320 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



during the growing season, and keep them somewhat dry at the roots during the 

 winter. 



dalechampia. — D. Eoezliana is the only species of this genus in cultivation, and 

 has not become so popular as was anticipated when it was first introduced. It is a 

 dwarf evergreen shrub. The beauty of the inflorescence consists in the coloured bracts. 

 There are both rose and white forms. Propagation is effected in the spring by cuttings 

 inserted in sandy peat, under glass, in a temperature of 80°, and the plants thrive 

 in a mixture of equal parts loam, peat, leaf soil and sand, under ordinary stove 

 treatment. 



dichorisandra. — Comprised in this genus of stove herbaceous perennials are 

 species which have both attractive flowers and ornamental foliage. D. musaica, 

 is a noteworthy instance, having prettily veined leaves, and bright azure - blue 

 flowers in terminal trusses in the autumn. Eegina, tamensis, and undata are also 

 desirable species. All can be increased either by division, cuttings, or seeds. Pot 

 the plants in equal parts of loam, peat, leaf soil, and silver sand. They succeed 

 on a close, damp stage in an ordinary stove temperature, whence they can be 

 shaded from the sun, and receive abundance of water during the summer. Keep them 

 moderately dry at the roots during the winter, and they must not be then subjected to 

 the low temperature of a greenhouse. 



didymocarpus. — Of this rather large genus of stove herbaceous perennials only a 

 very small number of species are considered worthy of cultivation. D. crinita, from Palo- 

 Penang, attains a height of 1 foot, and produces white flowers, tinged with purple, on 

 peduncles, two to five together, in July. The primrose-leaved species (D. primulgefolia), 

 from Ceylon, produces lilac flowers freely in November ; but neither of the foregoing is so 

 attractive as the more recently introduced D. malayanus. The leaves of this novelty 

 are about 3 inches long, prettily veined and hairy. "Well-grown plants afford a profusion 

 of primrose flowers, with a darker yellow blotch in the lower segments of the limb, borne 

 on erect peduncles during the summer. Cuttings of young side-shoots, obtained from 

 plants just commencing growth in March or April, root freely in sandy soil under a 

 bell-glass, in a temperature of 80° to 85°. Pot the young plants in equal parts of peat 

 and loam, with a fourth part of fine cow manure and some sand intermixed. They 

 will thrive and flower in ordinary stove heat, and should be rested in a temperature of 55° 

 to 65°, keeping them somewhat dry. Ee-pot and start the plants into active growth in 

 February or March. 



