26 GARDEN FLOWERS. 



treated as a cutting. They are best planted at the back of 

 borders, or in the midst of shrubs, the plants being in no 

 way interesting ; but the flower-spikes, which are produced at 

 the upper part of the stem, are very noble objects. The 

 variety of color afforded by this plant is now considerable, 

 and some varieties are very rich and distinct. They bloom 

 from the latter part of July to September. 



A.ficifolia (Antwerp Hollyhock); hardy biennial ; 6 feet; flow- 

 ers various, in July; Levant; 1597. A. rosea (common holly- 

 hock) ; hardy biennial, or perennial by culture ; 8 to 10 feet ; 

 flowers various, in July ; Levant ; 1573. 



For the newest varieties of double Hollyhocks consult the 

 florists' catalogues, where a large list may be found, with 

 colors and habit described. 



ALYSSUM. Madwort. [Cruciferae.] Dwarf hardy peren- 

 nials, or sub-shrubby plants, with cruciferous flowers. A. 

 saxatile is very suitable for rock-work, or the front part of a 

 flower-border, and forms a beautiful spring-blooming bed in 

 the flower-garden. It is increased by cuttings. Good gar- 

 den soil. The herbaceous species are propagated by divi- 

 sion, the sub-shrubby ones by cuttings. Vigorous two-year- 

 old plants are the best for blooming : the others are unim- 

 portant. The plant commonly called Sweet Alyssum is not 

 of this genus : it is Koniga maritima. 



A. saxatile (rock); hardy sub-shrubby perennial; i foot; 

 flowers yellow, in April ; Candia ; 1710. 



There are some twenty other species, all with white or 

 yellow flowers. 



AMARANTHUS. Amaranth. [Amaranthaceae.] Hardy 

 and half-hardy annuals, sometimes showy from the large 

 masses of rich-colored flowers, as in A. caudatus, in which 

 they droop, and A. hypochondriacus, in which they grow 



