Some varieties will spill over pots, and others tend to grow more upright.
The genus, a relative of thesnapdragon, comprises about 70 different species native to South Africa.
Some varieties may be hardy down to zone 7 but the plant is usually grown as anannual flower.
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As such, it is planted in the spring after all danger of frost has passed.
After that, it can withstand some drought.
Fertilizing, especially in the spring, is equally important.
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While the plant grows best in full sun, it does not do well in extreme heat.
If you grow diascia in containers, move the container to a protected spot.
Soil
Diascia prefers a slightly acidicsoil pHbetween 6.0 and 6.5.
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The soil should be fertile and well-drained.
Water
Diascia needs regular water, but it doesnt like to sit in wet soil.
If growing it in a container, check that there are adequate drainage holes.
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As a general guide, water when the top 1 inch of soil or potting mix feels dry.
Temperature and Humidity
Diascia prefers cooler temperatures, and it flowers best in the spring and fall.
They will perk back up when it cools off.
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Diascia is somewhat frost-tolerant and can be kept going well into the fall.
Fertilizer
Aslow-release fertilizerworks best.
However, don’t fertilize more frequently than directed on the label, or youll get leggy plants.
Types of Diascia (Twinspur)
The genus Diascia comprises 70 species, both annuals and perennials.
Different varieties of diascia range from about 6 to 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide.
Propagating Diascia
Diascia can be propagated from cuttings.
In warm climates, diascia can also bedirect seeded.
Note that seed collected from anyhybriddiascia wontgrow true from seed.
Potting and Repotting
Diascia is a natural for containers.
To ensure good drainage, use containers with large drainage holes and well-draining potting mix.
As diascia is mostly grown as an annual container plant, repotting won’t be necessary.
You often find these slimy critters under the plant’s foliage.
The simplest way to mitigate the problem is to lift the plants off the ground.
Apply a fertilizer high in phosphorus to encourage blooming.
Common Problems with Diascia
The plants are relatively care-free and do not have any particular issues.
It repeat blooms throughout the summer, although it performs best in the cool weather of spring and fall.
They are two related members of the same plant family.Nemesiais also native to South Africa but a different species.
