86 
THE FLOWER GARDEN. 
worth growing are A. microphylla, with green foliage and 
crimson-spiked flower-heads ; and A. pulchella, bronzy-leaved. 
These only grow an inch or so high. Natives of New Zealand. 
Acanthoiimon (Prickly Thrift or Sea Lavender).— This 
genus of hardy evergreen perennials belongs to the Thrift 
family (Plumbaginacese). They have a tufted habit or growth 
and succeed well in sandy loam on a sunny rockery. It is best 
to plant them in small nooks where they are not likely to be 
overrun by other plants. Not suited for smoky districts. 
Plant in March or April. The plants may be increased by 
seeds sown outdoors in March ; by cuttings inserted in pots of 
sandy soil in a cold frame in August ; or by layering the shoots 
similarly to pinks in July. The only species we can recom- 
mend is A. glumaceum. This produces charming rosy blos- 
soms in short spikes during the summer. The leaves are 
closely set with sharp spines. Natives of Asia Minor. 
Acanthus (Bear’s-Breech). — Hardy perennials with orna- 
mental divided foliage and bold spikes of flowers. They 
belong to the order Acanthaceae, are easy to grow, and will 
thrive in sunny or shady positions. Cold, heavy and damp 
soils do not suit these plants ; they require a deep, well-drained 
loam to succeed really well. For woodland borders, banks, in 
beds, or as single plants on the lawn, or positions in odd 
corners, any of the species named below are specially suitable. 
Plant in October, and propagate by seeds sown in pots or 
boxes in slight warmth in March, by cuttings of the roots, or 
division of the plant in March or April. The chief species are : 
A. candelabrum, handsome foliage, and white or purplish 
blossoms, borne on spikes 4 to 5ft. high ; A. mollis, divided 
heart-shaped leaves, white or rosy flowers, 3 to 4ft. ; A. m. 
latifolius, same as last species, except that it is more robust 
and handsome ; A. spinosus, cut leaves, purplish flowers, 3 to 
4ft. ; and its variety spinosissimus, rosy-pink flowers, white 
spines, 3ft. Natives of S. Europe. 
Achillea. (Milfoil or Yarrow). — Hardy border and rockery 
perennials belonging to the Daisy family (Compositae). All 
the species have finely cut foliage and bear yellow, white or 
pink flowers. They are of easy culture and will succeed in 
any good garden soil and sunny position. Plant in October 
or March, and propagate by division of the plants in March 
or April. Those which are best adapted for rockery culture 
are : A. rupestris (Rock Yarrow), white, 3in. ; A. tomentosa 
(Woolly Yarrow), yellow, ift. ; A. Ageratum (Sweet Manolin), 
white, 6in ; and A. Clavennae (Silvery-leaved Yarrow), 8in. 
For borders, A. Millefolium roseum (Rosy Yarrow), 2 to 3ft. ; 
