nana Multi-flora and Mammoth Rainbow mixed.
Type # 29. Clarkia:
Clarkia elegans (Onagraceae)
This is native of California (U.S.A.) and a showy flower. Plants are stately growing and attain the height of 60-90 cm. It is generally grown in semi shady situation. Leaves are oval and flowers are produced in axil of leaves. The flowers are single or double and produced in white, rose, pink, salmon, or purple colours.
The double flowered varieties are very showy and preferred in the gardens. The important double flowered varieties are Apple Blossom, Salmon Queen, Scarlet Queen, Firefly, Salmon Perfection, Royal Bouquet, Lady Satin Rose and May Blossom.
Type # 30. Clianthus:
Clianthus dampieri (Leguminosae)
It is a native of Australia and due to its peculiar shape of showy flowers resembling to parrots beak, it is also called as Parrot’s Bill. It is most ideally suited for pot culture. Plant grows up to 60-70 cm in height. Flowers of dark scarlet colour are produced in clusters of 4-6 blooms. Flowers attract the attention of viewers in exhibition due to unusual shape and its pretty look. The important variety is Dampieri.
Type # 31. Coreopsis:
Coreopsis tinctoria (Compositae)
It is native of California (U.S.A.) and commonly called as Tick Seed on account of seed colour and seed shape. It is a dwarf annual suitable for bedding purpose and along with walks paths in the garden. The yellow flower heads with brown spots are produced in abundance.
It comes in bloom quite early. The important varieties are Golden Crown; Dwarf mixed, Double Sunburst, Mayfield Giant (Deep Golden Yellow), Baby Gold, Sunray, Grandiflora Sun Burst, Gold Fink, Grandiflora Mayfield Giant.
Type # 32. Corn Flower:
Centaurea cyanus (Compositae)
Delicacy is represented by corn flowers in the world of flowers. It is native of Europe and Britain and commonly called as corn flower because it grows as a weed in corn field. It is also called as ‘Hurt Sickle’, ‘Blue Bottle’ or ‘Bachelor’s Button’ or ‘Ragged Sailor’. It is a tall annual growing upto 90-120 cm and suitable for herbaceous border, beds, shrubberies and as cut flower.
The common colours are Blue, White, Light Pink and Maroon. The important varieties are Blue Boy, Pinky, Red Boy, Snow Man, Black Boy and Blue Diadem. There are dwarf varieties which are also suitable for edging and beds. The dwarf varieties are Jubilee Gem, Polar Bear, Lilac lady, Polka Dot. Corn flower starts producing flowers after 90-105 days of transplanting which are produced in great profusion.
Type # 33. Cosmea:
Cosmos bipinnatus (Compositae)
It is native of Mexico and is very common in the gardens. It is very good annual for bedding. Plants are tall, well branched and leaves are thin and deeply cut. The flowers are single, semi-double, and double are produced in many colours like white, mauve, purple, rose, crimson, etc. Flowers are 3-6 cm across, sometime 10 cm and produced on long and thin stems. The important varieties are Double White, Double Crimson, and Alipore Beauty. Dwarf variety is Sunset.
Another species C. sulphurus is very common which can be grown throughout the year though it is planted in summer and rainy season. The leaves are dark green. The orange flowers are produced in great abundance. Important varieties are Fiesta, Orange Flame, Orange Ruffle, Mandarin, Sensation, Early Mammoth (Separate colours), Bright Lights, Klondyke Gold Crest, Sensation Dazzler and Sensation Gloria.
Type # 34. Dahlia:
Dahlia variabilis (Compositae)
This is one of the most important garden plants and is useful for cut flower. It is a native of Mexico and name to this flower has been given after a French botanist Andres Dahl. There is wide variation in size of flowers, varying from 5-25 cm across. Plant height also shows great variation which may range from 20-150 cm. Flower colour range is also very remarkable and almost all possible colours are available.
Flowers are of white, cream, yellow, orange, scarlet, pink, mauve, purple, chocolate and deep crimson almost approaching to black and many intermediate shades. According to flower shape, dahlia has several groups. Important groups are Single, Anemone, Collarette, Paeony, Decorative, Cactus and Pompon. It is highly suitable for bedding, and pot culture.
