HARDY PLANTS. 
101 
cold frame In spring, or by division of the roots in spring. N. 
American plants. 
Asperula. (Sweet Woodruff). — Pretty dwarf-growing 
hardy perennials or annuals, belonging to the Nat. Ord. 
Rubiaceae. A. odorata, a perennial, is a native of our woods, 
and a favourite old garden plant. It grows about a foot high, 
has square stems and whorled leaves, also small white flowers 
borne in May and June. A. cynanchica is another native 
perennial, growing a foot high and bearing rosy-red or white 
and blue flowers. A. orientalis, also known as A. azurea 
setosa, is a charming dwarf annual, growing 6 to loin, high 
and bearing dainty little blue flowers, which are very sweet. 
The foliage of A. odorata, when dried, has a new-mown hay 
scent. A. odorata will succeed in any soil and in any posi- 
tion ; useful for carpeting bare spaces in shrubberies. A. 
cynanchica is best suited for a dry bank or rockery, while 
A. orientalis makes a charming edging plant, or may be 
grown in patches in borders. Increased by seeds sown in 
spring where required to grow. Also the perennial species 
by division of the roots in spring. Europe and Asia. 
Asphodeline (King’s Spear). — This plant belongs to 
the Lily family (Liliaceae), and is a hardy herbaceous perennial. 
The only species we shall deal with is A. luteus, and its double- 
flowered variety, A. luteus fl.-pl. Both grow 3 to 4ft. high and 
have awl-shaped, furrowed leaves borne on erect stems. The 
flowers are yellow and fragrant. Both kinds will thrive in 
ordinary soil in partially shady or sunny borders. Plant in 
autumn or spring and increase by division of the roots in 
spring. Mediterranean region. 
Asphodelus (Asphodel). — Hardy tuberous-rooted peren- 
nials, members of the Lily family (Liliaceae). A. albus, 
white. May and June, 2ft. ; A. ramosus, white, summer, 3 to 
4ft. ; and A. creticus, yellow, July, 2ft., are the only kinds 
worthy of culture. Even these are not recommended for small 
gardens. They are adapted for large borders, shrubbery 
fringes, and wild gardening only. Plant in ordinary soil in 
autumn or spring, and increase by division of the roots in 
March or April. S. Europe and N. Africa. 
Aster (Starwort or Michaelmas Daisy). — A family of 
hardy herbaceous perennials, well known to garden lovers 
by the name of the Michaelmas Daisy. Until a few years ago 
the latter was regarded as a somewhat weedy plant and not 
worthy of cultivation in a collection of choice perennials. Since 
the specialists have set to work and produced varieties with a 
better habit of grow th, and bolder flow’ers wdth a greater range 
ot colours, the Michaelmas Daisy has been recognised as 
