Consulta Plantas

Care of the plant Diascia barberae or Twinspur

The genus Diascia, family Scrophulaceae, includes 70 species of herbaceous plants native to southern Africa. Some species are: Diascia barberae, Diascia bicolor, Diascia nana, Diascia stricta, Diascia gracilis, Diascia insignis, Diascia cordata.

Common names: Twinspur, Barber's Diascia. This species is native to South Africa.

They are small perennial plants with a creeping bearing that reach 30 cm (11.8") in height. They have glossy, oval or heart-shaped leaves with slightly serrated edges. The flowers are very interesting for their long flowering (summer and autumn); they measure 2 cm (0.78") in diameter and are pink in color; there are varieties of other colors.

Twinspur is used in pots, on rockeries and to cover sunny slopes. It combines very well with Campanula, Bidens and Brachycome.

Diascia barberae prefers full sun exposure but can be grown in semi-shade and shade. It resists frost down to -5 ºC (23 ºF).

The soil must be well drained and contain abundant organic matter.

Water regularly so that the soil is always a little damp. In summer water every 2 days.

Fertilize with organic matter (manure, humus, compost) in early spring.

Prune withered flowers to favor the appearance of new ones. In early spring, prune 5 cm (1.96") from the ground so that they branch.

Diascia barberae is a quite resistant plant to the usual pests; it can sometimes be attacked by slugs and snails.

Barber's Diascia propagates by seeds sown in early spring or by division.

Images of the plant Diascia barberae or Twinspur