Plate 462, 

 AGERATUM— IMPERIAL DWARF. 



Among the many desiderata of modern gardening, there has 

 been one which hitherto has not been found, that is, a dwarf 

 blue or lavender-coloured flower to take what is called the 

 second row in ribbon borders. We have the blue Lobelia for the 

 front row, and the tall Ageratum Mexicanum for the back rows, 

 but nothing between tlie two. This hiatus has now been sup- 

 plied ; and in the Dwarf Imperial variety of the older flower 

 we have exactly what was wanted. No wonder, then, that 

 when it was exhibited by Mr. Chater it should have been 

 hailed as such an acquisition. "We have now great pleasure 

 in giving a figure of it, as we feel sure it is one of the best 

 bedding plants of the season. 



"The LtiperialDioar/Ac/eratum is a seedling from A. Mexicanum, 

 and similar to the parent in every respect, excepting its ex- 

 tremely dwarf habit, and the abundant manner in which it 

 blooms (for every small shoot throws up a blossom at about the 

 first or second joint) — so much so, that it is difficult to obtain 

 cuttings from it in autumn. So profusely has it bloomed with me 

 this summer, that from all the stock I had planted out, I have 

 only obtained two pots of cuttings ; but I take up the old 

 plants, and from them in the spring I can obtain any amount 

 of stock ; and I prefer spring-struck plants myself to any others, 

 as it cannot be grown too freely." So wrote Mr. Chater; and 

 when we add, that all who saw it when it was exliibited at 



?*! 



