DIASCIA 39 



sunny position and lime or chalk in the soil, and the lack of 

 lime is sometimes the cause of poor growth and few flowers. 



The Grenadin, Margarita, Riviera Market, and other strains 

 of early and quick flowering carnations are often referred to 

 as annual Carnations, but they are perennial, though they 

 usually fail after a couple of years. These flower well the 

 same year, from seeds sown in heat in February or March, 

 the resulting plants being hardened and finally planted out, 

 or potted, in May. It is generally agreed that these strains 

 are the result of crossing D, chinensis with D. Caryophyllus — 

 the parent of present-day Carnations. 



Dianthus Armeria, the Deptford Pink, is a native, red- 

 flowered Annual, rarely grown, but very pretty. 



DIASCIA 



A South African, Half-hardy Annual that enjoys a fair share 

 of popularity is Diascia Barberce {ScrophulariacecB), a pretty 

 plant growing i foot high and producing spurred, large-lipped 

 flowers of a pleasing and effective shade of chamois-pink. 

 This is said to have survived a Winter and flowered the second 

 year in some places, and one authority states that " in warm 

 localities it is a perennial." The late George Nicholson 

 classed it as an Annual, and most people will be satisfied with 

 that classification, a few exceptions notwithstanding. Diascia 

 Barberce should be raised in heat in March or April, or be 

 sown out-of-doors in the latter month in warm, rich soil. A 

 warm, sunny position suits it well ; it is also adapted for 

 culture in pots. 



DIMORPHOTHECA 



" Cape Daisy " 



Among the newer Annuals, the Dimorphothecas {Composite) 

 take a very prominent position ; they are of easy culture, and 



