342 THE PRINCIPLES OF FLORICULTURE 



branches. After the middle of July, all pruning should be 

 discontinued; but weak, straggling growths may be re- 

 moved, and only strong, vigorous canes allowed to develop. 

 The plants should be lifted and potted about the last of 

 September. 



They should be kept cool and partly shaded for a few 

 days, until well established, and then exposed to full sun- 

 light. After the first frosts, the plants are removed to a 

 cool greenhouse or a cool, light cellar. Here they are 

 kept until it is time to force them into bloom. Specimen 

 plants used for lawn decoration may be stored in a cool, 

 light cellar where the temperature averages about 35 

 throughout the winter. A strong, vigorous summer 

 growth, and well ripened wood in autumn, are essential 

 for success in growing hydrangeas. 



ACACIAS 



521. Botanical classification. Order, Leguminosse; 

 genus, Acacia (an ancient name) ; the most important 

 species : armata, Drummondii, pubescens, longifolia and 

 Bailey ana. 



522. Botanical characters. Acacias are shrubs with 

 finely divided leaves, or with the petioles of the leaves 

 reduced to phyllodia or leaf-like bodies. The flowers 

 are yellow or white, minute, in globular heads or cylin- 

 drical spikes. They are very showy. 



Habitat. Chiefly from Australia. 



523. Commercial value. Acacias have recently be- 

 come quite popular as Easter plants. Before their cultural 

 environment was understood, they were considered diffi- 

 cult plants to grow, but now they are classed with profit- 

 able potted plants. 