Propagation of dahlia is done by seeds, division of tubers and terminal cuttings. The propagation through seeds is easy and the best way to achieve striking mixtures of colourful flowers which are sown in September-October. The varieties which are being marketed in India are Giant Exhibition mixed, Dwarf Double Red Skin, Coltners hybrids, and Border Jewels, Rigoletto, and Citation.
Tubers are stored during summer in cool place or in refrigerator. After careful separation, tubers are planted directly in field in August. The care should be taken while separation that each tuber contains the portion of stem with a vegetative bud. The terminal cutting should be solid and made in September-October from plants and after treatment with seradix-I are planted in sand. It takes about 2-3 weeks for rooting and after that they are transplanted in pots (25-30 cm) or in beds.
Dahlia is very rich in its variety wealth and specific variety can be selected for a particular effect. The important varieties are: Decorative—Large—Amaranth, Amrita, Dignity, Masterpiece, Croydon White, Croydon Masterpiece, Nasturtium, Liberator, Medium—House of orange, Peace; Small—Edinburg, Mary Richard, Trendy; Miniature— Arabian Night, Doris Duke.
Cactus Large—Arab Queen, Albert, The colonel, Radio; Medium—Eclipse, Beaudelaire, Polar beauty, Carnival; Small—Preference, Pinnacle, Grace; Miniature Lovely Looker, Little mermaid; Pompon—Large—Jean Lister, Ascot, Kinky. Medium Chamirs, Bonny, Little David; Small—Glow, Yellow Gem, Doria.
To get a large size bloom extra care in feeding, watering, staking and disbudding should be taken.
Type # 35. Daisy:
Bellis perennis (Compositae)
It is also called as ‘English daisy’ and native of Europe. It is mostly planted in pots, beds and rock gardens. Plants are dwarf and attain the height i.e., about 20-30 cm only. Stem is thick and leaves are strap shaped. The flowers are single or double which are produced in white and pink colours. Flowers are small measuring about 2.0-5.0 cm. The showy varieties producing double flowers are Dwarf White, Snow Ball, Long Fellow, Ruby, Gigantea mixed.
Type # 36. Dimorphotheca:
Dimorphotheca aurantiaca (Compositae)
It is native of South Africa and is popularly known as African daisy. It is a very good for bedding and for pots. It is very sensitive to weather conditions and flower shuts in dark or cloudy weather. D. auriantiaca and D. sinuata have been crossed with D. pluvialis to produce an attractive race of variously coloured hybrids. It is a bushy and medium plant giving about 30-60 cm.
Leaves are narrowing either toothed or entire. Flowers are white, yellow, and orange salmon in colour with dark brown disc in center measuring about 5-6 cm. Important varieties are Glistening White, Giant Orange, Salmon Beauty, White Sparkle and Buff Beauty. Tetra Goliath is a tetraploid variety with large orange flowers with dark green disc.
Type # 37. Gamolepis:
Gamolepis tagetes (Compositae)
It is highly suitable for bed, edging pots and rock garden. Plants are dwarf and grow about 20-25 cm tall. Leaves are fine and deeply cut. Flowers are small measuring 1-1.5 cm, yellow in colour and are produced profusely.
Type # 38. Gazania:
Gazania splendens (Compositae)
It is native of South Africa. The plants are dwarf and grows about 25 cm. Leaves are long, narrow and silvery on underside. The flowers are very showy, large and are available in different colours varying from white, pink, orange, yellow, red or brown. Flowering continues for a long period, but flowers close in the afternoon. Sunshine hybrids are very common.
Type # 39. Gypsophila:
Gypsophila elegans (Caryophyllaceae)
It is native of Caucasus region and popularly known as Baby breath. Plant grow GOVS cm tall and produce numerous flowers of white, pink and crimson colour. Flowers are borne in mist like sprays and look very graceful. Flowers are highly suitable for bouquet arrangement and are being sold in the market along with other cut flowers. Important varieties are King of Market, London Market, Rosea, and Convent Garden.
Type # 40. Helichrysum:
Helichrysum bracteatum (Compositae)
It is native of Australia and is popularly called as everlasting flower or straw flower of immortal on account of good keeping quality of flowers after ripening. The generic name is comprised of two Greek words i.e. Helos—sun and chrys—gold. This is most suitable for bedding and rock garden purpose. This is also suitable for cutting and drying.
