DIASCIA.
South Africa. A little-known group of the snapdragon family, most un-snapdragon-like
in both floral and vegetative appearance. Each of the following has trailing
stems which take root and rebranch to form broad mats. Opposing pairs of toothed
leaves closely line the stems. For several weeks each year slender blooming
stems rise in succession above the foliage, each displaying irregular, vaguely
pansy shaped, spurred blossoms in shades of pink or lavender. Shearing off old
flower stems promotes further waves of bloom. Sun or light shade, well drained
soil, moderate watering. The following are evidently hardy to 20oF
or less.
’Blackthorn Apricot’. A dense mat with short, broad, bright green leaves
and blooming stems up to 1’ high. The flowers are an unusual shade of orange
pink, closer to salmon than apricot.
integerrima. One of the showiest, with many vertical stems, 1’ or more
tall, from a more compact base. Each is dressed with narrow grey green
leaves. The flowers are bright pink in color in the typical form. The cultivar ‘Blush’ is distinguished
by pale pink buds opening to (virtually) white flowers.
‘Langthorn’s Lavender’. This selection is as distinguished by habit as
it is by color. It lies low to the ground, with crowded slender stems and
½” arrow-shaped leaves. The flower stems are nearly prostrate, covering
the mat with an abundance of pretty rosy lavender blossoms.
rigescens. This is a boldly textured plant, spreading 3’ or more. Both
stems and leaves are greyish green, forming an attractive foil for a wealth
of bright pink blossoms, often produced in both spring and fall.
‘Ruby Field’
is similar to D. cordata, which it replaces for us, but showier overall.
The stems are slender and lined by bright green, roughly oval leaves. Flowers
nearly 1" across, colored a deep coral pink, are carried on 8" stems
in late spring.
