Dabœcia (the Irish Heath).—Cut away all old flower stems in early winter.
Desmodium.—These flower on the young wood, and should be cut nearly to the ground-line every spring.
Deutzia.—The old wood should be kept cut out of these, but no shortening of young shoots should be attempted.
Elæagnus.—These require an annual overhauling to keep them in good condition. This should be done in late summer, when the plants should be well thinned out, and all useless growth cut clean away.
Erica.—See Calluna.
Escallonia.—These are usually cut back by frost; but if they escape, E. rubra and E. punctata should have their long growths shortened back in spring, while the other hardy species need not be touched. E. macrantha simply needs thinning. All the smaller growths in the centre should be removed. E. philippiana does not like hard cutting back, but the old stumps must be cut out to make room for flowering wood.
PEARL BUSH (Exochorda grandiflora) SHOWING ITS NATURAL BEAUTY.
Exochorda.—These usually require no pruning, but if the plants are getting too large or unshapely, they should be cut back immediately after flowering.