Diastia

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Diascia (Latin Diascia) - a relatively small genus of annual, semi-deciduous and evergreen plants belonging to the Scrophulariaceae family. Most of the known species are native to South Africa. Plants grow there in natural conditions. Typical habitats are arid plains. In culture, representatives of the genus are used quite actively, this aspect is associated with high decorative properties.

Characteristics of culture

Diastia is represented by plants equipped with lodging or erect stems topped with elliptical and ovoid green foliage. Diastia flowers are tubular, have a five-lobed perianth, a couple of lobes of which are equipped with spots located at the very base. The flowers, in turn, are collected in medium-sized apical racemose inflorescences. The bloom of diastia is observed in summer, and lasts almost until the onset of autumn frosts. Diastia cannot be classified as cold-tolerant crops, but some members of the genus are able to withstand temperatures as low as -8C.

Common types

* Felt diastia (Latin Diascia fetcaniensis) is a highly decorative species endowed with low peduncles decorated with flowers of a dark pink color with reddish specks reaching no more than 1.5-2 cm in diameter. pubescent foliage of a delicate green color. Felt diastia is attractive not only during flowering, therefore it is very popular among gardeners.

* Diascia bearded (Latin Diascia barberae) is an annual species up to 30 cm high, forming round bushes during growth, completely covered with small glossy foliage of dark green color, and small shell-shaped pink flowers with yellow spots located at the base. The species boasts high drought-resistant properties; it tolerates short-term drought without any problems. Diastia bearded is suitable for growing in open ground and garden containers, for example, flowerpots. It has many varieties.

* Harsh diastia (Latin Diascia rigescens) is one of the representatives of the genus, distinguished by resistance to adverse environmental conditions. In some warm countries, it is cultivated as a perennial. In Russia, it is cultivated as an annual. The species is characterized by low plants with pink flowers not exceeding 2 cm in diameter. By autumn, the harsh diastia takes on an unusually attractive appearance, because its foliage changes color from green to red-brown, which distinguishes the plants among the already withered floral variety of a flower bed or flower garden.

Growing features

Diastia is not a demanding crop, however, when placing plants in the garden, it is important to follow a number of rules. Only in this case, diastia will please with abundant flowering and active growth. It is recommended to plant a crop in warm, sunny areas, protected from cold winds, which can break fragile plant stems. Semi-shaded areas with diffused light are also not forbidden, and on them diastia will delight you with abundant and colorful flowering. In a dense shade, plants feel defective, bloom poorly and stunted. Moreover, the thick shade contributes to the transient defeat of pests and diseases.

The soil for cultivation of diastia is preferable to be loose, drained, moderately moist and fertilized with nutrients. An excess of fertilizers (both organic and mineral) is extremely undesirable, just like their complete absence. Crop care is minimal. Plants need systematic watering, weeding, light loosening, and pruning of faded stems. The latter procedure helps to prolong flowering. Pruning is carried out at a height of 5-8 cm. Soon, new stems are formed, which delight with a huge number of fresh colorful flowers.