I2 4 



Commercial Gardening 



and triumphans all natives of Polynesia, the New Hebrides, &c. They 

 .are all easily raised from cuttings of the young shoots or from eyes inserted 

 in sand} 7 soil in spring in a temperature of 70 to 80 F., and kept close, 

 moist, and shaded for a time. When well 'rooted they are potted up and 

 grown on in a cooler temperature, and allowed plenty of sunlight to develop 

 the colour. Plants attain a large size, but small subjects in 5-in. or 6-in. 

 pots are best for sale. They like plenty of moisture during growth, and 

 copious sy ringings. 



Aehimenes. These were more extensively grown some years ago 

 than at present, but there is still a large demand for them for the de- 

 coration of conservatories, &c. The numerous hybrid varieties are far 

 superior to the native South American species from which they have 

 sprung. The catkin-like tubers are potted up in rich sandy soil, or 

 leaf cuttings may be rooted readily to increase the stock. A stove tem- 

 perature and treatment is best, the plants being in season from spring 

 till autumn, and then taking a rest. 



Agapanthus umbellatus. This well-known fleshy-rooted African plant 

 is almost hardy, and is usually grown in tubs in any garden soil out- 

 of-doors during the summer, and protected in greenhouses or sheds 

 during the winter. It has long leathery strap-shaped leaves and large 

 umbels of bright -blue flowers during the summer and autumn. There 

 are many varieties, such as albidus, white; Leichtlini, deep blue; maxi- 



mus, large, blue; flore pleno, 

 double; minor and Mooreanus, 

 both small and compact; bi- 

 color, blue and white; Weillighi, 

 lavender; and argenteus, with 

 silvery-striped leaves. 



Agathaea coelestis. A pretty 

 South African Composite, known 

 as the "Blue Marguerite", ow- 

 ing to its blue aster- or daisy- 

 like heads of blossom. It 

 flourishes in a loamy soil with 

 a little sand and leaf mould, 

 and may be raised from cut- 

 tings of the half-ripened shoots 

 almost at any time. It is often 

 bedded out in summer. The 

 variegated form is valuable for 

 carpet bedding, as the leaves lie 

 close to the ground. 



Agave. The American Aloe 

 or Century Plant (A. ameri- 

 cana) is well known as a deco- 



I'ig. 259. Agave americana rative Subject in large tubs for 



