92 DIASCIA BARBERS 



DIAS'CIA Barbetrce (from Gr. diaskeo, to adorn, in allusion 

 to the beauty of the flower). Nat. Ord. Scrophu- 

 lariacece. 



A charming little annual from S. Africa, 

 resembling Nemesia, to which it is allied. Its 

 spurred coral-pink flowers are freely produced on 

 slender branching stems during the summer months. 

 An excellent plant for small beds or in groups in 

 a border. About 8 ins. high. 



Sow the seed in pans on a hot-bed in February 

 or March, and plant out in May in light soil in a 

 sunny position. Under exceptional circumstances 

 it has been known to survive a winter and to bloom 

 again the following summer. 



DIDIS'CUS (from Gr. di, meaning twice, and diskos, a 

 flat disc). Nat. Ord. Umbelliferce. 



C. cceru'lem is a half-hardy annual which grows 

 about 18 ins. high. It is not particularly 

 showy, but the branched umbels or thick 

 clusters of lavender flowers, 2 ins. across, 

 are neat and pretty, and last well in water 

 when cut. These appear in July and continue 

 to bloom till September. Being a native of 

 Australia, whence it was brought in 1827, 

 it requires a hot summer to bring it to per- 

 fection and full sun striking on it. The edge 

 of the mixed border is the best place for it. 

 Syn., Trachyme'ne ccerulea. 



Sow in a hot-bed temp. 65, or in boxes of light 

 soil, in March. Prick off the seedlings into pots, 



