Part 15

Dimorphantus (Aralia Sinensis).--The Dimorphantus Mandschuricus is one of the noblest of deciduous shrubs, the foliage being very large and much divided. Any soil is suitable for its growth, and it may be propagated by cuttings of ripe wood, taken at a joint and planted on a shaded site. It produces its flowers at midsummer. Height, 4 ft. to 6 ft.

Dimorphotheca Ecklonis.--This plant is not perhaps quite hardy, still it may be grown out of doors in a sheltered, sunny situation. It grows well in sandy loam and leaf-mould, and requires a good deal of moisture in the summer months, though from autumn till spring it should be kept on the dry side. During winter it is safest to afford it protection. It is generally raised from cuttings late in summer, which are kept through the winter in small pots in the greenhouse.

Diphylleia Cymosa.--A very pretty bog plant which blooms from June to August. Plant in rich, light soil, and give plenty of water. It is propagated by division. Height, 9 in.

Diplacus Glutinosus (Hard-wooded Mimulus).--This elegant greenhouse shrub is an evergreen which delights in a rich, sandy loam. It flowers in June, and is increased by cuttings. Height, 3 ft.

Diplopappus.--Dwarf-growing evergreen shrubs of pretty habit. The golden stems and leaves of D. Chrysophylla render that variety specially attractive. A sandy loam is most suitable for their growth. They require the warmest situation the garden affords, and to be protected during the winter. Cuttings strike readily. They flower in August. Height, 2 ft.

Disbudding--The object of Disbudding is to prevent the growth of branches which, from their position, would be useless to the tree, and would consequently have to be cut away later on. The process is both simple and expeditious. The trees are gone over once a week during the spring, and the useless buds are rubbed off with the thumb, taking off first those which are most unfavourably situated. The work should be done gradually, so as not to give any check to the tree.

The term is also applied to the pinching out of flower-buds, such as those of the Chrysanthemum, so as to give more room and strength to the remaining blooms.

Disemma.--Splendid evergreen climbers, suitable either for the greenhouse or in a sheltered position out of doors. Plant in rich, loamy soil mixed with peat, and, if grown in the open, give protection to the roots during the winter. They flower in July, and may be increased by cuttings planted in sand under glass. Height, 20 ft. to 30 ft.

Dittany.--See "Cunila."

Docks, to Kill.--Cut the weeds down to the ground, and run a skewer dipped in vitriol through the roots.

Dodecatheon.--A hardy perennial, which is very ornamental when in flower. It grows best in a loamy soil, and is easily increased by dividing the roots. Blooms in May. Height, 1 ft.

Dog's-Tooth Violets.--See "Violets."

Dolichos Lablab.--Half-hardy annuals. The seed should be sown in spring in pots placed in heat, and kept in the hothouse till May, when the plants may be set out in a sheltered position, placing sticks for them to run up, in the like manner to Beans. Flower in July. Height, 6 ft.

Dondia Epipactis.--A very pretty and extremely hardy little perennial, suitable for either pot culture or rock-work. It thrives in peat or leaf-mould, and likes a moist position. Strong clumps may be divided in February, but it is rather shy at being moved. It flowers in May. Height, 6 in.

Doronicum (Leopards Bane).--An ornamental hardy perennial. It will grow in any garden soil, and may be propagated from seed sown either in the autumn or spring, or by dividing the root. It produces its flowers in May. Height, 1-1/2 ft.

Draba.--Pretty dwarf Alpine plants which bloom during April and May; very suitable for rock-work. They flourish in a compost of loam and peat, and may be propagated by seed or division. Height, 1-1/2 in. to 3 in.

Dracaena Indivisa.--A stove evergreen shrub much valued for its foliage and as a table plant. It requires a light, loamy soil and plenty of light. Cuttings stuck in tan or peat and sand, and provided with strong heat, will strike. It flowers in June. Height, 3 ft.

Dracocephalum (Dragon's Head).--Ornamental plants, mostly bearing lilac or blue flowers. Many of the half-hardy kinds are grown in pots, so that they may the more readily be removed to the greenhouse in winter. The perennials are propagated by dividing the roots. The annuals are increased from seed sown in March or early in April. They like a rich, light soil, and come into bloom in June and July. Height, 1 ft. to 2 ft.

Dracophyllum.--Greenhouse evergreen shrubs of an ornamental character. The pots should be filled with an equal mixture of sand and peat. They are propagated by planting the young shoots in sand, covering them with a hand-glass, and plunging them in heat. They flower in June. Height, 2 ft.

Dragon's Head.--See "Dracocephalum."

Dryas Octopetala (Mountain Avens).--A prostrate, creeping perennial which bears white Anemone-like flowers from July to September. It thrives in peat, and is increased by seeds, cuttings, or division. Not being quite hardy, protection should be afforded during winter. Height, 6 in.

Dutchman's Pipe--See "Aristolochia."

Earwigs, to Trap.--An inverted flower-pot, containing a little dry moss or hay, placed on a stick, forms a good trap for these pests. They will also congregate in any hollow stems of plants that may be laid about. They may be destroyed by shaking them into boiling water.

Eccremocarpus (Calampelis).--These climbing half-hardy perennials will grow in any garden soil, a light, loamy one being preferable. Sow the seed in autumn on a slight hotbed, pot off, and winter in a greenhouse. The plants will be ready to turn out on a warm south wall in April or May. Cut them down in the autumn, and cover the roots with dry leaves: they will shoot up again in the spring. The foliage is dark and Clematis-like; the flowers are borne in clusters, are tube-shaped, and bright orange-scarlet in colour. They are increased by cuttings.

Echeveria.--Choice greenhouse evergreen shrubs. They grow best in a sandy loam, with a little peat, mixed with pulverised brick rubbish. Water must be given cautiously. Young plants may be taken off the parent in October and pressed firmly, but without bruising them, in light, rich soil. Cuttings should be left for a few days to dry before planting. They flower in autumn. In winter keep them in a cold frame, and as dry as possible. Height, 1 ft. to 2 ft.

Echinacea Purpurea (Purple Cone Flower).--A stately hardy perennial, very pretty when in flower, but hardly suitable for cutting purposes. It likes a rich, light, loam soil and plenty of sunshine. The roots may be divided in spring, after growth has fairly started. It blooms during September and October. Height, 2-1/2 ft.

Echinops (Globe Thistle).--Coarse perennial plants, of stiff growth. Any soil suits them, and they may be increased by dividing the roots. They bloom in July. Height, 4 ft.

Echium Creticum.--A scarlet-flowering hardy annual which should be grown wherever bees are kept. Sow in spring in any garden soil. Height, 1-1/2 ft.