10 , , , STOVE AND GREENHOUSE PLANTS. 



are bright blue, a great number of them being produced in an umbel 

 supported by a long, stout stalk. The Agapanthus is one of those 

 plants which have the appearance of doing well with cramped root 

 room, so there is a temptation when potting other things to leave the 

 plants for another year; but this practice is carried on at the expense of 

 the magnificent heads of flowers, which get smaller and smaller until a 

 season goes by without any being produced. This species sometimes 

 stands the Winters at Washington, D. C., in sheltered positions. There 

 are several varieties the white, double-flowered and the variety with 

 variegated leaves being the most conspicuous. 



AGATH/EA COELESTIS A cool greenhouse, low-growing shrub with 

 blue, daisy-like flowers produced principally in Winter. Cuttings should 

 be taken from the soft wood in Fall and Spring. It will stand full sun 

 at all seasons. 



AGAVE AHERICANA and its variegated forms, together with several 

 other more or less ornamental species, are much cultivated in pots and 

 tubs. They grow best in rather poor but well-drained soil, and are 

 increased by seeds and offsets. The flowering period of adult specimens 

 is hastened by keeping them in a pot-bound state. On the other hand, 

 growth of foliage is accelerated by giving abundant root room. 



ALLAHANDAS Among the select flowering plants for temporary or 

 permanent use in tubs we must include the large flowering allamandas 

 known as cathartica Schottii and grandiflora. They will thrive in 

 shade or sun; where a little shade is available the flowers naturally last 

 longer. The flowers are large, almost the size of the moonflower, but 

 more lasting, the shoots ramble over the sides of the tubs. Procure 

 some young plants in the beginning of May and a little later plant in 

 the open to make growth for cuttings. After cutting them back for 

 propagation lift and pot, partly resting them for the Winter. For im- 

 mediate effect after planting out start early in the Spring; one plant to 

 a tub, among other things, is sufficient. The best upright growing 

 species is named Williamsii, a grand plant either for boxes, tubs or for 

 bedding out; it is easily propagated in the Fall from ripe cuttings. 

 The larger flowered kinds, when represented by large plants, are very 

 desirable for isolating on a lawn. A good, rich, light soil is necessary, 

 and if a tub is used for the plant put enough drainage in the bottom so 

 that the plant when knocked out of the pot will rest on the drainage. 

 Ram the soil firmly around the ball, shorten back the strong growths 

 and stand the plants in a partly shaded spot, syringing frequently. In 

 a few weeks' time, the kinds grown under the names Wardleana, Hen- 

 dersoni and Schottii, will give an abundant display of their wide, 

 trumpet -shaped, yellow flowers. When trained near the roof of a warm 

 greenhouse they may be had in bloom the greater part of the Winter 

 months. In fact, they can be so managed as to have them bloom at 

 any time of the year, by first resting the plants, pruning back and 

 encouraging the root growth. Cuttings of the ripe wood will root in a 

 warm propagating house at any season. 



ALOCASIA Although among the most ornamental of stove plants, 

 none of them can be put to much use outside of these structures. Out 



