About
Diascia vigilis, the elf spur, is a mat-forming, semi-evergreen perennial to 30 cm tall with small, broadly oval, pale-green leaves and loose, slender, erect spires of pale-pink, two-spurred flowers. A delicate and charming diascia for a sunny, well-drained border or container.
About the genus
Diascia, the twinspurs, are mat-forming or spreading annuals and semi-evergreen perennials from South Africa with neat, toothed foliage and slender racemes of cup-shaped, two-spurred flowers in pink, salmon or white. Popular and free-flowering plants for sunny borders, rockeries and containers.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeBedding, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toS Africa (Cape)
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Water in dry periods. Provide protection from frosts This plant was included in the RHS Diascia (twinspur) perennial trial 2024-2025
PruningNo pruning required. Cut back old stems to ground level in spring.
PropagationPropagate by seed or from softwood cuttings in spring, or semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free