Abelia.--Very ornamental evergreen shrubs, bearing tubular,
funnel-shaped flowers. They succeed in any ordinary soil if the
situation is warm and sheltered, and are readily raised by cuttings.
Height, 3 ft. to 4 ft.
Abies _(Spruce Firs)_.--Among these ornamental conifers mention may be
made of the beautiful Japanese Spruce Ajanensis, which grows freely
in most soils and has dual-coloured leaves--dark green on the upper
surface and silvery white underneath; this makes a grand single
specimen anywhere. The White Spruce (_Abies Alba Glauca_) is a rapid
grower, but while it is small makes a lovely show in the border; it
prefers a moist situation. Of the slow-growing and dwarf varieties
Gregorii is a favourite. The Caerulea, or Blue Spruce, is also very
beautiful. Clanbrasiliana is a good lawn shrub, never exceeding 4 ft.
in height. The Pigmy Spruce (_A. Pygmea_) is the smallest of all firs,
only attaining the height of 1 ft. Any of these may be increased by
cuttings.
Abronia.--Handsome half-hardy annual trailers. Grow in sandy peat and
multiply by root division. Flowers in April. Height, 4 in. to 6 in.
Abutilon.--Evergreen greenhouse shrubs of great beauty and easy
cultivation. May be raised from seed, or by cuttings of young shoots
placed in spring or summer in sand under glass, or with a bottom heat.
Cut the old plants back in January, and when new shoots appear re-pot
the plants. Height, 5 ft. to 8 ft.
Acacia.--Winter and spring flowering greenhouse shrubs with charming
flowers and graceful foliage. May be grown from seed, which should be
soaked in warm water for twenty-four hours, or they may be propagated
by layers, cuttings placed in heat, or suckers. They like a rich sandy
loam soil. Height, 2 ft. to 3 ft.
Acæna.--These shrubby plants are herbaceous and mostly hardy, of a
creeping nature, fast growers, and suitable for dry banks or rough
stony places. They flourish best in sandy loam and peat, and may be
increased by cuttings placed under glass. The flowers, which are
green, are produced in May. The height of the various kinds varies
from 3 in. to 2 ft.
Acantholimon Glumaceum _(Prickly Thrift)_.--This is a frame evergreen
perennial, thriving in any light, rich soil. It can be increased by
dividing the roots. In May it puts forth its rose-coloured flowers.
Height, 3 in.
Acanthus.--A coarse, yet stately hardy perennial, which has large
ornamental foliage, and flowers in August. It is not particular as to
soil or situation, but free space should be given it. Will grow from
seed sown from March to midsummer, or in August or September in a
sheltered situation. Will also bear dividing. Height, 3 ft.
Acer (_Maple_).--Very vigorous plants, suitable when young for pots,
and afterwards for the shrubbery. The A. Negundo Variegata has silvery
variegated leaves, which contrast effectively with dark foliage,
Campestre Colchicum Rubrum, with its bright crimson palmate leaves,
is very ornamental, as is also Negundo Californicum Aurem, with its
golden-yellow foliage. The Maple grows best in a sandy loam. It may be
increased by cuttings planted in a shaded situation, or by layers, but
the choice varieties are best raised from seed sown as soon as it is
ripe.
Achillea Ptarmica (_Sneezewort_).--A pure white hardy perennial which
blooms in August. The dried leaves, powdered, produce sneezing.
Any soil. Best increased by rooted off-sets. Flowers from July to
September. Height, 1-1/2 ft.
Achimenes.--Fine plants, suitable for the greenhouse, sitting-room, or
hanging baskets. Plant six tubers in a 5-in. pot, with their growing
ends inclining to the centre and the roots to the edge of the pot, and
cover them an inch deep with a compost of peat, loam, and leaf-mould,
or a light, sandy soil. Keep them well supplied with liquid manure
while in a growing state. Height, 6 in. to 2-1/2 ft.
Aconite (_Monk's-Hood or Wolf's-Bane_).--Very pretty and very hardy,
and succeeds under the shade of trees; but being very poisonous should
not be grown where there are children. Increased by division or
by seeds. Flowers June to July. Height, 4 ft. (_See also_ "Winter
Aconites.")
Acorus (_Sweet Flag)._--A hardy bog plant, having an abundance of
light-coloured evergreen foliage. It will grow in any wet soil.
Height, 2 ft.
Acroclinium.--Daisy-like everlastings. Half-hardy annuals suitable
for cutting during summer, and for winter bouquets. Sow in pots in
February or March, cover lightly with fine soil, plunge the pot in
gentle heat, place a square of glass on the top, and gradually harden
off. Seed may also be sown in the open during May or in autumn for
early flowering. Height, 1 ft.
Acrophyllum Verticillatum.--A greenhouse evergreen shrub. It will grow
in any soil, and may be increased by cuttings of half-ripened wood.
March is its flowering season. Height, 3 ft.
Acrotis.--These are mostly hardy herbaceous plants from South Africa.
The soil should consist of two parts loam and one part leaf-mould, and
the situation should be dry and sunny. Seed may be sown early in March
in gentle heat, and the plants grown on in a cold frame till May, when
they may be planted out a foot apart. They will flower at midsummer.
Winter in a warm greenhouse. Height, 2 ft. Some few are of a creeping
nature.
Actaea Spicata (_Bane Berry_).--A hardy herbaceous perennial which
delights in a shady position, and will even grow under trees. It is
increased by division of the roots, or it may readily be raised from
seed in ordinary soil. May is its flowering month. Height, 3 ft.
Actinella Grandiflora.--A showy herbaceous plant, bearing large
orange-coloured flowers in July. It is not particular as to soil, and
is increased by dividing the roots. Height, 1 ft.
Actinomeris Squarrosa.--This hardy and ornamental herbaceous plant
bears heads of bright yellow flowers, resembling small sunflowers,
from June to August. It thrives in any loamy soil, and is easily
increased by dividing the root. Height, 4 ft.