86 PLANT PROPAGATION 
AScLEPIAS.—Hardy kinds are multiplied by seed and 
by dividing the roots in spring; stove and greenhouse 
ones by cuttings in heat under bell-glasses. 
AspaRAGUS.—The. ornamental foliaged stove and 
greenhouse sorts may be raised from seed when obtain- 
able, which should be sown in heat soon after it 
ripens. In some cases layering is adopted, as also is 
division of the roots. The best time for the latter 
operation is just as growth is about to commence. The 
culinary asparagus is successfully raised from seed 
sown 1 inch deep in drills 1 foot apart in April. 
ASPERULA.—These neat and sweet-scented plants are 
increased by seed sown in April, and the perennial sorts 
by division of the roots in March. 
ASPIDISTRA.—These are generally dppresiada as 
easily grown room and window plants, and may be 
increased in number by dividing the old plants when 
repotting in March. 
AsTER.—Propagation of these useful plants is easily 
carried out by dividing the rootstocks in autumn 
or early spring. Seeds may also be sown in spring, 
while cuttings also strike root readily if young growths 
are selected and covered with a handlight, very little if 
any heat being needed to ensure success. 
AsTILBE.—These are best propagated by dividing 
the clumps and planting them in rich, moist. soil in 
April. 
AUBRIETIA.—Slips and cuttings inserted in a shady 
border or seed sown in June soon make good plants. 
Long, slender shoots are sometimes layered and covered 
with soil after the flowering period, at which time the 
roots may be divided. 
AucuBa.—Seeds obtained from the berries grow 
