There are numerous different varieties of dipladenia, but the one the house plant grower will most likely come across is Dipladenia rosea, which grows less vigorously than most.

Not easy to grow (many of my professional colleagues consider them difficult), we have found that by planting from six to nine of these in earthenware saucers some 3 ft. in diameter and 6 in. in depth they grow extremely well. In the larger area plants have a much better root run and respond by growing to a height of or 4 ft., which is unusually tall for this variety. Plants placed in offices in such containers also give much better results than those growing in more conventional pots. Temperature and general conditions should be similar to that recommended for the first two dracaenas.

D. marginata has red-margined spiky green leaves and attains a height of some 15 to 20 ft. when growing in a pot. However, it is a slow attains a maximum height of some 7 ft., but may produce a rather grand flowering stern at the top before it reaches its maximum height. The emergence of the flower spike is usually an indication that the plant should be cut down and used for propagating a few fresh plants, as it loses much of its appearance when producing flowers. Cuttings of stems that would seem too old for this purpose root with little difficulty.

These are divided into two groups, dracaenas and cordylines, but the majority are sold as the former, so we will risk offending and class them all as dracaenas. Very different in their appearance and in their requirements, it is not possible to lump them all together and give general advice concerning culture, so they will have to be taken individually.

Growth is upright and leaves are white and light grey in colour, making the plants very useful for incorporating in mixed arrangements where there is a backing of green plants, as is so often the case.

Anyway, as the great man said, ‘What’s in a name?’ Elegantissima is, whatever else may be said, eminently suitable, this must be one of the most attractive of houseplants, having dark green, almost black, green foliage which never looks better than when set. off in white-painted surroundings. As a solitary specimen or as part of a group, it is an invaluable display plant.