Abronia
(from abros, delicate; referring to its in-volucrum. Sand Verbena. ORD. Nyctaginaceae. A small genus of seven species, mostly natives of California, four of which only are known in general cultivation. They are of a dwarf trailing habit, producing showy blossoms in dense verbena-like clusters. Corolla funnel-shaped; limb spreading. They succeed best in light sandy soil, in a position fully exposed; if well drained, the rockery is perhaps the best place. Increased by seeds, the outer skin of which should be peeled off before sowing; sow during autumn in pots of sandy soil, and keep in a frame until the following spring, when they may be placed in their flowering quarters; or by young cuttings, set in spring, and also in sandy soil. A. Arenaria (sand-loving).* fl. lemon-yellow, about 1/2in. long, in dense clusters, with a honey-like fragrance. July. L broadly ovate, or reniform, on short, thick petioles. H. 9in. to 18in. 1865. Half-hardy perennial. SYN. A latifolia.
A. fragrans (fragrant).* fl. pure white, in terminal and axillary clusters, very delicately perfumed, expanding in the evening. May. 1865. A perennial, more or less erect in growth, forming large branching tufts from lft. To 2ft. high. Imported seeds only of this species will grow. A. latifolia (broad-leaved). A synonym of A. arenaria. A. pulchella (pretty). Fl. pink. July. h. 6in. 1848. A. rosea (rose-coloured). Fl. rose-coloured. June. h. 6in. 1857. An unimportant species.
A. umbellate (umbel-flowered).* fl. rosy pink, in dense terminal clusters, slightly scented. April. l. oval or oblong. h. 6in. to 24in. 1823. An elegant prostrate half-hardy annual; put under greenhouse culture it is a perennial. SKY. Tricratus admirabilis.