320 
THE FLOWER GARDEN. 
in large pots or tubs, which are stood outdoors during the 
summer. The smaller species are often used as “dot” plants 
in carpet beds, or plunged in rockeries during the summer. 
We need not mention names here, since any of the numerous 
species are adapted for summer culture outdoors. Needless to 
say, the plants must be safely housed before frost sets in. 
Native of Mexico. 
Agferatum (Floss Flower). — The only species of this 
genus worthy of mention in this book is A. mexicanum, a half- 
hardy annual, belonging to the Daisy family (Composite). 
Although strictly an annual it may be grown as a perennial by 
increasing the stock annually by cuttings. The species grows 
2 ft. high and bears lilac-blue flowers, which are most effective 
for border or bed decoration in summer. Still more useful 
and largely grown are its numerous dwarf varieties, which only 
attain a height of 6 to gin. These are specially adapted as 
edgings to beds or borders, and they blossom most profusely. 
There are white and blue varieties sold under various names, 
which will be found in the numerous seed lists. All may be 
reared from seed in heat in early spring, and the seedlings, 
after the process of hardening off, planted out at the end 
of May. Seedlings, however, vapy a good deal in habit, and 
so, where plants of an even type are required, it is better to 
insert cuttings in late summer in pots or boxes in gentle heat, 
winter the rooted cuttings in a cool temperature, transfer 
them singly to small pots in March, harden off in April and 
plant out in May. Natives of Mexico. 
Albizzia. — This genus of pea-flowered shrubs (Legumi- 
nosae) only provides one species of any value for outdoor 
culture, and that is A. lophantha. It is used as an ornamental- 
leaved plant only. It has rather a straggly habit of growth, but 
the very finely cut foliage is very elegant, and on that account 
the plant looks well associated with other foliage plants in 
sub-tropical beds. It is easily reared from seed sown in heat 
in spring, the plants afterwards being grown on to the required 
size. By nipping out the point of the main shoot the plant 
may be made to assume a bushier habit. Requires greenhouse 
protection in winter. A native of Australia, and formerly 
known as Acacia lophantha. 
Alonsoa (Mask Flower).— Half-hardy perennials, be- 
longing to the Snapdragon family (Scrophulariaceae). Grown 
outdoors in summer only. For this purpose the plants are 
usually treated as annuals, seeds being sown in heat in early 
spring, and the seedlings planted out in sunny borders at the 
end of May. All the species are very pretty and showy. A. 
