THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



aotus. — A. gracillima, a native of Newplolland, is the species usually cultivated and 

 recommended. It is a pretty little shrub which may attain a height of 3 feet, and 



produces long graceful spikes 

 of small yellow and crimson 

 flowers in early summer. 

 A. villosa (Fig. 70) is more 

 compact and free branching, 

 with similar flowers. Cuttings 

 of firm shoots in pots of sandy 

 peat soil, duly covered with 

 a bell glass and shaded from 

 bright sunshine, emit roots in 

 a temperature of about 55°. 

 After being established in quite 

 small pots, gradually shift into 

 larger ones, the soil used con- 

 sisting of equal parts of fibrous loam, peat, and sand, with a small portion of charcoal. 

 The pots must be well drained, and the soil pressed down firmly. Water freely during 

 the summer, but it must not be given to 



Aotus villosa. 



excess in the winter. Cool greenhouse. 



aphelexis. — When slow - growing 

 hard-wooded plants were more appre- 

 ciated than is the case now-a-days, 

 aphelexes (also known as helichrysums) 

 were frequently seen. They require care- 

 ful treatment, and soon show the ill 

 effects of faulty watering. Well-grown 

 plants are very beautiful, as may be seen 

 occasionally at exhibitions, and as the 

 flowers are of a persistent character, the 

 same plants may be taken to several 

 flower shows in one season. A. humilis 

 (Cape of Good Hope) and its varieties 

 are or were the most popular. The 



if" 



Aphelexis (Helichhysum) humilis. 



