rather large, drooping; segments of perianth incurved. May. _l._
two on each stem, roundish-reniform, stalked, slightly waved. _h._
1ft. England.
=ASCENDING.= Directed upwards; as the stem, which is the ascending axis.
=ASCLEPIADEÆ.= A large order of, for the most part, lactescent,
climbing shrubs. Flowers sub-umbellate, fascicled or racemose,
interpetiolar; pollen collected in the form of waxy masses, coalescing
to the cells of the anthers; follicles two, one of which is abortive.
Leaves entire, usually opposite.
=ASCLEPIAS= (the Greek name of Æsculapius of the Latins). Swallow-wort.
ORD. _Asclepiadeæ_. Erect, hardy, herbaceous or sub-shrubby perennials,
except where otherwise specified. Corolla five-parted, reflexed;
umbels interpetiolar; corona seated on the upper part of the tube of
the filaments, five-leaved. Leaves opposite, verticillate, sometimes
alternate. Most of the hardy species are very handsome border plants,
thriving in peaty, or light rich soil, and are increased by dividing
the roots in spring, and sometimes also by seeds. The doubtfully hardy
or rarer species should always be grown in a peat soil, and have a
little protection during severe frost, by mulching the roots. The most
important of the greenhouse and stove species is _A. curassavica_. In
order to obtain good bushy specimens of this, it will be necessary to
cut the plants back annually, after keeping them slightly dry, and
resting for a month or two in midwinter. When growth has sufficiently
advanced, they should be shaken out and repotted. At this stage, a
close, moist atmosphere will be needful to produce the usually very
free growth. The points of the shoots must be nipped out, in order to
promote a bushy habit. When the pots have become filled with roots,
liquid manure may be applied; but it must be quite clear and not over
strong. All the indoor species grow best in good fibry loam and leaf
mould, and require to be potted firmly. Cuttings should be secured in
spring, struck in gentle heat, under a bell glass, and as soon as they
are well rooted, potted into 60-size pots. A shift must be given as
often as the pots become filled with roots, up to the time when the
plant commences flowering. Seeds may be sown in pots in spring, pricked
out singly when large enough, and then treated similarly to cuttings.
=A. acuminata= (taper-pointed).* _fl._ red and white; umbels
lateral, solitary, erect. July. _l._ ovate, sub-cordate,
acuminated, on short petioles; superior ones sessile, glabrous, but
rough on the edges. Stems erect, glabrous, simple. _h._ 2ft. New
Jersey, 1826. Hardy, herbaceous.
=A. amœna= (pleasing).* _fl._ beautiful purple; umbels terminal,
erect; appendages of corona exserted, red. July. _l._ opposite,
almost sessile, oblong-oval, downy beneath, with a large purple
middle nerve. Stem simple, with two rows of down. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft.
New England, 1732. Hardy, herbaceous.
=A. Cornuti= (Cornuti's).* Synonymous with _A. syriaca_.
=A. curassavica= (Curassavian). Redhead. _fl._ reddish
orange-scarlet; umbels erect, solitary, lateral. July to September.
_l._ opposite, oblong-lanceolate, tapering at both ends. Stem
rather downy, simple, seldom a little branched. _h._ 1ft. to 3ft.
Tropical America, 1692. The white-flowered variety is a very pretty
contrast. Stove herbaceous.
=A. Douglasii= (Douglas's).* _fl._ large, waxy, purplish-lilac,
sweet-scented, in many-flowered umbels. Summer. _l._ opposite,
ovate-cordate, acuminated, 6-1/2in. long by 5in. or more wide,
glabrous above, downy beneath. Stem thick, woolly, simple. _h._
2ft. to 3ft. West America, 1846.
=A. hybrida= (hybrid). A synonym of _A. purpurascens_.
