Twinspur Diascia barberae 'Fisher's Flora'
ABOUT
Diascia 'Fisher's Flora', commonly known as twinspur, is an ornamental plant that is appreciated for its graceful appearance and abundant blooming nature. The plant showcases a lush spread of foliage which is typically deep green in color, providing a verdant backdrop for its delicate flowers. These leaves are often small and may have a slightly serrated edge, forming a dense mat-like growth that adds texture to garden spaces. The most distinctive feature of twinspur is its charming flowers, which are borne on thin, arching stems that rise above the foliage. The blooms are tubular with a unique, spurring extension at the back, giving the plant its common name. 'Fisher's Flora' has flowers in a lovely shade that often ranges from soft pinks to rich salmon hues, with subtle variations, sometimes showcasing a bi-color effect or boasting a throat with a contrasting color. The flowers form in clusters and are known for their long flowering period, generally throughout the warmer months. The overall appearance of twinspur is one of a gentle cascade of color, as the stems sometimes tend to tilt or hang slightly under the weight of the blooming clusters, creating a soft, mounding form. This characteristic makes it a favorite for use in hanging baskets, borders, and as a ground cover in gardens, where its floral display can be truly appreciated. Its vitality and generous flowering habit make twinspur a joy for gardeners seeking to add a long-lasting touch of color to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Scrophulariaceae
Synonyms
Twinspur, Fisher's Twinspur
Common names
Diascia barberae 'Fisher's Flora'.
ToxicityTo humans
Twinspur is generally not considered to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from consuming Twinspur, and it is not typically listed among poisonous plants. Consequently, if ingested, it is unlikely to cause harm or notable symptoms of poisoning.
To pets
Twinspur is not known to be toxic to pets either. It is not commonly cited as a hazardous plant for animals like dogs or cats, and ingestion is unlikely to result in significant symptoms of poisoning or adverse effects. However, it's always wise to monitor pets for any unusual reactions if they consume any plant material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: The plant is known for attracting bees and butterflies, essential for pollination in gardens.
- Easy to grow: Diascia, commonly known as Twinspur, is relatively low-maintenance and can thrive in a variety of garden settings.
- Extended flowering period: Twinspur offers a long blooming season, providing color from late spring to early autumn.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dry weather, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Compact size: Its small stature makes it ideal for borders, baskets, and containers, adding charm without taking up much space.
- Color variety: 'Fisher's Flora' has a vivid color palette which makes it visually appealing in landscape design.
- Fast-growing: Twinspur fills in garden spaces quickly, making it a great ground cover or filler plant.
- Deer-resistant: It is less likely to be eaten by deer compared to other garden plants, reducing the need for protective measures.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Dye: The petals of the Twinspur can be crushed to produce a delicate dye for textiles or paper products.
- Photography Subject: With its vibrant flowers, the Twinspur is an excellent subject for macro photography and botanical art.
- Educational Tool: Botany educators can use the Twinspur to teach students about pollination and the role of annuals in ecosystems.
- Floral Arrangements: The distinctive flowers and stems of the Twinspur can add an interesting texture and color to cut flower arrangements.
- Container Gardens: The compact growth habit of the Twinspur makes it suitable for use in small-space gardens or balcony containers.
- Nature-Inspired Design: The unique appearance of the Twinspur can inspire patterns and designs in clothing, wallpaper, or other decorative arts.
- Culinary Presentation: Twinspur flowers can be used as a non-toxic garnish to add color to salads and desserts, although they are not known to be edible.
- Garden Photography Props: Twinspur plants can serve as lovely backdrops or subjects to enhance the composition of garden photography.
- Theme Gardens: Twinspur can be included in fairy or miniature gardens due to its petite and whimsical structure.
- Botanical Illustration: Artists and illustrators can use the Twinspur as a reference for drawing and painting botanical subjects.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Twinspur is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Twinspur is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Persistence: Diascia, also known as Twinspur, is a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions, symbolizing resilience and the ability to persist through challenges.
- Attraction: With its bright and appealing flowers, Twinspur is often associated with attraction and charm, drawing in both humans and pollinators alike.
- Beauty in adversity: Twinspur can bloom in harsh environments, representing the idea of finding and maintaining beauty even when circumstances are difficult.
- Companionship: The plant's common name, Twinspur, refers to the two spurs found at the back of the flowers, suggesting themes of duality and companionship.
WaterTwinspur needs to be watered regularly, maintaining a consistently moist but not soggy soil condition. During active growth in spring and summer, water approximately once a week with about 16 ounces of water, depending on climate and indoor conditions. It's crucial to reduce watering in the winter months when the plant is not growing vigorously, to perhaps once every two weeks. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering again.
LightTwinspur thrives in locations with full sun to partial shade. The best spot would be where the plant can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. However, in very hot climates, it's beneficial to provide some afternoon shade to prevent scorching of the leaves.
TemperatureTwinspur prefers moderate temperatures and will do well in conditions that stay between 50°F and 70°F. It's important to protect the plant from temperatures below 32°F, which can be damaging. Twinspur ideally enjoys the cooler temperatures of spring and fall, but can tolerate summer heat if not too extreme.
PruningPrune Twinspur to encourage bushier growth and to remove spent flowers, which will promote continuous blooming. The best time for pruning is in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning can be done every few weeks during the growing season to keep the plant looking tidy and to stimulate additional flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTwinspur prefers well-draining soil with a mix of peat, perlite, and loam. It thrives at a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5, slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingTwinspur should be repotted annually in spring to replenish its soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingTwinspur enjoys moderate humidity levels but will tolerate drier air, making it suitable for typical indoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil with partial to full sun exposure.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleDiascia barberae 'Fisher's Flora', commonly known as Twinspur, typically begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in well-draining soil, ideally during the spring after the threat of frost has passed. Germination occurs within a couple of weeks, after which the seedlings develop true leaves and can be transplanted if needed. As a young plant, it focuses on establishing a strong root system and vegetative growth, producing stems and leaves. Later, as it matures into an adult plant, it blooms, displaying its characteristic spurs and vibrant flowers, usually in shades of pink, coral, or orange, which are critical for attracting pollinators. The Twinspur is a perennial in warmer climates, so after flowering, it may go dormant, conserving energy in its root system through winter. In subsequent years, it re-emerges from dormancy in the spring to restart the growth and blooming cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Diascia barberae 'Fisher's Flora', commonly known as Twinspur, is most effectively propagated through stem cuttings. The ideal time to take cuttings for propagation is during late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate Twinspur, a healthy non-flowering stem should be selected. This stem should be cut to a length of approximately 3 to 5 inches (7.6 to 12.7 centimeters), and the lower leaves should be removed. The cut end can then be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and placed in a pot with well-draining soil or a propagating medium. The cutting should be kept in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight, and the soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to normal growing conditions before transplanting.
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