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.