=A. incarnata= (flesh-coloured).* _fl._ red or purplish; umbels
numerous, usually twin. July. _l._ opposite, lanceolate, rather
woolly on both surfaces. Stem erect, branched and tomentose at
the top. _h._ 2ft. Canada (on the banks of rivers), 1710. Hardy,
herbaceous.
=A. mexicana= (Mexican). _fl._ white; umbels many-flowered. July.
_l._ verticillate, linear-lanceolate, with revolute edges; lower
ones four to six in a whorl; upper ones three in a whorl, or
opposite. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. Mexico, 1821. Greenhouse evergreen.
=A. phytolaccoides= (Phytolacca-like). _fl._ purple; corona white,
with truncate leaflets; umbels lateral and terminal, solitary, on
long peduncles, drooping. July. _l._ broad, ovate-oblong, acute,
glabrous, paler beneath. Stem erect, simple, spotted with purple.
_h._ 3ft. to 4ft. Virginia and Carolina (on the mountains), 1812.
=A. purpurascens= (purplish). _fl._ purple; umbels erect. July.
_l._ opposite, large, ovate, with a purplish middle nerve, villous
beneath. Stem simple, rather hairy at top, brownish green at
bottom. _h._ 2ft. to 3ft. Virginia (in shady swamps), 1732. Hardy.
SYN. _A. hybrida_.
=A. quadrifolia= (four-leaved).* _fl._ white, small, sweet-scented,
with red nectaries; umbels twin, terminal, loose-flowered; pedicels
filiform. July. _l._ ovate, acuminated, petiolate; those in the
middle of the stem larger, and four in a whorl; the rest opposite.
Stems erect, simple, glabrous. _h._ 1ft. New York, 1820. Hardy
species.
=A. rubra= (red), _fl._ red; umbels compound, July, August. _l._
alternate, ovate, acuminated. Stem erect, simple. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft.
Virginia, 1825.
=A. Sullivanti= (Sullivant's). Similar to _A. syriaca_, but having
larger and deeper coloured flowers.
=A. syriaca= (Syrian).* _fl._ pale purple, sweet scented, in large,
loose, drooping umbels. July. _l._ opposite, lanceolate-oblong, or
oval, gradually acute, tomentose beneath. Stems simple. _h._ 3ft.
to 5ft. North America, 1629. SYN. _A. Cornuti_.
[Illustration: FIG. 158. FLOWERING BRANCH OF ASCLEPIAS TUBEROSA.]
=A. tuberosa= (tuberous).* _fl._ bright orange, very showy;
umbels disposed in a terminal sub-corymb. July to September. _l._
scattered, oblong-lanceolate, hairy. Stems erectish, divaricately
branched at top, very hairy. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. North America (in
stony, sandy fields and woods), 1690. A desirable hardy herbaceous
border plant. See Fig. 158.
=A. variegata= (variegated). _fl._, petals and foliola of corona
white, fructification red, in dense umbels, very handsome; umbels
almost sessile; pedicels hairy. July. _l._ opposite, ovate,
petiolate, wrinkled, naked. Stems simple. erect, variegated with
purple. _h._ 3ft. to 4ft. New York to Carolina (on dry, sandy
hills), 1597.
=A. verticillata= (whorled). _fl._, corolla with yellowish green
petals and white nectaries; umbels many-flowered. July and
August. _l._ very narrow, linear, thick, quite glabrous, usually
verticillate, but sometimes scattered. Stems erect, often branched,
having a downy line on one side. _h._ 1ft. to 2ft. New Jersey, 1759.
=ASCYRON.= _See_ =Hypericum Ascyron=.
=ASCYRUM= (from _a_, without, and _skyros_, hard; that is to say,
a plant which is soft to the touch). ORD. _Hypericinæ_. A genus of
elegant little herbs and sub-shrubs, with sessile, entire leaves,
destitute of pellucid dots, but usually furnished with black dots
beneath. Flowers resembling _Hypericum_. They require to be protected
during winter by a frame; for this purpose they should be grown in
pots, as they never exist long in the open border. A compost of peat,
pure leaf soil, and sand, in equal portions, suits them well; young
cuttings of the shrubby kinds will root in sand under a hand bell
glass. Propagated by careful divisions of the roots in spring. All may
be raised from seeds.
