A KEBIA — A L OYSIA . 



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is only by growing the plants strongly, taking care not to over-pot the weakly growers, 

 well maturing the crowns in the full sunshine, and resting as advised, that they can be 

 relied upon to flower freely the following summer. During the winter, store them 

 under greenhouse stages or in other cool quarters, and keep them moderately dry. In 

 the spring, assign them a lighter position before a feeble leaf growth is caused by 

 shade, and give a thorough soaking of water, not letting them suffer through lack of 

 adequate supplies throughout the growing season. 



akebia. — Akebia quinata (Chusan) is a nearly hardy twining shrub, and the only 

 species cultivated. It produces purplish flowers freely iu March, and when seen at its 

 best seldom fails to please. It is increased by division of the roots in October, and by 

 cuttings inserted in sandy peat soil in a cold frame in September. A mixture of loam, 

 peat, leaf soil, and sand is suitable for growing the plants. All the pruning necessary 

 is the shortening of growths after flowering. It succeeds in a cool greenhouse, and 

 survives the winter in the open air in sheltered positions in the south of England. 



aloysia. — Aloysia, or Lippia citriodora, commonly called Sweet-scented Verbena, 

 is a very old favourite. It is a deciduous shrub, a native of Chili, and is grown for 

 the pleasing lemon-like scent of its leaves. Cuttings of young growths taken off the 

 plants in the spring can be rooted quickly in a close, warm frame, after the manner of 

 true verbenas. Neat plants are formed the same season by placing the newly -rooted 

 cuttings singly in 2-inch pots, and giving them the benefit of gentle heat till well 

 established, shifting them into 5-inch pots, and topping often enough to make the plants 

 bushy. In the autumn the wood should harden and the leaves fall, when only enough 

 water ought to be given to prevent the branches shrivelling. Winter in a cool, dry 

 place, or with fuchsias, and early in the spring prune rather severely. Start them in the 

 warmest part of a greenhouse, and as soon as they commence growing, which, after 

 watering, they will do in about a week, turn them out of the pots, reduce the old soil, 

 trim the roots lightly, and return to pots large enough to hold them comfortably. A 

 moderately rich, loamy compost is suitable for either small or large plants. Topping 

 the growths, more especially all with a tendency to outgrow the rest, will make them 

 branch freely, and a shift should be given before the plants become stunted in growth. 

 Syringe freely after hot days, to keep down red spider, a pest that is very liable to cause 

 the loss of all the older leaves. Large standard or pyramid plants in pots or tubs are 

 appreciated in gardens, and they grow better outdoors than under glass during the 

 summer months. 



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