Diascia - Twinspur

(Dias'cia)

DESCRIPTION: This is a group of annuals and perennials grown for their pretty flowers. They are found wild in South Africa, the Drakensberg mountains and West Lesotho. D. rigescens is a perennial with heart shaped, serrated, medium green leaves and thick, erect spikes of spurred, flat-faced, salmon-pink flowers throughout the summer. It grows up to 9 inches high. D. vigilis is also a perennial and has narrow, oval, pale green leaves with toothed edges. Its flat, clear pink flowers are produced in loose, upright spires during the summer. This variety grows 12 to 16 inches high. D. barberae is an annual that produces rose-pink flowers on thin stems during the summer. It grows about 10 inches high.

POTTING: Diascias, also called Twinspur, should be grown in fertile, humus-rich soil that is moist but well-drained. They should have exposure to full sun.

PROPAGATION: Fresh seed may be sown or softwood cuttings may be taken in the spring, or semi-ripe cuttings in the summer.

VARIETIES: D. rigescens; D. vigilis; D. barberae.

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