AGAPANTHUS, AGERATUM 6l 



its thick and spreading roots, which will persist in 

 heaving themselves above the soil, giving one the 

 impression that a larger pot is needed when such is 

 not the case. Apply fertilizer liberally as the flower- 

 ing season approaches. 



The Ageratum 



This plant is an excellent one for house culture. 

 It is a free and constant bloomer, and gives a great 

 profusion of flowers in midwinter when so few other 

 flowers are seen. It is of very easy culture. It 

 likes a loam made light with sand, with a sprinkling 

 of old manure. If the soil in which it is grown is 

 too rich it will make a great growth of branch, with 

 but few flowers. In color it is a soft shade of lavender. 

 It resembles the old flower called Ladies' Paint Brush 

 in shape, being made up of many fringe-like petals. 

 It produces its blossoms in clusters, and is very useful 

 for cutting for bouquets. For corsage work or button- 

 hole bouquets it is almost indispensable, because of 

 the rarity of flowers having its peculiar color. A spray 

 of it used with a Marechal Niel Rose makes a lovely 

 combination. It works in well with white. In fact, 

 it is one of those flowers which can be used harmo- 

 niously and effectively with almost any other flower. 

 It is subject to attacks of the red spider, but this 

 pest can be kept from getting established on it if care 

 is taken to dip the plants in water once a day. Do 

 not shake them dry after dipping, but allow them to 

 stand with the moisture remaining on the leaves. 

 Cutting from the plant increases its flowering propen- 

 sities, as it will put forth new branches, and each 

 branch will produce flowers. 



