CHAPTER VII 

 Hardy Perennial Plants 



ABRONIA. A. umbellata is a plant very common by the sea- 

 shore in Southern California, where it is known as the Beach Helio- 

 trope. It is also called the Sand Verbena. If it were to be planted 

 near to the seashore in the East it might be a welcome addition to 

 the list of flowering plants and would, no doubt, grow nicely from 

 Atlantic City south along the seashore. 



Propagation. It is increased by cuttings and from seeds. 



AGfENA (New Zealand Bur). A native of New Zealand. 

 In localities where this plant will thrive, it will be found one of the 

 best trailing dwarf sub-shrubs. The flowers are inconspicuous, but 

 the flower heads, on maturing, are covered with long, crimson 

 spines, which give the plant a very ornamental appearance. For a 

 rockery few plants surpass the A. microphylla in forming neat, com- 

 pact masses. None of the other species are so attractive as this in 

 the flowering stage. It is not particular as to soil. In this locaUty 

 young plants are best put out in their permanent positions early in 

 the Fall, as when put out in Spring they do not make sufficient 

 growth to insure a healthy, vigorous condition during the hot 

 months. 



Propagation. By division and from seeds. 



ACANTHUS (Bear's Breech). In warm spots, at least two of 

 the species are hardy with us, but they bloom only sparingly. In 

 one or two of the species, but notably in A. spinosus, the flower 

 stalks have a handsome appearance for quite a while after the 

 flowers are dead. A . mollis and A . m. latifolius were used for bed- 

 ding. They are deep-rooting plants. In the colder parts of the 

 country aU of the species should have the crowns protected in 

 Winter. Excessive moisture is fatal. 



Propagation. These kinds are easily increased by division of 

 the roots. Seeds are readily obtained. The seedlings may be 

 planted out in places where they are to remain a few weeks after 

 germinating. 



