Darla Orange Diascia Plant

Darla Orange Diascia is a colorful, long-flowering variety that produces small tubular shaped flowers with a prominent lip and rear spurs. They are a favorite of bees and butterflies. The compact habit fits well as a border plant, in containers, window boxes, and in hanging baskets. Blooms may temporarily stop during the hottest months of the year. Twinspur plants grows well in full to part sun with moist, well-drained soil.

Planting Instructions:

• - Plant in spring after the last frost date
• - Space plants 8-12 inches apart
• - Ideal for containers, hanging baskets, or as a border plant

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 6.0-7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
• - Well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter

Watering Specifics:

• - Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
• - Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases
• - Diascia prefers cool, moist conditions

Fertilizer Type:

• - Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season
• - Alternatively, use a slow-release fertilizer in spring and mid-summer
• - Reduce fertilizing during hot summer periods

Pruning and Training:

• - Pinch back young plants to encourage bushiness
• - Deadhead spent blooms to promote continuous flowering
• - Trim back by one-third after the first flush of blooms to rejuvenate
• - Cut back leggy growth to maintain shape

Additional Pest Management:

• - Watch for common pests like aphids and spider mites
• - Monitor for powdery mildew, especially in humid conditions

Blooming Indicators:

• - Produces masses of small, delicate flowers
• - Blooms from spring through fall, with a possible lull in hot summer
• - Flowers have distinctive twin spurs behind each bloom

Light Requirements:

• - Prefers full sun to partial shade
• - In hot climates, afternoon shade is beneficial

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Thrives in temperatures between 60-75°F
• - Can tolerate light frost, but protect when temperatures drop below 35°F

Companion Plants for Diascia:

• - Lobelia: Offers small flowers in complementary colors, especially blue
• - Bacopa: Provides trailing white or pastel flowers that pair well with Diascia
• - Nemesia: Shares similar growing conditions and offers complementary flower shapes
• - Petunias: Provides larger flowers to contrast with Diascia's delicate blooms
• - Heliotrope: Adds fragrance and contrasting flower clusters to the mix