About
A bushy, trailing, borderline hardy perennial, often grown as an annual. It has small mid-green, oval, semi-evergreen leaves and wiry stems that bear an abundant froth of large pink-purple, two-spurred flowers in succession from summer to early autumn. Height around 30cm (12in)
About the genus
Diascia can be annuals or semi-evergreen perennials, usually making a mat of neat foliage with racemes of cup or bell-shaped flowers, usually in shades of pink, and each with two short spurs
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
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeBedding, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
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, Hanging basket
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 softwood cuttings in spring, or semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free