28o PLANT CULTURE 



which, however, are smaller than those of R. juncea. Among those 

 plants needed for the center of vases, Pandanus Veitchii and the 

 numerous varieties of the grassy leaved species of Cordyline, such as 

 C. australis, are among the best. Last year's seedlings of the Cordy- 

 lines, if they have been liberally treated, will be large enough by 

 the beginning of the season for all ordinary purposes. They stand 

 the hot sun well. Pandanus Veitchii colors well under full sunshine, 

 but needs more water than the Cordylines. P. Baptistii, of which 

 much was expected as an outdoor Summer plant, is rather disap- 

 pointing, as its foliage is too tender for exposed places. 



Other good flowering and trailing plants for vases and baskets, 

 are the three species of Torenia, two purple and one yellow, 

 besides the so-called white variety; and Maurandia Barclaiana, 

 all of which may be grown from seed in a short time; Mesembry- 

 anthemum cordifolium; Parlor Ivy; all the trailing Vincas and 

 Abutilon vexillarium are indispensable. The variegated Ground 

 Ivy will stand the sun well in exposed situations; it is dwarf 

 growing and comes in handy for planting around the edges of vases 

 and baskets, where its long hanging growths can be seen to ad- 

 vantage. Stock of it, kept in boxes under the cover of sash, should 

 be cut up during the early Spring, and small pieces with roots at- 

 tached placed in sandy soil in boxes, and either returned to the 

 frame or brought into a cool house, to be started into growth pre- 

 vious to potting. 



ACALYPHA. There are about eight species and varieties of 

 Acalypha grown as bedding plants. With the exception of A. 

 hispida (Sanderi) they are ornamental foliage plants, having bronze 

 colored leaves of varying shades. A. Godseffiana and A. Hamil- 

 loniana are marked with creamy white margins. A. Wilkesiana 

 has several variations, the best known of which are A . Macafeeana 

 and A. musaica. A. hispida has very ornamental pendant spikes 

 of red flowers, produced in the axils of the leaves. 



Culture. (For indoor culture see page 55.) 



Propagation. Cuttings may be taken in the Fall before the 

 cold weather injures the plants, but to save space the old plants 

 should be lifted, cut back, and boxed or potted, starting them into 

 growth in early Spring, when they push out from every bud giving 

 abundant material for propagating. 



ALTERNANTHERA. The Alternantheras form a class of 

 brilliant leaved plants unexcelled for low carpet bedding. In Peru 

 they are common weeds. 



