Diascia Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 22nd Oct 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Diascia plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
- Plant Characteristics: Diascia plants display delicate tubular flowers that can add a touch of elegance to gardens. Their continuous blooming makes them a delightful and vibrant choice.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: These plants prefer full sun to partial shade, and will thrive in well-drained, moderately fertile soil.
- General Care: Regular watering is important, but avoid waterlogged conditions. Deadheading can extend their blooming period.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Twinspurs are suitable for novices due to their forgiving nature. Plants are generally pest-resistant, but protection from harsh frost is essential.
Twinspur: Cultivation & Garden Use
Plants of the Diascia family are low growing half hardy annuals or half hardy perennials.
They bloom in the summer with pink flowers atop 25 cm long stems and their size makes them ideal for in rock gardens or for use in a border.
One of the common names for Diascia is Twinspur.
Diascia integerrima by Anniesannuals.
How to grow Diascia
Diascia seeds should be sown outdoors after the last frost of spring. Once sown the seed should be lightly covered.
Diascia prefers to grow in a sunny area of the garden that has good drainage. They should be sown at about 15 cm to 30 cm apart, depending on whether it is a spreading species or not. Twinspur should ideally be grown in a soil that is rich in humus.
If you prefer to grow Twinspur indoors first, then the process should take place about seven weeks before the plants are transplanted back into the garden following the final frost of spring.
Diascia species take about two to four weeks to germinate at at temperature of 15 degrees centigrade.
Diasca by Dryfish.
Caring for Twinspur in the Garden
Once Twinspur is established in the garden the tips of the young plants should be pinched; this will encourage bushy growth.
Cutting back following flowering will encourage further blooming of Diascia plants.
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Diascia Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Twinspur.Life Cycle: Half hardy annual. Half hardy perennial.
Height: 10 to 15 inches (25 to 45 cm); Diascia personata may reach heights of 48 inches (120cm).
Native: Southern Africa.
Growing Region: Zones 2 to 10.
Flowers: Summer.
Flower Details: Pink, apricot, red, lilac, white. Two spurs on the back of the flower. Loose racemes.
Foliage: Herbaceous. Evergreen.
Sow Outside: Cover seeds. First half of spring. Spacing: 5 to 16 inches (12 to 40 cm).
Sow Inside: Germination time: two to four weeks. Temperature 60°F (15°C). Eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors following the last frost.
Requirements: Full sunlight. Good drainage. Humus rich. Regular watering. Pinch tips. Rock chip mulch. Feed perennials twice per annum. Propagate: stem cuttings in spring.
Family: Scrophulariaceae.
Miscellaneous: Flowers contain oil glands that are attractive to bees of the Rediviva genus.
Common Questions
How many members does the Diascia genus have?
There are around 70 species in the Diascia genus presently.
Do members of Diascia make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, Diascia are often used in hanging baskets and containers for their abundant, delicate blooms.
Which Diascia species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
Diascia barberae (Twinspur) is a commonly grown species due to its attractive pink flowers.
Are members of the Diascia plant genus fragrant?
Most Diascia species are not particularly fragrant, they are mostly grown for their lovely flowers.
What is the perfect location to grow Diascia?
Diascia plants do well in full sun to partial shade and prefer well-drained soil.
Is Diascia invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Currently, Diascia is not known to be invasive in the USA.
How do I remove Diascia plants from my garden?
To remove Diascia, simply uproot the plants. Make sure to remove all roots to prevent regrowth.
Summary
The Diascia genus is a group of annuals and perennials native to southern Africa. They are known for their delicate, snapdragon-like flowers that bloom prolifically in cool weather, making them a popular choice for spring and fall gardens.
Diascia prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. While it can tolerate dry conditions, consistent watering will promote more vigorous growth and flowering. Diascia can be grown from seeds or purchased as bedding plants, and it's often used in containers or as a trailing plant in hanging baskets.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Diascia plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Asarina and Nemesia plants.
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