Plant grows about 60-90 cm tall. Flowers are of yellow or orange colour measuring about 2.5-6 cm across. There are numerous varieties and important are Pure White, Bright Terracotta, Fireball, Golden, Salmon King, Silver Pink, Luteum, and Roseum. Dwarf varieties growing about 45 cm are Tom Thumb, Nanum and Hot Bikini.
Type # 41. Holly Hock:
Althea rosea (Malvaceae)
It is a native of China. Plants are tall, stately growing about 180-200 cm and hence are more suitable for planting in the back row of herbaceous border or for screening purpose. Leaves are deep green, coarse and round in shape. Flowers are single, semi- double and double which are produced in the axil of leaves in various colours varying from white, cream, yellow pink, mauve, lilac, rose, salmon, red, scarlet crimson and many intermediate shades. Flowers are large about 7-10 cm. Highly ornamental varieties suitable for growing in the garden are Giant Double, Charter’s Double, Powderpuff, Summer Carnival and Triumph Double mixed.
Type # 42. Ice Plant:
Mesembryanthernum criniflorum (Aizoaceae)
It is a native of South Africa and is commonly called as Living Stone Daisy or Fig Marigold. It is a very dwarf plant and grows about 20 cm. It is best suited for sunny situation, rockeries, shallow baskets, pots etc. It can also be planted to cover the space under standard roses. The branches and leaves are succulent.
Leaves are elongated thick and fleshy and dew deposits on them into small droplets which look like snow crystals. The flowers open in sun which is very shining and attractive and close at night. Flowers are single measuring about 2.5 cm across in many colours like pink, white, salmon, orange, red, crimson, rose, apricot colours. Flowers are available in self coloured or white edged with contrasting colours.
Type # 43. Lady’s lace:
Pimpnella monoica (Umbelliferae)
It is a tall annual with finely cut foliage and is native of India. Flowers are small, white, and delicate are produced in umbles. Dry flowers maintain their shape and dried flowers are commonly used for dry arrangement. Queen Anne is the important variety.
Type # 44. Larkspur:
Delphinium hybridum (Ranunculaceae)
It is native of Europe and other temperate regions. Other important species are D. elatum, D. formosum, D. cardinale, D. belladonna, and D. nudicaule. It is a good cut flower and also suitable for mixed annual borders. Plants are much branched with finely cut colours are blue, white, pink, lilac, and mauve. Flowering occurs late in season i.e., end of February-March.
The double flowered strain known as ‘hyacinth flowered’ has been produced. Another strain, stock flowered Larkspur has been produced in several fine colour forms in dark blue, rose pink, lilac rose, rosy scarlet, white and soft salmon- rose. The plants of these varieties grow about 75 cm tall of compact erect habit.
Recently selection and development of upright growing type known as ‘Giant Imperial’ have been done. It is characterized by plants of erect branching habit growing upto 120-130 cm tall with graceful spikes of double flowers in a wide range of delicate shades. The important varieties of this class are Blue Bell, Blue Spire, Brilliant Rose, Carmine King, Daintiness, Miss California, Rosalie and White King.
Type # 45. Linaria:
Linaria bipartita (Scrophulariaceae)
It is also known as Toad Flax and is native of Spain, Portugal and Morocco. The shape of flower is similar of snap dragon but flowers are smaller in size. Plants are dwarf and attain a height of 30-40 cm. Branches are erect and are thin. The flowers are borne on these erect branches which are tiny and look peculiar due to their shape. Flowers are of self colour or bicolour and important colours are purple, blue, deep pink, yellow and white and combinations of these. The important varieties are Fairy Bouquet, Fairy, Brides Maid, Ruby King, White Pearl and Yellow Prince.
Type # 46. Linum:
Linum grandiflorum var. rubrum (Linaceae)
It is a native of North Africa and Europe and is commonly called as flax. It is ideal for bedding purposes. Plants are medium and grow up 45-60 cm tall. Stems are slender and leaves are narrow and pointed. Flowers have five petals which are united and have double centre. Flowers measure about 2.5 cm. The common colour of flowers is red and white. Blue colour flax is also grown in the garden.
Type # 47. Lupin:
Lupinus hartwegii (Leguminosae)
The name lupins has been originally derived from Greek word i.e., lupe which means grief. It is native of N. America specially of California and Virginia states. There are many species like L. perenne, L. luteus, L. uarius, L. hirustus. Romans used to grow L. albus as food for man and beast. Modern lupins i.e., L. hartwegii have been derived from L. polyphllus and L. arboreum. Lupins are most ideally suited as cut flower, and as bedding, border and pot plants.