=A. amplexicaule= (stem-clasping). _fl._ yellow, few, axillary, and
terminal; corymbs naked. July. _l._ stem-clasping, ovate, cordate,
sinuately-curled. Stem dichotomously panicled. _h._ 2ft. North
America, 1823. The flowers and leaves are longer in this than in
any other of the species.
=A. Crux Andreæ.=* St. Andrew's Cross. _fl._, petals narrow-pale,
yellow, nearly sessile, in terminal corymbs. July. _l._
ovate-linear, obtuse, usually in bundles in the axils. Stem
shrubby, round. _h._ 1ft. North America (in sandy fields), 1759.
This proves to be quite hardy in many situations.
=A. hypericoides= (Hypericum-like). _fl._ yellow. August. _l._
linear-oblong, obtuse. _h._ 2ft. North America, 1759.
=A. stans= (standing). St. Peter's Wort. _fl._ yellow. August. _l._
oval or oblong, somewhat clasping. _h._ 2ft. North America, 1816.
=ASHES.= The earthy or mineral particles of combustible substances,
remaining after combustion. Ashes are amongst the most economical
manures.
_Vegetable Ashes_ are generally the best application for manuring
boggy, cold, and, consequently, sour and unprofitable land, in
quantities of about forty bushels per acre, thinly and evenly
distributed. The annual exhaustion of salts from large crops of grain,
roots, and grass, is from 180lb. to more than 250lb. per acre; and the
aggregate of a few years will so far impoverish the soil in one or more
of the principles necessary to sustain a luxuriant vegetation, that
it will cease to yield remunerating returns. The ashes of vegetables
consist of such elements as are always required for their perfect
maturity, and it is evident they must furnish one of the best saline
manures which can be supplied for their growth; they contain, in fact,
every element, and generally in the right proportions, for insuring a
full and rapid growth. Both gardener and farmer will therefore perceive
the great value of Ashes to their crops.
_Coal Ashes._ The bituminous and anthracite coals afford Ashes, and,
although inferior in quality to those made from wood and vegetables,
are, like them, a valuable manure, and they should be applied to the
land in a similar manner. If they contain many cinders, from not having
been thoroughly burned, they are more suited to heavy than to light
soils. Coal Ashes, if very fine, may be sprinkled half an inch deep on
the surface, over peas and beans, &c., to preserve them from mice; they
may also be used for garden and greenhouse walks, where bricks or tiles
are absent, being tidy in appearance, and an excellent substitute for
other and more expensive material.
_Peat Ashes._ Peat approaching to purity, when thrown out of its bed
and thoroughly dried, may be burned to an imperfect Ash, and when
it does not reach this point, it will become thoroughly charred,
and reduced to cinders. The process of burning should be as slow as
possible. In either form, it is a valuable dressing for the soil.
=ASH-TREE.= _See_ =Fraxinus=.
=ASIATIC POISON BULB.= _See_ =Crinum asiaticum=.
=ASIMINA= (meaning unknown). ORD. _Anonaceæ_. Hardy shrubs, with
oblong, cuneated, usually deciduous leaves. Flowers sometimes rising
before the leaves, usually solitary and axillary. They thrive freely
in a mixture of sand and peat. Propagated by layers put down in the
autumn, or by seed, procured from their native country. Seedlings
should be raised in pots, and sheltered in winter, until they have
acquired a considerable size.
[Illustration: FIG. 159. FLOWERING BRANCH OF ASIMINA TRILOBA.]
