About

This compact, mound-forming, eventually trailing, perennial often grown as an annual. It has pointed, oval, semi-evergreen leaves, with wiry stems that bear loose spikes of orange-red, two-spurred flowers in summer and 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, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3

Plant details

Plant typeBedding, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming, Trailing
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, Hanging basket, Patio and container plants

Care notes

CultivationGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Water in dry periods. Provide protection from frosts.
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