The plants attain the height of 50-75 cm and have palm shaped foliage. Flowers are borne on a long spike and resemble pea flowers. The colour range varies from white, blue, pink and discoloured. The important varieties are Azure Blue, Roseus, Colestinus, Albus, Pixie Delight, Russel hybrids, dwarf Russel hybrids, Blue Jacket, Radiant, Day dream, Heather Glow, Freedom etc.
Type # 48. Mignonette:
Reseda ordorata (Resedaceae)
It is native of North Africa. Although plants do not produce attractive flowers but they are valued for fragrance. Flowers produce nectar and lot of honey bee activity is observed around this flower. Plants are dwarf growing about 35-40 cm and have crawling habit. The flowers of white, light yellow; red or crimson are small in size and produced in loose cluster. It is suitable for pots, beds and window gardens. Machet is the variety which is being marketed in India.
Type # 49. Mimulus:
Mimulus tigrinus (Scrophulariaceae)
It is native of Western parts of North and South America and also commonly called as Monkey flower due to its sported flowers. In Latin language it means mimick. Plant grows about 45-90 cm high and angular branches are produced. Leaves are toothed and heart shaped. The flowers are large, tubular and yellow, pink, red, generally bio-coloured with burnt and maroon spots.
The plants are free flowering and numerous flowers are produced. It is most ideal for pot and for bedding purposes. The modern varieties are hybrids of M. luteus, M. cupreus and M. guttata. The common varieties are A.T. Johnson, Bee’s Dazzler, Bonfire, Canary Bird and Queen’s Prize.
Type # 50. Nasturtium:
Tropaeolum majus (Tropaeolaceae)
It is native of Mexico and South America and is very common in Indian gardens. Plants have wiry stems and green round leaves. There are dwarf and trailing type nasturtium and in both groups flowers are single or double. Dwarf type hardly grows about 25-30 cm and most ideally suitable for pot, and bedding purposes, whereas trailing types can reach the height of about 2 m and need support for climbing.
This type is most suitable for temporary screening, training in different forms and against wall. Flowers are large and have long spur. Flowers are of yellow, orange, scarlet and crimson colour and in some cases have spots and markings of contrasting colours. Flowers are generally hidden by foliage so production of leaves may be checked by restricting supply of nutrients and water.
The common varieties in dwarf single are Empress of India, King of Tomb Thumbs (scarlet), and Gold Kind (yellow). The dwarf double varieties are Orange Gem, Salmon Gem, Golden Globe, Scarlet Globe, Cherry Rose and Jewel mixed. The important trailing single varieties are Lucifers and Spot Fire (scarlet). Recently gleam hybrids have been introduced which are very attractive.
The common varieties are Golden’s Orange, Scarlet, Salmons Gleams and Gleam mixed. Now-a-days varieties like Cherry Rose and Golden Jewel, Golden Yellow, Scarlet Jewel are preferred because they produce flowers above foliage. Other important varieties are Peach Melba, Salmon Baby, Scarlet Express and Canariense.
Type # 51. Nemasia:
Nemasia strumosa (Scrophuliaraceae)
Nemasia is a native of South Africa. It is semi hardy and growing about 20-45 cm in height. It is ideally suited for pot, bedding purpose and dwarf varieties are suitable for window boxes and rock gardens. Plants are bushy and compact with erect branches on which flowers are produced freely. These flowers are very pretty and attractive on account of their orchid like appearance.
Wide range of flower colours and throat markings are available in nemasia. The flowers are of yellow, white, pink, purple, scarlet, crimson. Popular tall growing varieties are suttoni of separate colours as well as of mixed colour and Carnival mixture whereas amongst dwarf group, varieties are Triumph (mixture), Orange Prince (Orange), Fire Ball (Scarlet), Fire King and Blue Gem.
Type # 52. Nigella:
Nigella domascena (Ranunculaceae)
It is popularly called as Love in a-mist or Devil-in-the bush and is native of North Africa and Europe. It is mostly liked in its dried stage when seed capsules become egg shape and can be arranged for dry decoration. It is also mostly suitable for pot as well as cut flowers. Plants attain the height of 45-60 cm and have finally cut thread like leaves which cover bloom.
