This sprawling, semi-evergreen perennial is native to South Africa and is a member of the figwort family, Scrophylariaceae, that also includes butterfly bush, mullein, and nemesia. It grows up 10- 12″ tall from a stoloniferous root system and has glandular tipped hairs covering its slim wiry stems and heart-shaped, mid-green, 1″ long leaves. From late spring to fall loose terminal racemes carry salmon-pink, cup-shaped flowers that have 5 lobes and bear a ‘moustache’ of dark glands in a straight line on the lower lobe under the stamens. Plants are very floriferous and a good choice for borders, cottage garden, and containers. The genus name, Diascia, comes from the Greek di meaning two and askos meaning pouch, referring to the two sacs of the type species.
Type: Semi-evergreen perennial
Bloom: Loose terminal racemes of cup-shaped, 5 lobed, salmon pink flowers from late spring to fall
Size: 10-12′ H x 20-50″ W
Light: Full sun, partial shade
Soil: Fertile, moderately moist, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 8-10; does not do well in high heat and humidity
Care: Deardhead to extend bloom time; cut back if blooming ceases to encourage rebloom
Pests and Diseases: Slugs, snails
Propagation: Soft wood cuttings in summer, division
Companion Plants: Artemesia, lavender, Gaura, Scabios ‘Butterfly Blue’
Outstanding Selections: ‘Daydream’
Karen Meyers