ON GREENHOUSE PLANTS. 



723 



Very often when this operation is carelessly performed spaces 

 are left. To avoid this a thin piece of wood that can be pushed 

 down between the ball and the outside of the pot should be used. 

 In propagating from cuttings many are best rooted in the cool 

 pit, and when this is done they should be placed either in a 

 proper propagating-frame or under bell-glasses. The heights vary 

 considerably, where not otherwise stated, when grown under 

 various conditions, i.e., planted out, or in large or small pots. 



Abelias. — These are pretty shrubs, having pink and white 

 flowers ; they are best grown in the cool pit during winter and 

 outside during summer. Propagate by cuttings or layers in 

 summer or spring. 

 Sorts : A. floribunda 

 and A. spathulata 

 (Fig. 468), flowering 

 in spring, and A. 

 rupestris and A. tri- 

 ilora in autumn. 



Acacias. — • These 

 are without doubt 

 among the most use- 

 ful classes of plants 

 for the greenhouse, 

 and yet are very 

 seldom met with. 

 They blossom during 

 early spring, bearing 

 small yellow flowers, 

 which in some species 

 are sweet - scented, 

 whilst the foliage of 

 many is also very 

 graceful. Propagate 

 by cuttings of young 

 firm shoots in August 



in bottom - heat ; they can also be raised from seed sown in 

 February or March, previously soaking in warm water. Grow in 

 loam, leaf-soil, and sand, stand outside during summer, and give 

 plenty of water. Many will make large specimens, and can be 

 planted out. Most of the species come from Australia, being 

 known as Mimosa, or Wattles. The best are A. argyrophylla, 

 A. armata, A. cochlearis (sweet-scented), A. dealbata, A. falcata, 

 A. longifolia floribunda, A. pulchella grandis, A. Riceana 

 (Fig. 469), and A. verlicillata. All the above have yellow blossoms. ' 



Acrophyllum venosum is a small shrub, with pink and white 

 flowers. Propagate by cuttings in July in the warm pit, and 

 grow in peat and sand in the cool pit. Flowers in May and June. 



3 a 2 



Fig. 469. — Acacia Riceana. 



