BEDDING, VASE AND WINDOW BOX PLANTS 281 



ASCLEPIA CURASSAVICA 



Propagation. The dwarf and slow growing Alternantheras, 

 such as A. brilliantissima and A. ^aro»yc^JoJrf«^, are unsatisfactory 

 from cuttings, unless taken in late Summer and kept growing. 

 When taken later they are apt to continue in a weak condition all 

 through the Winter. But in either case they take up too much room 

 in the greenhouse for nearly eight months. A much better method 

 is to lift the old plants before the frost blackens them, cut over to 

 within 3 or 4 inches from the roots; put the cut over plants as thickly 

 as they will go in boxes; give water once and place under the benches 

 of a warm house, where they will get some light. About the be- 

 ginning of March bring the boxes up to the light, sprinkle about 

 an inch of sand among the plants, and give water. Two weeks later 

 divide the plants and pot them, when it will be found the pieces 

 are much superior to plants from cuttings and make a better and 

 quicker display in their Summer quarters. 



ASCLEPIAS. A. Curassavica is a greenhouse plant in Euro- 

 pean gardens but may be used for bedding.. 