Flowers are semi double measuring about 3-4 cm of white light blue or rose in colour. The popular varieties are Persian Jewel and Miss Jekyll which produces sky blue flowers. Oxford Blue is also another good variety.
Type # 53. Pansy:
Viola wittorckiana (Violaceae)
Pansy is one of magnificent flowers which are mostly sought in the garden due to its pretty shape and contrast colour markings or blotches on the flower. These markings or blotches resemble the face of cat. It is most ideally suitable for pot, edging, border, rockery, bedding, window boxes and makes good combination with roses when planted in rosery.
It is a native of Europe. It grows about 20-30 cm and makes bushy growth. Leaves are heart shaped. Flowers are produced in great profusion and size varies from 5 to 10- 13 cm across. Flowers are of white, red, deep violet, blue, yellow, self coloured or have blotches or markings of contrast colours. Flowers are mildly sweet scented, particularly early in the morning.
The pansy varieties are grouped into two groups depending upon the size of flowers i.e. small flowered or large flowered pansy. Small flower varieties produce flowers into a great profusion which are most suitable for bedding and mass effects. The important varieties are Lord Beacon Field, Tormordeau mixed, Hiemalis mixed. For getting a colourful mixed population, seeds of separate colours are produced and different colours are mixed in a certain proportion. Under North Indian conditions, there is no problem of seed set in small flowering pansy.
The large flowered pansies are also known as Show pansies or Giant size and are specially preferred for pot culture and window boxes. These varieties produce less number of flowers but of good size around 10-13 cm. The important varieties are Sakata’s Giants, Roggolis Swiss Giants, Aalsmeer Giants, Floridale Giants, Her Majesty, World’s Seventh Wonder, Triumph of Giants, Fancy Queen, Fancy Giant etc.
F1hybrid of Super Giants is also available. F2 and F3 hybrids are also available for mixed colourful planting though the size of flower is little less. Under North Indian conditions, seed set in these giant types is poor unless flowers are hand pollinated.
Type # 54. Petunia:
Petunia hybrida (Solanaceae)
It is a native of South America and is very popular in Indian gardens due to its floriferous and hardy nature. Petunia is commonly grown as bedding, pots, hanging basket, window boxes, and rockery for mass planting. Plant grows about 30-40 cm and have spreading habit with trailing branches. Leaves are small, round and thick. The flowers have five petals which are joined and are trumpet shaped.
The colour and form of petals differ widely. The flowers are self coloured of white, cream, yellow, pink, blue, purple mauve, salmon and bicoloured with star like patterns. The petals may be entire or frilled. The seeds of double petunia and fringed varieties do not produce the plants of true-to-type. For F1 hybrid seed production, the single petunia is used as female parent which is fertilized with pollen of a double variety.
There are different types of petunia and large number of varieties available in different groups. The common varieties of dwarf and compact bedding are: Blue Bird (blue-violet), Cream Star, Peach Red, Rose of Heaven, Snow Ball, Buter Scotch, Fire Chief, Lady Bird. Smooth edged grandiflora varieties are Bingo, Dazzler, Pop Corn and Purple Prince.
The important varieties of frilled type are Giants of California, Superbissima, Romona, Snow Storm, Theodosia, Defiance, Super Frills, etc. Balcony and Pendula’s Petunia’s are trailing type and produce small flowers and common varieties are Blue Wonder, Rose Wonder and Rose.
The varieties of all double petunia are Sonnata, Prestos, and Alegro. Multiflora hybrids produce small flowers of smooth edged of petals and common varieties are Sugar Plum, Montana, Polaris, Coral Satin, Glitters, etc. whereas F1 grandiflora petunia produce large flowers with ruffled petals.
The important varieties are White Magic, Pink Magic, Lapalona, May Time, Spring Time etc. The varieties of F2 hybrids of grandiflora are carnival and of multi-flora are Colorona and Canfetti. There is a recent introduction of Single Joy Pest Series of F1 hybrids multi-flora and important are Blue, Rose Red, Rosy Star, Blue Star, Fiery Star, and White.
Type # 55. Phlox:
Phlox drummondii (Polemoniaceae)
It is also known as Star flower and is native of U.S.A. specially the region of Texas. Phlox is very popular in all gardens due to its easy culture, free flowering and wide range of colours with long blooming period. It is highly suitable for pot culture, beddings, border, window boxes and is a good cut flower. Phlox is a dwarf annual and grows about 15-40 cm tall.
