34 THE HOME FLORIST. 



the parenther.is preceding the regular matter. For an explanation of the figures and degrees 

 which follow the names of Greenhouse Perennials, for instance ABUTILON (Greenhouse 

 Perennial, jj, 45, 85}, see "Temperature," etc., page 20. 



ABUTILON (Greenhouse Perennial, jj, 45, Sf ). 



This is a family of plants that are noted variously for their peculiar bell-shaped flowers of 

 several beautiful colors, for the variegated character of the foliage of some varieties, and for the 

 fine habits of others. All are adapted for house and conservatory culture in pots ; some for 

 bedding and others for planting vases and hanging baskets, and there is not a delicate or feeble 

 growing variety among them. When bedded out in summer they can be taken up about Septem- 

 ber ist and potted for winter decoration more readily than the average of plants. All should 

 receive occasional pruning. 



A. Mesopotamicum, calyx of the flower scarlet ; petals yellow; of straggling, slender growth ; 

 excellent for training to a stake or trellis. A. Mesopotamicum Pictum a new variety, and one 



Fig. jj. A Fine Double Balsam. See page 39. 



of the finest drooping plants in existence for planting at the edge of baskets and vases, or 

 for pot culture. The leaves are narrow, of beautiful shape and rather small, and are richly 

 variegated with golden yellow on green, which renders the plant exceedingly valuable for con- 

 trasting with other drooping plants; as vigorous and healthy a grower as any. A. Mesopotami- 

 cum variegata, leaves are like Mesopotamicum, lance-shaped, but besides are variegated and 

 marbled with clean yellow upon deep green in a pleasing manner; excellent slender habit. 

 A. Mesopotamicum striattim (Powering Maple), an upright grower of vigorous habit, producing 

 its attractive drooping flowers nearly through the entire year. The flowers are about three 

 inches in length, and orange, distinctly striped and netted with scarlet ; foliage has the maple 

 leaf shape, is clear and beautiful. A. Thotapsonii, similar in most respects to the preceding 

 variety, but the leaves are distinctly variegated, mottled and marbled with bright yellow on dark 

 green ground. This variety is one of the best showy bedding and also pot plants for inside 

 cultivation. It grows vigorously when planted out, and the distinctness of its leaf markings, 

 although always striking, are greatly increased in beauty with the rapid growth it makes in sum- 

 mer. An excellent plant to set in vases, large hanging baskets, etc. A. Santana, purplish 

 crimson flowers. A. Santana alba, an elegant upright growing variety, with pure white bell- 

 shaped flowers. A. Verschaffeltii, a new variety, with deep green maple-shaped leaves, and 

 exceedingly handsome lemon-yellow flowers ; a stocky grower and profuse bloomer. 



ACHILLEA (Hardy Perennial). 



A family of hardy plants, mostly natives, several of which produce attractive flowers ; 

 they will thrive in any soil. 



A. Ageratum has golden yellow flowers. A. Millefolium is a pretty rose-colored variety. 

 A. Ptarmicafl. pi., a double pure white variety, which is desirable in every collection. It con- 

 tinues to bloom most of the season, throwing up a succession of its pretty double flowers, in 

 corymbes, on stems about one foot high. The foliage is dark shining green ; very hardy. 



