The Yuccas are 
and a peculiar tropical aspect 
1 
YUCCAS. 
a striking class of plants, with long, narrow, strong, sharp-pointed leaves, 
almost 
and desirable 
have figured. 
Filamentosa is the hardiest, and we think wil 
any of our Northern winters. 
It is called Adani' s N'eedle, 
because the leaves are 
sharply pointed and throw 
off from their edges numer- 
ous fine threads. It sends 
up a strong flower-stem in 
the middle of the summer, 
l:)earing a large spike of 
whitish flowers. The Yucca 
is an evergreen perennial 
and delights in a rich soil. 
We usually throw over the 
])lants a few evergreen 
boughs or something of the 
kind, as a slight winter pro- 
tection. We call attention to this old plant with a good deal of 
confidence, feeling assured that it will more than meet the expec- 
tations of our readers. Our 
engravings show the plant 
in flower, and the tuberous 
root. 
There are other varieties 
of Yucca well worthy of 
culture, but none so hardy 
for a Northern climate as Filamentosa, which we 
Yucca gloriosum superbum we have grown pretty well, and, of course, further 
South this and the more tender varieties do well. It is at the North, however, where plants with 
an oriental or tropical appearance are so scarce and delightful that the Yucca is most prized and 
most needed. For this reason we have said a good word in behalf of the Yucca, a favor we 
have done before for the Ricinus and Canna, and for the same reason. It is surprising how^ 
much real beauty we can get for very little labor, and at a trifling expense, by giving a little 
attention to the habits of plants and their adaptation to circumstances. We once saw a circular 
bed on a lawn filled with our common Maize, and thought it very beautiful, but it was in a 
country where a field of Corn was never seen. 
ASTILBE JAPONICA. 
The Astilbe Japonica is a comparatively new plant, and as useful as it is elegant. The plant 
is dwarfish, seldom more than two feet in height, with large 
feathery trusses of very small whitish flowers, which Mall be 
found exceedingly useful for all ornamental work, while the 
whole plant, as will be seen by the engraving, is itself quite 
elegant. There are few plants that the florist can force for 
winter bloom that will make him a better return, while the 
amateur will find it pleasant, both in form, foliage and flowers. 
For forcing, the roots should be planted in a seven inch pot in 
the autumn, and plunged out of doors till about the first of Jan- 
uary, then bring them into the house, giving plenty of light and 
heat. The flowers are much larger and purer in color when 
grown in the house than they are in the open ground, but it is a 
good plant everywhere, and those who culivate it will thank us 
for the good character we have given it. 
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