Plants are bushy with medium sized, narrow and pointed leaves. The flowers are produced in clusters at the end of branches well above foliage and cover the whole plant. The individual flowers are small, about 2 cm across with round or pointed petals. The flower colour is wide which varies from white, cream, pale yellow, rose, pink, salmon, mauve, blue, red, scarlet, red, crimson etc.
There are numerous varieties in mixed or separate colours in both groups of phlox i.e. Grandiflora with large flowers and Nana Compacta which produces dwarf and compact plants. The important varieties of Grandiflora are Snowball, Vermilion, Coccinea, Ford Hook, Art Shades Brilliant, Yellow Beauty, Blue Beauty etc. Common varieties of Nana Compacta are Globe, Cecily, and Beauty Cuspidata and Twinkle are good varieties of star phlox. Tetraploid varieties like Tetra Road and Giant Tetra with stronger stems and larger blooms are also available and are quite popular.
Type # 56. Rudbeckia:
Rudbeckia biocolour (Compositae)
It is also called as Cone flower and is native of North America. It is suitable for bedding purpose and border. Plants attain the height of 40-60 cm. Flowers are like daisy flower i.e. yellow with a crimson central zone. The important varieties are Hirta, Gloriosa, Daisies Mixed Golden Flame, Kelvendon Star and Summer Festival.
Type # 57. Rudbeckia Laciniata:
It is perennial herb producing loose clumps of tall and wiry stems which grows about 1-3 metres. Leaves are thin, pinnatisect each with 3-5 lobed and veins are prominent.
Daisy like flower heads measuring 7-15 cm across with reflexed yellow ray florets which are hemispherical to conical center. Top of the plant is laden with yellow flowers during mid of April to May. Golden Glow variety is very vigorous and well surviving in plains of North India. It is easily propagated division of rhizomes. However, it susceptible to aphids.
Type # 58. Saliva:
Saliva splendens (Labiatae)
It is also called as sage flower and is native of South America, specially the region of Mexico and Brazil. Saliva is ideally suited for shady situation and corners of the garden. It is an ideal plant for pots, bed and under the trees. Plant grows about 30-90 cm high and has many square, smooth branches of erect growth. Leaves are broad, pointed and their edge is slightly cut. The flowers are produced on long spikes which are 15-30 cm in length which are long, tubular with a long tip.
The common colours are red, white, cream and purple. There are also pink, violet and salmon. There are several varieties and common dwarf varieties are Hussara (Red), St. John’s Fire, Blaze of Fire, Scarlet Pygmy, Hot Shot whereas tall varieties are Scarlet Cream and Crimson King. S. coccinea is commonly grown in South India and important varieties are Red Indian, White Dove and Pink Pearl.
Type # 59. Saponaria:
Saponaria vaccaria (Caryophyllaceae)
It is a native of Europe and is also popularly called as soapwart. It is tall plant growing about 75 to 90 cm. Plants make bushy growth and has straggling branches. Leaves are long. Numerous flowers of star shape are produced in loose clusters which look very attractive. Pink and White colours are common. Flower is suitable as cut flower. Another species, S. calabrica which is dwarf (20-30 cm) is suitable for edging or rock garden.
Type # 60. Schizanthus:
Schizanthus wisetonensis (Solanaceae)
It is commonly called as Butterfly flower of Poor man’s orchid and is native of Chile and Peru. This is excellent for growing in pots and cut flowers. The modern varieties have been developed by crossing two species i.e., S. grahimi and S. pinnatus. The plants are about 90 cm tall and foliage is deeply cut like ferns. Numerous small flowers about 2 cm across are produced which are attractively coloured and cover almost the entire plant.
The common colours are white, apricot, yellow, rose purple, mauve, lilac, pink, salmon or cardinal red and marked beautifully and blotched in contrasting colours. The common tall varieties are Butter Giant, Monarch, Brilliant, Benery’s Giant, Dr. Badger’s Hybrids, Angelwings, Cattleya orchid, Excelsior while Dwarf Pansy and Dwarf Bouquet are dwarf varieties.
