Diascia

Diascia flower - family. Scrophulariaceae.

Origin. South Africa.

Description. Diascia is a genus of annual or perennial small plants grown for their very beautiful flowers, which appear so profusely that they practically hide the foliage. The leaves are heart-shaped, with jagged edges, green. The inflorescences are multi-flowered, loose, appearing on the tops of thin, erect stems. The flowers are small, pink, salmon, orange, purple, crimson, sometimes bicolor, and appear from spring to late autumn.

Height. About 30 cm.

Planting and care

Reproduction - growing from seeds 

The flower is propagated by semi-mature stem cuttings in late spring and summer. For propagation, use seeds that are sown in spring. The seeds need light to germinate, so just press them lightly into the soil, but do not cover them with soil. Germination depends on the freshness of the planting material. Plants obtained from seeds collected at home may not inherit the beauty of their parents. Germination occurs within about 2 weeks.

Growing conditions - temperature

Normal room temperature from spring to autumn. If kept too hot, flowering may stop. In winter - keep cool no higher than 15 ° C. 

Soil

The bush should be grown in fertile, organically rich soil, moist but well drained. Prefers soil with a slightly acidic pH - about 6.0 - 6.5.

When it blooms 

The first buds form in April; flowering is also observed in summer, although not as abundant. Repeated flowering is possible with proper care in the autumn period.

Lighting

Prefers a brightly lit place with direct sunlight on the plant in the morning and evening.

Care, pinching

If the bush becomes unkempt and elongated with age, cut its stems in half, this will promote the formation of a new wave of buds. To prolong the flowering period, remove faded flowers in a timely manner.

Fertilizer

During the growing season, feed every 2 weeks. With excess nutrients, diascia will grow abundant green mass to the detriment of flowering, becoming elongated and disheveled. Use nutrient solutions with sufficient potassium and phosphorus. These elements directly affect the formation of flowers.

Spraying

Spray periodically. 

Watering

Diascia needs regular watering, but make sure that the water does not stagnate in the pan. The soil must have good drainage.

Transplant

Sometimes grown as an annual plant, but in the spring the bush can be transplanted into fresh soil and once again enjoy the riot of flowers.

Pests and diseases

When grown in open ground, the plant becomes a favorite food of slugs and snails.

Purpose

Often used in landscaping loggias, terraces and balconies, and for growing in hanging baskets. 

Varieties:

Diascia barberae

A compact flowering herbaceous plant with a height of 20 to 30 cm. In warm climates, the plants remain evergreen, but with the onset of frost, the entire above-ground part dies off. The stems are thin, flexible, branching. The leaves are green, heart-shaped. During the flowering period, small but bright flowers in shades of pink, lilac, coral, white, and orange are formed on the tops of the shoots. Flowers open in sequence - from the base of the peduncles to the tops, extending the total flowering time to 4 - 6 weeks. The flowering is so profuse that the buds can completely hide the foliage.