Twinspur Diascia 'Hector's Hardy'

Water

Twinspur, or Diascia 'Hector's Hardy', prefers consistently moist soil, so it should be watered regularly. During the growing season, check the top inch of soil and if it is dry to the touch, water the plant thoroughly, using around 16 ounces of water for small pots or up to 1 gallon for larger containers every week, depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions. Be careful not to overwater, as this plant is sensitive to waterlogging. In warmer seasons or dryer climates, it may require more frequent watering, while in cooler or wetter conditions, less frequent watering might be necessary. Always provide enough water to soak the root zone.

Light

The best light condition for Twinspur is full sun to partial shade. This means the plant will thrive in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day, but it can also perform well with some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. An east or west-facing garden bed or window which gets ample morning or late afternoon sun would be an ideal location.

Temperature

Twinspur plants prefer temperate conditions and are hardy in a range of temperatures. They can survive temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but they perform best when the temperature is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Protecting the plants from frost is important as extreme cold can damage or kill them.

Pruning

Twinspur benefits from regular pruning to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Pruning should be done in the early spring or after the plant has finished blooming. Cut back up to one-third of the plant’s height, focusing on removing any dead or weak stems. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, should be done throughout the season to promote continuous flowering.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Twinspur 'Hector's Hardy' prefers well-draining soil with a loamy or sandy texture, peat or compost can be added for better drainage. It thrives in neutral to slightly acidic pH levels, around 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Twinspur 'Hector's Hardy' should typically be repotted every 1-2 years, preferably in the spring to give it a fresh start for the growing season.

Humidity & Misting

Twinspur 'Hector's Hardy' does best in moderate humidity conditions, average room humidity is often suitable for this plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place it in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Find a sunny spot, protect from harsh winds, ensure soil drains well.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

Diascia 'Hector's Hardy', commonly known as Twinspur, begins its life cycle as a seed which, when sown in fertile, well-draining soil and given adequate warmth and light, will germinate. After germination, the seedling emerges and grows into a young plant with distinctive foliage and starts to develop a root system. As the Twinspur matures, it undergoes vegetative growth, producing lush leaves and stems that are characteristic of its species. Once the plant has reached a suitable size and environmental conditions are favorable, usually in spring or summer, it enters the flowering stage, where it produces its signature tubular flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers will develop into seed pods, containing seeds that can be dispersed to produce new plants. The plant can live for several years, but it may also behave as an annual or biennial depending on the climate, completing its life cycle by dying after seed production, or it can overwinter and resume growth in the next season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Diascia 'Hector's Hardy', commonly known as Twinspur, can be propagated effectively by cuttings, especially during the warmer growing seasons such as spring and summer. To propagate by cuttings, select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 4 to 6 inch (about 10 to 15 centimeters) length. Strip the lower leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting should then be inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, and the soil should be kept consistently moist. Place the pot in a warm area with indirect sunlight, and in a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots and can eventually be transplanted to its permanent location. This method is popular due to its simplicity and the high success rate in producing new, healthy plants.