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CINERARIA. 



CINERARIA. 



This plant derives its name from Cineres, ashes, 

 referring to the soft white down which covers the 

 surface of the leaves. Some varieties of Cineraria 

 are much admired for the richness and diversity in 

 color of their flowers, which are produced in great 

 abundance. Others are cultivated for the beauty 

 and fragrance of their foliage. Some of the latter 

 varieties are called "Dusty Millers," a name they 

 share with the Centaurea. Their ease of culture, 

 immunity from insects and striking effect renders 

 them desirable for house plants. The dwarf varie- 

 ties are an improvement upon the older sorts. 



SOIL, WATERING AND PROPAGATION. 



Cineraria requires a light sandy loam and but a 

 moderate supply of water. 



It needs a warm location, but not the noonday 

 sun, doing best in west or south-west windows. 



It is propagated by seed, by cuttings, and by 

 divisions of the roots. The first method is prefer- 

 able as cuttings root slowly and are somewhat un- 

 certain, though they may be rooted in water or 

 damp sand. Seed sown in sandy soil in May will 

 make fine blooming plants in January. The little 

 plants should be potted when two inches high, in 

 small pots, and as the roots fill them change them 

 to those of a larger size. 