=A. triloba= (three-lobed).* _fl._ campanulate, the three outer
petals pale purplish, and the three inner ones smaller, purplish
on the outside as well as the inside at the base and apex, with
the middle yellow, about 2in. diameter, produced between the upper
leaves. May. _l._ oblong-cuneated, often acuminated, and, as well
as the branches, smoothish. _h._ 10ft. Pennsylvania, 1736. A small
tree or shrub. See Fig. 159.
=ASKALLON= (the Eschallot). _See_ =Allium ascalonicum=.
=ASPALATHUS= (from _a_, not, and _spao_, to extract; in reference
to the difficulty of extracting its thorns from a wound). Including
_Sarcophyllus_. ORD. _Leguminosæ_. Shrubs or sub-shrubs, natives,
with one exception, of the Cape of Good Hope. Flowers usually yellow,
furnished with three bracteoles, or a leaf comprised of three leaflets.
Leaves of three to five leaflets, disposed palmately, rarely pinnately,
having scarcely any or very short petioles. All the species are pretty
when in flower, and thrive in a mixture of loam, peat, and sand. Young
cuttings of half-ripened wood will strike in April, in sand, under
bell glasses, which must be wiped dry occasionally. But little water
is needed. Over a hundred species are known; those introduced are very
rarely seen in cultivation.
=ASPARAGUS= (from _a_, intensive, and _sparasso_, to tear; in
reference to the strong prickles of some species). ORD. _Liliaceæ_.
Erect or climbing herbs or shrubs, with very small scale-like leaves,
and a profusion of numerous slender fascicled-needle, rather spiny
branchlets. Flowers axillary, inconspicuous. Fruit baccate. The indoor
species will all thrive well in a warm greenhouse temperature, provided
they have partial shade, a good supply of moisture at the roots, and
are not kept too close, in a moderately rich sandy compost. The hardy
species are propagated chiefly by seeds and divisions of the roots.
Rich sandy loam is necessary, and otherwise they may be treated as
ordinary perennials. Some of the species belonging to this genus are
among the most elegant of foliage plants for cutting purposes. _A.
decumbens_ and _A. scandens_ make excellent plants for Wardian cases,
and may be cut in freely if they exceed their limits.
ASPARAGUS (_A. officinalis_) AS A VEGETABLE. The value and importance
of this plant as a vegetable cannot be over-estimated; it is
extensively grown, and, when properly managed, produces a fairly
lucrative crop.
_Soil and Bed._ The first thing to be done in the preparation of
an Asparagus bed to stand for any length of time, is to secure an
efficient drainage; and on wet soils this is best effected by placing
a layer of brick rubbish over the whole of the bottom, and connecting
this with a drain. On gravelly or other soils which are drained
naturally, of course, this is not needed; but if really good crops are
a _desideratum_, water should not stand within 3ft. of the surface. In
all cases, the ground must be dug to a depth of 18in., and, if stiff,
a goodly amount of road sweepings, or other gritty materials, should
be well mixed with the staple soil. Asparagus requires a good soil,
neither too heavy nor too light.
_Manuring._ After the soil has been well trenched, and has lain long
enough to settle down, a good dressing of manure--thoroughly rotted,
and not too rank, at the rate of from twenty to thirty tons to the
acre, dug into the surface of the beds-will be found very beneficial.
If possible, this should be introduced in January; and then, if the
weather permits, the beds should be forked two or three times by the
end of March, so as to render the soil as friable as possible. A very
good manure, and one that is easily obtained, is common garden salt.
This may be given annually to established beds. A moderate dressing
should be applied just before growth commences in spring, but a little
will do no harm at other times during the summer. It is best scattered
on with the hand, and a showery day should be selected, as it will
then soon disappear. Salt, besides acting as a manure, has also the
properties of keeping the beds cool and moist in hot weather, and of
preventing the growth of weeds.
