ASPARAGUS SPRENGERI. 



Fig. 1558. Asparagus Sprengeri. 



PERHAPS no other new plant 

 introduced within the last 

 twenty years has been so 

 satisfactory and so welcome 

 as Asparagus Sprengeri — now called 

 " Emerald Feather " by some and 

 " Abyssinian Parlor Fern " by others. 

 It has not only proved the most profit- 

 able plant for florists, who now grow it 

 by the thousands, for its long feathery 

 sprays which are used to the exclusion 

 of almost all other decorative greens, 

 but it is also grown extensively in 

 baskets and in jardinieres from which 

 the long green sprays droop for the 

 length of 3 to 8 feet, according to the 

 age of the plant. The engraving shows 

 a plant in a hanging basket. It is 

 almost unbelievable to most persons, 

 that grand specimens measuring 12 to 

 15 feet in circumference, and with sprays 



8 feet long, can be produced in the short 

 space of two years from quite small 

 plants, and yet such specimens are fre- 

 quently shown, and one of them was 

 awarded a special premium by the 

 Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, as a 

 reward for its remarkable beauty. 



Not only is the plant extremely valu- 

 able, but it is admirable at all times, and 

 naturally, especially so when smothered 

 with its delicate, pure white and delici- 

 ously fragrant flowers, which perfume a 

 whole conservatory. These delightful 

 flowers are followed later on by bright 

 red seed berries which remain perfect 

 for a long while, and from which the 

 plant can be easily and quickly prop- 

 agated. 



I do not know of another ornamental 

 plant that I would prefer to this gem — 

 and this for many reasons : First, it can 

 be grown with less trouble than any 

 other, whether indoors or out — sun or 

 shade ; next, it keeps green the whole 

 year round, and its graceful foliage can 

 be used for many decorative purposes, 

 and also with any cut flowers. Again, 

 it is a plant that increases in value from 

 year to year, and does not have to be 

 replaced like so many others. Again, it 

 can be put to many uses, such as sus- 

 pended from a porch or balcony, ele- 

 vated on a pedestal, or grown in flower 

 boxes outside of a window. It likes 

 sun, but also grows elegantly in shade. 

 It prefers a rich soil and lots of water at 

 all times, but at the same time stands 

 neglect, owing to its large fleshy roots. 

 Owing to its rapid growth it should be 

 repotted frequently. — Park's Floral 

 Guide. 



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