Type # 61. Shirley Poppy:
Papaver rhoeas (Papaveraceae)
It is native of Europe and is also commonly called as corn poppy. Plants are medium to tall and grow about 60-90 cm. Stem are long slender. Leaves are bluish green. The flowers are cup shaped, single or double with crinkled petals. There is a wide range of colours available varying from dark crimson, salmon scarlet, pink, mauve, and yellow to blue. The common varieties are Shirley Single; Double Paeony flowered, Oriental Mixed, Iceland Mixed, American Legion, Sweet Briar, and Mixed. Other species of poppy are P. glaucum, P. nudicaule, P. somniferum, P. orientate.
Type # 62. Statice:
Limonium sinuatum (Plumbaginaceae)
It is also popularly known as Sea Lavendar or Pink because some species were found growing in salt marshes. It is native of Mediterranean region, and is suitable for planting in beds, borders and for flowers which keep colour after drying. Plant grows 60- 70 cm in height. Branches are angular; leaves are leathery and deeply lobed. These branches carry dense cluster of numerous small flowers. These flowers have papery texture and are about 1.25 cm across, usually blue, lavender or rose and a tiny yellowish corolla hidden inside.
There are several varieties available for commercial growing and important varieties are Mid-Night Blue, Twilight lavender, Blue Ronnet, Iceberg, Gold Coast, Blue Perfection, Charmois Rose, Lavender Queen, Market Growers Blue, Market Rose, Purple Monarch and White. There are many other species but L. suworowii is very ornamental L. latifolium is also highly suitable as cut flower and can be used as dry flowers which can be kept for several years. Blue Cloud and Violetta are good varieties.
Type # 63. Stock:
Matthiola incana (Cruciferae)
Stock is an excellent cut flower ideally suited for pot growing, beds and herbaceous border. It is native of Mediterranean region. Plant grows 45 to 90 cm tall. Leaves are single and dark green.
The colour range is wide and available in white, lilac, rose, lavender, apricot, and crimson to canary yellow. Flowers are fragrant, and single or double. Single flowers have 4 petals, 4 stamens and a pistil having 30-60 ovules whereas double flowers have 40- 70 petals and are male and female sterile.
There are four types of stock plants (according to production of single and double flowers):
1. Singles—which produce only single flowers.
2. Singles—which produce 75% single and 25% double.
3. Eversporting singles—which produce 54-56% double flowers and 44-46% single.
4. Doubles—which produce double flowers but do not have ability to produce seeds due to complete sterility.
There are several varieties in different groups and important varieties are Ten week stocks—Giant perfection, Princess of Alice. Snow Drift, Salmon Beauty, Almond Blossom, Crimson King, Fire Ball, Violet Queen, Celestial and Mauve Beauty; Nice stock—Beauty of Nice, All the year Round, Cote d’ azure, Queen Alexandra, Empress Elizabeth, Christian Pink, Yellow Prince, Monte Carlo, Crimson King, Peach Blossom, Riveria Market; Brompton stock—-Cottage White, Sun rise, Old English Scarlet, Improved Green, Cottager’s purple; Intermediate stock—Crystal White and Convent Garden. Trisomic seven weeks is also getting popular.
Type # 64. Sweet Alyssum:
Alyssum maritimum (Cruciferae)
It is a native of Western Asia and Europe and is very common in Indian gardens. Sweet Alyssum is an excellent flower for edging, pot growing, hanging baskets, beds and window boxes. Plant grows about 30 cm high and has spreading habit. Leaves are narrow of light green colour and produce spike of tiny sweet scented flowers which cover whole plant and look a white carpet of flowers. Other common colours are purple, rose and lilac. The important varieties are Snow Carpet (white), Royal Carpet (violet), Pink Heather (rose), Violet Queen and Snowdrift.
Type # 65. Sweet Pea:
Lathyrus odoratus (Leguminosae)
It is a native of Sicily and Greece. It has climbing habit and needs support to climb up. Therefore, it is planted for artificial screening or as temporary tall hedge, or trained on stumps. Seeds are sown directly at 6-9 cm apart, 3-5 cm deep and in double rows spaced 30-40 cm apart in deeply dug (5-7 cm deep) and well prepared land by adding organic manure.
When the plants are about 5-7 cm tall it need support which can be of various materials like sarkanda, chicken wire netting, bamboo poles or galvanized pipes or strings. There is a wide range of flower colours varying from white, light blue, lilac, mauve, pink, rose, salmon, cherry red, red, and maroon to Crimson. There are numerous varieties which are being grown.
