THE PRACTICAL GARDEN -BOOK 



Sweet Alyssum 



Althaea. See Hollyhock. 



Alyssum, Sweet. A low-growing, hardy, white- 

 flowered, very fragrant annual which is much used for edg- 

 ings, window boxes, and the like. It is of the easiest culture 

 in any soil, but thrives best in a garden loam of moderate 

 fertility. Seeds may be sown as early as the 

 ground can be well prepared in spring. The plant 

 will begin to bloom when 2 or 3 inches high, and 

 continue to bloom, as it grows, until after the 

 first hard frosts. It makes a mat 1 to 2 ft. 

 across. If immediate effects are not desired, 

 the plants should be thinned out or transplanted 

 to stand half a foot apart. It rarely stands more 

 than a foot high. In the fall, plants may be cut 

 back and put into pots or boxe*, and they will 

 bloom in the window. Better results in winter 

 blooming are secured by starting seeds in boxes in August, 

 September or October. There are certain hardy perennial 

 yellow-flowered Alyssums which are useful for prominent 

 edgings and for rockwork. 



Amarantus. Decorative annuals. One species 

 (with erect spikes) is known as PRINCE'S FEATHER, another 

 (with variegated foliage) as JOSEPH'S COAT, and still another 

 (with drooping spikes) as LOVE-LIES-BLEEDING. 

 Probably the finest of the list is A. salicifolius, 

 often called Fountain Plant. This has graceful 

 willow-shaped leaves, banded and tipped with 

 carmine, bronze and orange. The tall kinds 

 make fine screens for unsightly objects. They 

 may also be used against masses of green to add 

 color. The Amaranths are half-hardy or tender 

 plants, and should be sown in boxes in March or 

 April, to be planted out after all danger of frost is past. 

 Seeds may also be sown where the plants are to stand. 

 They were once among the most popular of garden plants, 



Prince's Feather 



