Astragalus Alpinus.--A hardy perennial bearing bluish-purple flowers.
It will grow in any decent soil, and can be propagated from seed sown
in spring or autumn, or by division. Height, 6 ft.
Astragalus Hypoglottis.--A hardy deciduous trailing plant, producing
purple flowers in July. Sow the seed early in spring on a moderate
hotbed, and plant out into any garden soil. Height, 3 in.
Astragalus Lotoides.--This pretty little trailer is of the same height
as A. Hypoglottis, and merely requires the same treatment. It flowers
in August.
Astrantia.--This herbaceous plant is quite hardy, and will thrive in
any good garden soil, producing its flowers in June and July. Seed may
be sown either in autumn or spring. Height, 1-1/2 ft. to 2 ft.
Atragene Austriaca.--Handsome, hardy climbers, which may be grown in
any garden soil. They flower in August, and are increased by layers or
by cuttings under glass. Height, 8 ft.
Atriplex.--Straggling hardy annuals of very little beauty. Will grow
in any soil if sown in spring, and only require ordinary attention.
Flower in July. Height, 5 ft.
Aubergine.--See "Egg-Plant."
Aubrietia.--An early spring-blooming hardy perennial. Very ornamental
either in the garden or on rock-work, the flowers lasting a long time.
An open and dry situation suits it best. May be readily raised from
seed, and increased by dividing the roots or by cuttings under a
glass. Flowers in March and April. Height 6 in.
Aucuba.--Hardy evergreen shrubs, some having blotched leaves. They
look well standing alone on grass plots, and are indifferent to
soil or position. Cuttings may be struck in any garden soil under a
hand-glass in August, or by layers in April or May. When the male and
female varieties are planted together, the latter produce an abundance
of large red berries, rendering the plant very showy and ornamental.
They bloom in June. Height, 6 ft.
Auricula.--This is a species of primrose, and is sometimes called
Bear's Ear from the shape of its leaves. It succeeds best in a mixture
of loam and peat, or in four parts rotten loam, two parts rotten cow
dung, and one part silver sand; delights in shade, and will not bear
too much water. It makes an effective border to beds, and is readily
propagated by off-sets taken early in autumn, or in February or March,
by division of roots immediately after flowering, or from seed sown in
March on gentle heat in firmly pressed light, rich soil, covered with
a piece of glass and shaded from the sun till the plants are well up,
when sun and air is needed. When large enough to handle, prick them
out in a cold frame 6 in. apart, and keep them there through the
winter. Take care to press the soil well round the roots of off-sets.