The original hooded types and plain grandiflora varieties have been replaced by spencer type having frilled waved edges. There are six different strains of sweet pea. They are: Giant Frilled, Late Flowering Spencers; Early Flowering Frilled: The Cuthberston, Frilled: Multiflora or Zvolanik’s multiflora (5-7 blooms to a stem); the Dwarf Cupid (without tendril-non trailing) and the Dwarf Cupid Frilled or the Little Sweet Heart. Important varieties are Early Multiflora Galaxy, Late Spring Galaxy, Giant Ruffle Mixed, Royal Family Mixed, Knee Hi Mixed, Vulcan, Monarch, Blue Wonder and Black Prince.
Type # 66. Sweet Sultan:
Centaurea moschata (Compositae)
It is another important seasonal flower belonging to genera Centaurea and is native of Caucusus region, Middle East Asia and Eastern parts of mediterranean region. Its common name Sweet Sultan is due to the fact that it was brought from East which was under the rule of Ottoman Sultan in the 17th century. Like other seasonal flowers, it is also mostly planted in the Indian gardens and home landscapes due to its delicate and sweet scented flowers.
It is most suitable for herbaceous border and for mass effect. Plant grows 90-120 cm in height. Flowers are soft and fluffy which are borne at the tip of them. Flowers are grown commercially around big cities and are sold as cut flowers. The flowers are available in white, mauve, rose and sulphur yellow colours. Important varieties are the Bride White, Flavo-Yellow and Rosea-Pink.
Type # 67. Sweet William:
Dianthus barbatus (Caryophyllaceae)
It is a native of Northern France and is closely related with carnation and pink. Sweet William is biennial but is grown as an annual in North Indian plains. It is ideally suited for bedding, borders, cut flowers and pots. The dwarf varieties are mostly planted for edging, rock garden, window boxes and pots. The plants grow about 30-40 cm tall. Leaves are flat and tips are pointed and green.
Flowers are produced in clusters. There is large variation in colour of flower and flowers of pleasing colour such as crimson, dark red, dark maroon; purple, salmon and white are produced. The flowers may be of self, mottled, or have markings of different colours. The common varieties and Diadem, Indian Carpet, Messenger Mixed, Pink Beauty and Scarlet Beauty.
Type # 68. Venidium:
Venidium fastuosm (Compositae)
It is a native of South Africa and is a popular flower for bedding purpose. Plant attains the height of about 60 cm and makes a bushy appearance, Leaves are irregular and lobed. Leaves and flowering stalk have silvery white hairs which give a wooly or fuzzy appearance. Flowers are large measuring about 10 cm across of brilliant orange, ivory, cream, yellow colour with a purple black centre and are produced on long stem. The important variety is Monarch. Dwarf hybrids which grows about 35-50 cm high are also available.
Type # 69. Verbena:
Verbena hybrida (Verbanaceae)
It is native of South America and is a very common in Indian gardens during winter. It is a dwarf annual which grows about 25-30 cm in height and is ideally suitable for bedding, edging, window boxes, pots and rock garden. Leaves are of dark green colour and are wrinkled, small and deeply cut. Flowers are produced in loose clusters above the foliage. These clusters consist of several stars like small flowers which give an appearance of mass of flowers.
There is a large variation of colours which vary from white, cream, blue, lilac, violet, rose, mauve, and red to intermediate shades. The important varieties in large flowered are Candissima (white), Lavender Glory, Defiance (Scarlet) and Grandiflora mixed. There are dwarf compact varieties like Crystal (White), Dannebrog (scarlet), Salmon Queen (Salmon), Sparkle (purple with a white eye) and Star Light. Double flowered variety Miss Susie is liked for its ruffled petals.
Type # 70. Wall Flower:
Cheiranthes cheiri (Cruciferae)
It is native of Europe. It is medium annual growing about 45-60 cm and has long green leaves. The flowers are produced on a long spike. The flowers are single and common colour is golden orange. Other colours are orange brown, scarlet, wine, dark blood red, cream, yellow and flame red. Early annual varieties and Persian Wall flowers, Early Wonder, Early Flowering Phoenix and Early Flowering Yellow Phoenix. There are number of biennial varieties which can be successfully grown in hills.