_Planting._ Asparagus can be planted during March and April, the latter
month being the best time for the work. The soil having been thoroughly
prepared, the next point is to decide on the size of the beds; this
depends on the size of garden, and the class of "grass" desired. When
very large and fine stocks are the object in view, the best results
will accrue if the plants are fully a yard apart each way; but this
means a comparatively small crop. A good plan is to make the beds 3ft.
wide, planting two rows, at a distance of 1ft. from each other, and
allowing 18in. between each plant, placing them in alternate order.
An 18in. alley should be allowed between the beds. The roots used for
making the beds should be one year old, and fresh from the ground. In
planting, pull out a wide drill with a hoe, or other tool, to the depth
of about 3in. or 4in., and spread out the roots all round. Carefully
shake the soil in amongst the roots, and, if dry, apply some water
through a coarse-rosed watering pot, to settle the earth around them.
At intervals, as necessary, give other waterings till September, when
they should be discontinued. At all times, keep the beds free from
weeds, removing them by the hand to prevent injury to the crowns of
the plants. If the ground is good, no liquid manure will be needed the
first year. As soon as the foliage turns yellow, cut it off, cleanly
rake over the beds, and leave till about January, when a top-dressing
of from 1in. to 3in. of thoroughly rotted manure may be applied with
advantage. At the end of February, rake off the bed all loose straw
or other _debris_, and throw on them a little of the soil from the
alleys, raking down, and finishing off the edges squarely and neatly.
During this and succeeding years, apply liquid manure and clear water,
from time to time, as required; and, provided the manure is not of too
great strength, there is scarcely any limit to its application; but,
in many instances, beds which have only received an annual dressing
have given a good return. Each year they must be cut over and dressed
as before described, but care must be taken to keep them flat on the
surface, otherwise the plants will die out for want of moisture. When
the produce appears, the beds should be kept cut over until the 20th
of June, after which, cutting should cease, or they will be rendered
comparatively unproductive. Cutting can commence the second or third
year, or as soon as there is any "grass" worth taking. Several methods
of growing these plants could be cited, but that which we have
recommended will be found most satisfactory.
[Illustration: FIG. 160. ASPARAGUS, Crown for Lifting.]
_Seeds._ Plants are raised by sowing seeds in rows across the kitchen
garden, or selected quarter, about the month of April. The seedlings
make a growth, and form good plants during the first season. In March
or April of the following year, or the year after, they may be removed,
and planted out permanently, as already alluded to. Many cultivators
prefer growing their own plants from seed; because during the transit
of the roots from any distance to where they are to be grown, a
frequent and injurious exhaustion takes place, and particularly so when
they are carelessly packed.
_Forcing._ Asparagus can, if properly treated, be obtained from
December onwards; and at Christmas time the produce is very valuable;
but, in order to obtain it at this season, it will be necessary to
resort to forcing. Prepare some beds to secure a lasting heat, and on
these place about 3in. of ordinary garden soil, not very stiff. Then
take the roots, and place them crown upwards, and moderately close
together, shaking the soil well amongst the roots, and covering about
a couple of inches deep. Water well, to settle the whole, and put on
the lights, allowing a little ventilation, to let out any steam which
may arise. Unless the weather be very cold indeed, give a little air
at all times, and only cover the lights in actual frost. From time to
time, apply fresh linings of hot manure, and in cold rains, or wind,
cover the outsides of the frames with old sacks, or other things which
will keep in the heat. A regular and steady temperature of 60deg. will
force this plant with better results than a higher one. Houses that are
fitted with hot-water pipes to give bottom heat can be used equally as
well as manure beds, and so long as the soil is kept moist, the heat
thus obtained is as good as any for the purpose, and much less trouble
than fermenting materials. To keep up a regular supply, a succession of
beds will be necessary. Asparagus can be forced, or rather forwarded,
in pots or boxes, in a warm greenhouse or vinery, and, of course,
when the plants are done with, they can be cast away. We give an
illustration (Fig. 160) of a bearing crown fit for gentle forcing; but,
of course, it must not be left so bare of earth as appears here, which
is done for the purpose of clearness.
