Colours of the Cape in border or container
Once upon a time, there was a tiny plant living far away in the wilds of South Africa.
To grow it in the chilly UK meant that the gardener possessed a greenhouse or a conservatory or lived somewhere mild enough to allow said little plant to be grown as an edging to beds and borders.
Things changed when container planting became all the rage and nurseries began to offer diascia in a wide variety of colours.
Now they are a common sight, blooming beautifully from July until the first frosts. Alternatively, they can be lifted from the soil before things get too cold. In mild areas they may survive outdoors; otherwise, they need to be given protection over the winter.
In the garden, diascia are best planted in a sunny, sheltered spot in a moist, welldrained soil of sand, chalk and loam.
If they start to grow straggly, cut them back in late April and again in late August. Pinch out the tops to encourage the plants to grow bushier and produce more flowers.
These are plants that should never be allowed to dry out – water frequently.
Diascia can be propagated by cuttings taken between May and September. Alternatively, sow seeds under glass in early spring. Prick out, pot on and harden off before planting out once all danger of frost is over. They can also be propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. Overwinter young plants under cover.
Among the most popular varieties are: Diascia “Rupert Lambert”: A vigorous spreading perennial, with narrow leaves and deep pink flowers 2cm across, borne in long racemes in summer.
Diascia “Salmon Supreme”: Another spreading perennial with small, ovate leaves and short, slender stems bearing clusters of pale orange-pink flowers. Diascia barberae”Ruby Field”: A semievergreen perennial forming a mat of light green leaves.
Diascia “Rose Queen”: Even more eye-catching, producing a profusion of exquisite rose pink flowers.