Twinspur Diascia 'Frilly'
ABOUT
Diascia 'Frilly' is a charming flowering plant that adds a touch of whimsy to any garden with its unique, delicate blooms. The most striking feature of Diascia 'Frilly' is its plethora of small, tubular flowers which exhibit an intricate frilled edge, lending the variety its name. These flowers are typically a soft pink to coral hue, creating a gentle flush of color wherever they grow. The petals exhibit a velvety texture, with each bloom flaunting a pair of prominent, spiky stamens that extend outwards, giving the flowers a playful, fairy-like appearance. The foliage of Diascia 'Frilly' is equally attractive, comprising dense, lush green leaves that serve as a perfect backdrop to the vibrant flowers. The leaves are generally oval-shaped with a slight point at the tip, presenting a neat and tidy appearance. The overall impression of Diascia 'Frilly' is of a plant that's both dainty and robust, with the ability to bring a soft, romantic touch to borders and containers with its efflorescence of charming blooms.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Twinspur
Common names
Diascia 'Frilly'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Diascia 'Frilly', commonly known as Twinspur, is not known to be toxic to humans. There is no well-documented evidence of toxicity resulting from ingesting or handling this plant, and it is generally considered safe in gardens where children and adults may come into contact with it. Consequently, there are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with the Twinspur because it is not recognized as a poisonous plant.
To pets
The Diascia 'Frilly', commonly called Twinspur, is not listed as toxic to pets by major animal poison control authorities. It is typically seen as safe for domestic animals, and there are no well-documented cases of poisoning in pets from ingestion of any part of this plant. Since it is not recognized as a toxic plant, there are no specific symptoms related to the Twinspur poisoning expected in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Diascia 'Frilly' is a robust plant that can thrive with minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that support pollination in the garden.
- Long Flowering Season: This plant has a lengthy blooming period, providing color in the garden from late spring to fall.
- Versatile Use: It can be used in garden beds, borders, containers, and hanging baskets, offering flexibility in garden design and space utilization.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Diascia 'Frilly' can withstand periods of dryness, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Color Variety: The plant typically boasts shades of pink, orange, and coral, adding a vibrant palette to the garden landscape.
- Deer Resistant: Diascia is not a preferred food source for deer, which helps to keep the flowers intact in areas with deer populations.
- Low Maintenance: With no major pruning required and resistance to most pests and diseases, this plant is low maintenance.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dried Diascia 'Frilly' flowers can be used in potpourri to add a subtle, sweet fragrance and a touch of color to a room.
- The petals of Diascia 'Frilly' can be pressed and used in art projects such as homemade paper or bookmarks for a natural, floral aesthetic.
- These flowers can be incorporated into wedding decorations, such as in table centerpieces or as part of a natural confetti mix.
- Diascia 'Frilly' plants can be used in educational settings to teach children about pollination and the lifecycle of plants.
- The plant can serve as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a range of pink to lilac hues depending on the mordant used.
- As a ground cover, Diascia 'Frilly' can be used in landscaping to create textured, colorful swathes in gardens or public parks.
- These flowers can be photographed and used in botanical illustrations or garden-inspired artwork for print or digital media.
- Diascia 'Frilly' can occasionally be used as garnish or decoration for culinary dishes, adding an edible flower element to the presentation.
- In crafts, the stems and flowers can be used to create natural wreaths or other decorative home accents.
- When dried, the plant material of Diascia 'Frilly' can be used to fill sachets that can then be placed in drawers or closets as a mild insect deterrent.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Diascia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Diascia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Charm and Attraction: The delicate and ornate flowers of the Diascia represent everyday charm and an alluring quality, similar to how they attract pollinators in the natural world.
- Femininity and Softness: The frilly edges of the plant's blooms are often associated with gentle femininity and softness, reflecting delicate beauty.
- Endearment: Given as a gift, Diascia can symbolize a sweet and heartfelt affection towards someone, akin to the fondness one might feel for delicate and playful features of the plant.
WaterTwinspur requires regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. It's best to water it deeply once a week with about one gallon of water per plant, adjusting for climate and soil conditions. During hot and dry periods, increased frequency to twice a week might be necessary. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to encourage strong root growth and prevent overwatering.
LightTwinspur thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location is where the plant can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily, but it can also perform well with some light afternoon shade. Avoid deep shade as it may result in fewer flowers and leggy growth.
TemperatureTwinspur prefers moderate temperatures and grows best when daytime temperatures range between 65°F and 75°F. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about 30°F, but frost can damage the plant. In regions with hot summers, Twinspur benefits from protection during the peak afternoon heat.
PruningPruning Twinspur is important to maintain its shape and encourage denser growth. Deadheading spent flowers promotes continuous blooming throughout the season. Light pruning can be done anytime to remove dead or damaged stems, whereas more substantial pruning should be done in early spring to rejuvenate the plant for the growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTwinspur thrives in well-draining soil, so a mix containing peat, compost, and perlite would be ideal, ensuring adequate aeration and moisture retention. The optimal soil pH for Twinspur is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingTwinspur doesn't require frequent repotting and can typically be done every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its current container, whichever comes first.
Humidity & MistingTwinspur prefers moderate to high humidity levels, aiming for a range between 40-60% to maintain vibrant foliage and promote healthy growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and maintain moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Ensure full sun to partial shade and protect from harsh weather.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleDiascia 'Frilly', commonly known as Twinspur, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in early spring after the threat of frost has passed. Germination occurs in warm, moist soil, typically within two to three weeks, after which seedlings emerge and begin to develop their root systems and foliage. As the plants grow, they form a mound of delicate foliage and start to produce distinctive frilly flowers, which attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies throughout late spring and summer. After pollination, the plant sets seed, which can be collected if desired for propagation the following season. As autumn approaches and temperatures drop, Diascia 'Frilly' will cease flowering and may die back if exposed to frost, as it is typically grown as an annual. For those in milder climates where it can act as a perennial, it will enter a period of dormancy over the winter before resuming growth in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The Diascia 'Frilly', commonly known as Twinspur, is predominantly propagated through softwood cuttings, particularly during late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. The softwood cutting method involves selecting a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cutting a 3 to 5 inch (about 7.6 to 12.7 cm) length, just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are then stripped, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to facilitate root development. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a mixture of perlite and peat moss to promote drainage and aeration. The pot is kept under high humidity conditions, either in a greenhouse or under a plastic covering, and maintained in indirect sunlight until roots have established, which typically takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the plant can be transplanted into the garden or a more permanent container.
