Crucianella Stylosa

Crucianella Stylosa, the Crosswort, grows about six inches high, and has rosy flowers.

Delphiniums

Delphiniums (several useful species of perennial Larkspur) come true from seed, although the florists' varieties are best propagated by division. Cardinale, scarlet, three to five feet high; Cashmirianum, blue, and its white variety, both about eighteen inches high; Formosum, deep blue, three to four feet high, and its lighter coloured variety Coelestinum; and Grandiflorum, deep blue, dwarf, are all good. Nor should Nudicaule be neglected. This beautiful dwarf perennial Larkspur has scarlet flowers, and is a very fine plant.

The Dianthuses

The Dianthuses comprise a large number of beautiful species, prominent among which is Barbatus, the Sweet William. One can now get splendid Sweet Williams in scarlet, salmon, and pink, which come true from seed. As border plants, I consider these to be much more desirable than the Auricula-eyed, of which florists were once so proud. The Indian and Japanese Pinks are also Dianthuses. I have shown already how these can be flowered from seed the same year by sowing under glass in winter; but they may be sown in the garden in June if desired for flowering the following year. Several of the perennial Dianthuses are beautiful plants for the rock garden, and of those which can be raised from seed I may name Caesius, the Cheddar Pink, rose; Deltoides, the Maiden Pink, rose, and its white variety, Albus; Neglectus, rosy carmine; and Superbus, rose.

Dictamnus Albus

Dictamnus Albus, the Fraxinella or so-called "Burning Bush," is a handsome and extraordinary plant.

After a hot day the plant becomes surrounded by flame if a match is applied to it, and a powerful aroma is diffused. It grows three to four feet high.

Digitalis Purpurea

Digitalis Purpurea is our old friend the Foxglove, and handsome spotted forms of it can be got. The varietal name of Gloxiniaeflora indicates what the florist has aimed at. Foxglove seed may be broadcasted in the wild garden, where the tall spikes of bloom are very effective.

The Doronicums (Leopard's Banes)

The Doronicums (Leopard's Banes), which rank amongst the most useful of yellow-flowered perennials on account of their early blooming, may be raised from seed.

The Drabas (Whitlow Grass)

The Drabas (Whitlow Grass) are pretty rock plants, and flower freely. Alpina, yellow, is one of the best known.

The Dracocephalums, Or Dragons' Heads

The Dracocephalums, Or Dragons' Heads, have the merit of remaining long in bloom. Ruyschiana and its variety Japonicum, the former with deep lilac and the latter with purple flowers, are perhaps the best. I have found them to do almost equally well on clayey and chalky soils.

Dryas Octopetala

Dryas Octopetala is a charming trailing evergreen, with large white flowers that resemble Anemones. It is suitable for the rockery.