Height, 2 ft. to 3 ft.

Alternantheras.--Cuttings of this greenhouse herbaceous plant may be
struck in autumn, though they are usually taken from the old plants in
spring. Insert them singly in 4-1/2-in. pots filled with coarse sand,
loam, and leaf-mould. When rooted, place them near the glass, and keep
the temperature moist and at 60 degrees or 65 degrees, then they will
flower in July. Height, 4 in. to 1 ft.

Althea--_See_ "Hibiscus."

Alyssum.--Well adapted for rock-work or the front of flower-beds,
and is best sown in autumn. The annual, or Sweet Alyssum, bears an
abundance of scented white flowers in June, and on to the end of
September. The hardy perennial, Saxatile (commonly called Gold Dust),
bears yellow flowers in spring. Height, 6 in.

Amaranthus.--The foliage of these half-hardy annual plants are
extremely beautiful, some being carmine, others green and crimson,
some yellow, red, and green. They are very suitable either for bedding
or pot plants. Sow the seed early in spring in gentle heat, and plant
out in May or June in very rich soil. If put into pots, give plenty of
room for the roots and keep well supplied with water. Flower in July
and August. Height, 1-1/2 ft. to 6 ft.

Amaryllis.--These plants bear large drooping bell-shaped lily-like
blossoms. They thrive best in a compost of turfy loam and peat, with
a fair quantity of sand. The pots must in all cases be well drained.
Most of the stove and greenhouse species should be turned out of their
pots in autumn, and laid by in a dry place until spring, when they