HARDY PLANTS FORCING 403 



Lilies-of-the-valley may be grown in five- or six-inch 

 pots, placing from twelve to twenty pips in each pot. 

 It is well to put sphagnum moss in the bottom of the pot to 

 furnish more moisture, and then fill the pot with sand. 

 These make excellent potted plants for Easter sale. After 

 they are potted, partially shade them and place in a warm 

 temperature, giving them bottom heat if possible. 



Clumps are sometimes forced, but are rarely satis- 

 factory, as they do not flower evenly. 



657. Astilbes, botanical classification. Order, Saxi- 

 fragaceae ; genus, Astilbe (name of no special significance) ; 

 species, seven. Only one is of commercial importance, 

 japonica. There are several varieties ; namely, compacta, 

 grandiflora, multiflora, variegata and purpurea. Astilbe 

 japonica is often confused with Aruncus astilb&ides. 



658. Astilbes, botanical characters. Astilbes are me- 

 dium-sized perennial herbs. They make a dense foliage 

 growth from compact root-stocks, the leaves being divided, 

 shining, dark green and compact. The flower spike rises 

 well above the leaves, making a graceful ornamental plant. 



Habitat. Japan. 



659. Commercial importance. Astilbes are grown in 

 large quantities for late spring sales. They may be had 

 in flower at Easter, but are more in demand for Memorial 

 Day. They make excellent potted plants, and are also sold 

 for cut-flowers. 



660. Outdoor culture. When the plants are through 

 blooming, they may be planted in the shrub border or 

 among the herbaceous perennials, and for spring blooming 

 they are very attractive. 



661. Indoor culture. Imported astilbes are so inexpen- 

 sive that it is better for the commercial florist to buy, 

 rather than to grow his own plants. As soon as the crowns 



