352 MANUAL OF GARDENING 
It lends itself to many conditions and proves satisfactory a large 
part of the year, the leaves forming a green arch over the pot, covering 
it entirely in a well-grown specimen. The flowers are borne in a large 
cluster on stems growing 2-3 ft. high, as many as two or three hundred 
bright blue flowers often forming on a single plant. A large, well-grown 
plant throws up a number of flower-stalks through the early season. 
The one essential to free growth is an abundance of water and an 
occasional application of manure water. Propagation is effected by 
division of the offsets, which may be broken from the main plant in 
early spring. After flowering, gradually lessen the quantity of water 
until they are placed in winter quarters, which should be a position 
free from frost and moderately dry. The agapanthus, being a heavy 
feeder, should be grown in strong loam to which is added well-rotted 
manure and a little sand. When dormant, the roots will withstand a 
little frost. 
Alstremeria. — The alstremerias (of several species) belong to the 
amaryllis family, being tuberous-rooted plants, having leafy stems ter- 
minating in a cluster of ten to fifty small lily-shaped flowers of rich 
colors in summer. 
Most of the alstremerias should be given pot culture, as they are 
easily grown and are not hardy in the open in the North. The culture 
is nearly that of the amaryllis, — a good, fibrous loam with a little sand, 
potting the tubers in early spring or late fall. Start the plants slowly, 
giving only enough water to cause root growth; but after growth has 
become established, a quantity of water may be given. After flowering 
they may be treated as are amaryllis or agapanthus. The roots may 
be divided, and the old and weak parts shaken out. The plants grow 
1-3 ft. high. The flowers often have odd colors. 
Amaryllis. — The popular name of a variety of house or conserva- 
tory tender bulbs, but properly applied only to the Belladonna lily. 
Most of them are hippeastrums, but the culture of allis similar. They 
are satisfactory house plants for spring and summer bloom. One 
difficulty with their culture is the habit of the flower-stalk starting into 
growth before the leaves grow. This is caused in most cases by stimu- 
lating root growth before the bulb has had sufficient rest. 