_Varieties._ Connover's Colossal, and Giant, are the most esteemed.
Strains are frequently largely advertised as improvements on the sorts
above-mentioned, and the charges are higher accordingly. The difference
may be generally attributed to the culture the plants receive more than
to an improved variety. When saving seed for home sowing, they should
be taken from the strongest growths, or deterioration will ensue.
=A. æthiopicus ternifolius= (ternate). _fl._ white, in
shortly-stalked racemes, very profuse. August. _l._, false ones in
threes, flattened, narrow, linear; prickles solitary, reversed;
branches angular. _h._ 30ft. South Africa, 1872. A greenhouse
evergreen.
=A. Broussoneti= (Broussonet's).* _fl._ very small, succeeded
by small red berries. May. _l._, lower ones solitary, the
others ternate, 1in. long, needle-shaped, persistent, distant,
glaucescent; stipules with reflected spines at the base. Summer.
Stem tapering, streaked, shrubby. _h._ 10ft. Canary Islands, 1822.
A very pretty hardy climber.
=A. Cooperi= (Cooper's). _fl._ axillary, one to three, from the
same nodes as the false leaves; perianth cream-coloured, one line
long. April and May. _l._ minute, deltoid, scariose, reddish-brown;
false leaves six to fifteen to a node, subulate, moderately firm,
1/4in. to 3/8in. long, spreading or ascending. _h._ 10ft. to 12ft.
Africa, 1862. A greenhouse climber, with a shrubby terete main
stem, 1-1/2in. to 2in. thick at the base, sending out crowds of
spreading branches, which bear abundant slender, firm, alternate
branchlets; nodes of branches and branchlets, furnished with
distinct red-brown, subulate prickles, those of the main stems
1/4in. long, deflexed, but not curved.
=A. decumbens= (decumbent).* Stem unarmed, decumbent, much
branched; branches wavy; leaves setaceous, in threes. Cape of Good
Hope, 1792. A greenhouse evergreen herbaceous perennial.
=A. falcatus= (hooked-leaved). _l._ fascicled, linear, falcate;
branches round; prickles solitary, recurved; peduncles
one-flowered, clustered. _h._ 3ft. India, 1792. A greenhouse
evergreen perennial.
=A. officinalis= (officinal). Common Asparagus. _fl._
greenish-white, drooping. August. _l._ setaceous, fasciculate,
flexible, unarmed. Stem herbaceous, mostly erect, rounded, very
much branched. _h._ 1ft. Said to grow on "Asparagus Island,"
Kynance Cove, Lizard, but we have never found it there, and it has
probably long since been exterminated.
=A. plumosus= (plumed).* _fl._ white, small, produced from the
tips of the branchlets. Spring. _l._, true ones in the form of
minute deltoid scales, with an acute ultimately reflexed point;
the false ones are grouped in tufts, each being 1/8in. to 1/4in.
long, bristle-shaped, and finely pointed. South Africa, 1876. An
elegant evergreen climber, with smooth stems and numerous spreading
branches. It forms an excellent plant when trained in pots, and is
invaluable for cutting.
=A. p. nanus= (dwarf).* A very elegant dwarf variety of above.
Stems tufted, slender, and gracefully arching. South Africa, 1880.
For bouquets, the cut sprays of both type and variety have the
advantage of much greater persistency than any fern, retaining
their freshness in water from three to four weeks. See Fig. 161,
for which we are indebted to Messrs. Veitch and Sons.
=A. racemosus= (racemose). _fl._ greenish-white, in many-flowered
axillary racemes. May. _l._ bundled, linear-subulate, falcate;
branches striated; prickles solitary. _h._ 3ft. India, 1808.
Greenhouse evergreen shrub.
[Illustration: FIG. 161. ASPARAGUS PLUMOSUS NANUS.]