Diascia 'Elizabeth'

Water

Twinspur should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. During hot or windy weather, more frequent watering may be necessary, perhaps twice a week. Ensure proper drainage to avoid waterlogging as Twinspur does not like soils that remain consistently wet. Generally, aim for about 1 to 1.5 gallons per watering for an established plant in the landscape to sufficiently hydrate the root zone.

Light

Twinspur thrives best in full sun to partial shade; it requires at least 6 hours of sunlight a day to flower profusely. Morning sun with some afternoon shade is ideal, especially in hotter climates, to prevent scorching. This plant will still grow in more shaded areas but may produce fewer flowers.

Temperature

Twinspur performs well in a temperature range of 40°F to 80°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 30°F, but frost and prolonged cold can damage the plant. Ideal temperatures for vigorous growth and blooming are between 60°F and 70°F.

Pruning

Pruning Twinspur is essential to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch back the tips of the stems in the spring and regularly deadhead spent flowers to promote further blooming. The best time for pruning is after a flush of blooms has finished, trimming the plant back by about one-third.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Twinspur 'Elizabeth' thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of two parts peat moss, one part perlite, and one part loam creates an ideal environment. Maintain a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Twinspur 'Elizabeth' should be repotted every one to two years to replenish its soil and facilitate robust growth, or when it outgrows its current pot.

Humidity & Misting

Twinspur 'Elizabeth' prefers moderate humidity levels; try to maintain humidity around 50% for optimal health.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Twinspur 'Elizabeth' in bright, indirect light indoors.

• Outdoor

  Grow Twinspur 'Elizabeth' in partial sun with protection from harsh rays.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

Diascia 'Elizabeth', commonly known as Twinspur, begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate, typically in the spring when the soil has warmed. Once germination occurs, seedlings emerge and establish a root system, following which the plant undergoes vegetative growth, developing foliage and hardening off to withstand conditions such as wind and mild drought. As Twinspur matures, it enters the flowering stage, characterized by the production of ornate, spurred flowers that attract pollinators and may continue to bloom throughout the growing season if conditions are favorable and deadheading occurs. After pollination, the flowers will set seed, ensuring the continuation of the species. As temperatures begin to drop towards the end of the growing season, Diascia 'Elizabeth' enters a period of senescence, during which above-ground growth dies back, especially in regions with colder climates, though it may behave as a perennial in milder regions by overwintering and returning the following spring. Throughout its life, the plant will undergo various cycles of budding, flowering, and seed setting if optimal conditions are maintained.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: Diascia 'Elizabeth', commonly known as Twinspur, is often propagated through stem cuttings, ideally taken in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate using stem cuttings, you would select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a length of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm). Strip the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to encourage root development. Next, insert the cutting into a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. It's important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged and to place the pot in a warm area with indirect sunlight. The cuttings generally take root within a few weeks, after which they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden.