Darmera peltataIn spring the flower stems are borne before the foliage, allowing free view of the pale sugarpink flowers which have a sweet perfume. After the flowers have done their thing the large round, umbrella-like leaves appear and make a big architectural statement. It likes it wet, preferably by the margins of a pool. 1m (39”).
Deschampsia cespitosa ‘Bronzeschleier’ (‘Bronze Veil’)A highly distinctive tussock forming grass prized for its elegant, airy, bronze-purple tinted panicles of flowers appearing from early through to late summer. Very hardy, and preferring a moist, fertile soil in sun or semi-shade. 120cm (4ft)
Deschampsia cespitosa ‘Goldschleier’ (‘Golden Veil’)Flowers start off bright golden yellow when they first open in early summer. They then fade to the familiar bleached colour and hold on the plant right throughout the summer & winter. Rises to 120cm (4ft) in height.
Deschampsia flexuosa ‘Tatra Gold’Forms tufts up to 25cm (10”) high, that are a fresh lime-green all season long; delicate flower heads are a contrasting bronzy colour, these look especially good when freshly coated with a shower of rain. Due to its light, graceful appearance, it will fit well into the herbaceous border or woodland plot alike and prefers a lime-free soil.
Dianthus barbatus Nigrescens Group AGM.An irresistable Sweet William. Maroon tinted foliage and dark maroon flower buds opening to maroon-red dianthus flowers in summer. 40cm (16”) high. Fairly short-lived so take some cuttings in autumn.
Dianthus petraeus subsp. noeanusA delightful pink, forming a dense cushion of neat green foliage, in summer single, richly scented, pure white blooms, on long wiry stems, each heavily notched around their margins are produced. Ideal for a rock garden, front of a border or why not place it in a sink near to a seat so you can enjoy the exquisite fragrance. 15cm (6”).
Diascia fetcaniensisA robust and fully hardy Diascia species, with open racemes of rose-pink flowers borne throughout summer and well into autumn. Heart-shaped green leaves form a loose mat of foliage. Likes a free-draining soil in sun. 25cm (10”).
Diascia rigescens AGM.So glad to have this plant back in the fold. Deep rose-pink flowers on stiff, upward arching stems throughout summer and into autumn. 45cm (18”) high. Any sunny site.
Diascia vigilis AGM.Throughout the summer and until the first frosts, this plant produces masses of airy upright racemes covered in pale pink flowers. As with the previous species it is hardy and makes a good border plant. 30cm (12”).
Diascia ‘Lilac Belle’ AGM.Lilac flowers throughout summer. 20cm (8”) in height. Good in containers, rockery, raised bed or any well-drained sunny border.
Diascia ‘Ruby Field’ AGM.Mat-forming perennial growing just 15cm (6”) in height. A mass of deep pink flowers throughout summer. Good in any sunny site.
Dicentra cucullariaCompact bulbous perennial with fern-like foliage and arching stems each bearing a few small, yellow-tipped, white flowers in spring. Lies dormant in summer. 15cm (6”) high, 30cm (12”) spread. Requires part shade and moist soil.
Dicentra ‘Coldham’Clump-forming perennial with short, finely cut grey-green leaves. Arching sprays of salmonpink flowers in spring and summer.
Dictamnus albus Burning BushA highly desirable plant, not just for the attractive ash-like foliage, but also for the elegant panicles of clear white through to pink flowers borne in summer. The flowers are also popular with honeybees which ensure that the flowers are pollinated, resulting in the unusual winged seedpods that explosively expel their seed. All parts of the plant, particularly the foliage and stems exude aromatic oil reminiscent of lemons, which is not surprising since they both belong to the citrus family. Coming from Greece, it prefers a fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. 90cm (3ft).
Dierama igneumThis beautiful Angel’s Fishing Rod grows just 45-60cm (18-24”) high and has salmon-pink flowers in July-August. For a sunny spot in moisture-retentive soil.
Dierama pulcherrimumThe long sprays of pendant tubular bells, in various shades of pink, appear in summer. Then a feature often ignored, are the elegant wands with row upon row of bead-like seeds swaying in the autumn breezes. Plant in full sun, in good rich soil, with good drainage to be suitably rewarded. 90-150cm (3-5ft).
Digitalis purpurea Apricot FormAnother selection of Foxglove this time with attractive pastel shaded apricot blooms. Reaches a height of around 1.5m (5ft).
Digitalis purpurea f. albifloraA lovely Foxglove, producing tall, dense racemes of purest white, trumpet-shaped blooms in June; all held above well defined rosettes of hairy green foliage. 90-180cm (3-6ft).
Diphylleia cymosaThis perennial has twin-lobed, glossy leaves. White flowers are borne in late spring followed by blue berries. Rich moist soil in shade.
Disporopsis pernyiThis relative of Solomon’s Seal makes a handsome addition to the woodland border, growing happily in partially shaded areas of the garden. Each year it sends up short, arching stems of glossy, dark green, elliptical leaves, hanging beneath which are flared bell flowers, each creamywhite with green marking on the insides of the petals and a delicate lemon scent. 40cm (16”).
Dodecatheon meadia AGM.This beautiful member of the Primula family has pale pink flowers with reflexed petals which are produced in spring. 20cm (8”). Partial shade preferred. Summer dormant.
