352 MANUAL OF GARDENING 



It lends itself to many conditions and proves satisfactory a large 

 part of the year, the leaves forming a green arch over the pot, covering 

 it entirely in a well-grown specimen. The flowers are borne in a large 

 cluster on stems growing 2-3 ft. high, as many as two or three hundred 

 bright blue flowers often forming on a single plant. A large, well-grown 

 plant throws up a number of flower-stalks through the early season. 



The one essential to free growth is an abundance of water and an 

 occasional application of manure water. Propagation is effected by 

 division of the offsets, which may be broken from the main plant in 

 early spring. After flowering, gradually lessen the quantity of water 

 until they are placed in winter quarters, which should be a position 

 free from frost and moderately dry. The agapanthus, being a heavy 

 feeder, should be grown in strong loam to which is added well-rotted 

 manure and a little sand. When dormant, the roots will withstand a 

 little frost. 



Alstremeria. — The alstremerias (of several species) belong to the 

 amaryllis family, being tuberous-rooted plants, having leafy stems ter- 

 minating in a cluster of ten to fifty small lily-shaped flowers of rich 

 colors in summer. 



Most of the alstremerias should be given pot culture, as they are 

 easily grown and are not hardy in the open in the North. The culture 

 is nearly that of the amaryllis, — a good, fibrous loam with a little sand, 

 potting the tubers in early spring or late fall. Start the plants slowly, 

 giving only enough water to cause root growth ; but after growth has 

 become established, a quantity of water may be given. After flowering 

 they may be treated as are amaryllis or agapanthus. The roots may 

 be divided, and the old and weak parts shaken out. The plants grow 

 1-3 ft. high. The flowers often have odd colors. 



Amaryllis. — The popular name of a variety of house or conserva- 

 tory tender bulbs, but properly applied only to the Belladonna lily. 

 Most of them are hippeastrums, but the culture of all is similar. They 

 are satisfactory house plants for spring and summer bloom. One 

 difficulty with their culture is the habit of the flower-stalk starting into 

 growth before the leaves grow. This is caused in most cases by stimu- 

 lating root growth before the bulb has had sufficient rest. 



