Plants D-K

Dianthus is a large and varied genus of some 300 species mainly from Europe and Asia. Hybridizing has produced a number of groups specifically for garden or cut flowers. Dianthus 'Doris' is classed a a Modern Pink, a group that forms dense mounds of grey-green leaves to 25 x 60 cm and erect stems carrying 4 to 6 very fragrant single or fully double flowers in shades of white, pink or crimson. Doris is a scented pale pink double with a deeper pink centre, and is perfect for cutting. Plants are best cultivated in a sunny position in well drained, improved, slightly alkaline soil provided with moderate amounts of water.

Duvernoia adhatoides is native to tropical Africa and belongs to the acanthus family. It is best grown in free draining compost-enriched soil in a sheltered sunny spot or in light shade. Reasonably drought tolerant once established but frost sensitive. A shrub that should be more widely grown for its neat shape, reliable flowering and low maintenance nature.

Often referred to as Ligularia, this evergreen species and its relatives are native to temperate Asia. Ideal for moist shady spots with free draining soil it is fully frost hardy. The creamy leaf variegations add welcome highlights to shaded areas. In late summer and autumn clusters of yellow daisy flowers are produced on stems up to 1 m tall

Often referred to as Ligularia, this evergreen species and its relatives are native to temperate Asia. Ideal for moist shady spots with free draining soil, it is fully frost hardy. The golden yellow leaf spots add welcome highlights to shaded areas. If exposed to strong direct sun light the spots will discolor. In late summer and autumn clusters of yellow daisy flowers are produced on stems up to 1 m tall

The genus Gaillardia contains about 30 species of annuals and perennials from prairies and hillsides in North and South America. They produce basal rosettes of lobed leaves and then leafy stems bearing brightly colored flower heads in shades of red, orange and yellow. They grow best in well drained fertile soil but will also tolerate poor soil conditions. Dead head regularly to encourage flowering, and then cut them back to 10 cm in late autumn to encourage new basal shoots which usually over winter well. Gaillardia x grandiflora is a bushy often short-lived perennial with flower heads up to 10 cm across. The yellow ray florets are variously touched red towards the base. Mesa Yellow is a pure yellow form. Much around plants to prevent wilting on windy days.

Gelsemium is a genus of three evergreen climbers from the southern states of the USA, Central America and southeast Asia. Ideal for training over a pergola or arch where their scent can be appreciated, or for use as a ground cover. They are best grown in free draining improved soil supplied with moderate amounts of water, and once established will tolerate light frosts. Position in a sunny spot protected from drying winds. Carolina Jasmine is the only species commonly cultivated but like so many plants it seems to have slipped off the industry radar. easily grown it should be much more commonly available Note - toxic if consumed, and pollen is harmful to bees.

The name Geranium is frequently misapplied to members of the genus Pelargonium. True geraniums are distinguished by their symmetrical flowers, simple seeds lacking awns or plumes and their often mounding growth habit. Pelargoniums on the other hand have flowers with two petals pointing up and three pointing downwards, are more often shrubby and have plumed seeds. True geraniums are a collector's delight and fit well into less structured gardens. Greanium traversii comes from coastal cliffs of the Chatham islands off the southern coast of New Zealand. The cultivar Seaspray has 15 mm pink flowers held above the silvery grey-green foliage, and is an easy to grow variety suited to hanging baskets, rockeries or under planting shrubs such as roses. It is best grown in moist improved soil in a shelters sunny position or in dappled light in hotter areas, and is tolerant of frosts.

From a small genus all found in Brazil, these epiphytic free-branching succulents have pendulous jointed stems ideally suited to a hanging basket. Best grown in gritty free draining soil and allowed to dry out between waterings. Position in full sun or light shade and protect from heavy frosts. Drunkard's Dream can be treasured for its name alone, but it is also such an unusual succulent it makes a good contrast in a mixed planting. Great if looking for something that resembles coral. Water only occasionally

Heliotropium comprises some 250 species of annuals, perennials and shrubs from most warmer parts of the world. H. arborescens is from the Peruvian Andes and grows to 75 cm high and 1 meter wide. It has dark green wrinkled leaves and teh clusters of small purple flowers are attractive to butterflies. It is best grown in a sunny position in well drained improved soil supplied with moderate amounts of water. it is not frost tolerant.

Hibiscus is a genus of more than 200 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs, trees, annuals and perennials widely distributed in the warmer climates of the world. Best grown in moderately fertile soil with two deep waterings a week in summer, hibiscus need long hot summers to flower best. From tropical Africa, H. schizopetalus has unusual and extraordinarily beautiful flowers. Although they appear delicate, the shrub is none the less extremely hardy and well suited to gardens in warmer parts of WA. Unfortunately it will be difficult yo grow in frost-prone areas. It requires no pruning and in my garden has been pest free.

There is only one species in this genus from eastern Asia. It is a creeping perennial dying back in winter and re-shooting in spring. Best grown in a sheltered sunny spot or in light shade in hotter areas, it prefers a moist somewhat boggy area and can even be grown in shallow water.Tthe leaf colours are best seen in sunny areas. Houttuynia produces flowers with four petals in summer. Can be invasive in very moist areas.

A diverse group of about 130 species mainly from tropical Africa and Madagascar. It includes annual, and perennial succulents as well as shrubs, l nd small trees. The majority are grown for their attractive and structural foliage but several varieties also have good floral displays. Grow in a sunny or lightly shaded position in well drained soil with only light watering during the winter months. They are very drought tolerant but are not frost tolerant. K. grandiflora is a valuable landscape addition with its beautiful blue green leaves. It is also an easy plant to grow in a pot and it can then use as an accent.

A diverse group of about 130 species mainly from tropical Africa and Madagascar. It includes annual, and perennial succulents as well as shrubs, l nd small trees. The majority are grown for their attractive and structural foliage but several varieties also have good floral displays. Grow in a sunny or lightly shaded position in well drained soil with only light watering during the winter months. They are very drought tolerant but are not frost tolerant. Kalanchoe quicksilver is a wonderful drought tolerant succulent for use in full sun or light shade. It also makes a spectacular easy care hanging basket.