Diasica
Don my Ton
Posts: 78
in Plants
I've had some diasica plants growing for years but this year they have died off. They would flower right up to Dec. I would like to buy some more but need to get one's that will carry on like the old ones. Can anyone give any advice e, thanks.
0
Posts
I always thought they were annuals but one of my plant catalogues says they are perennials. I've never managed to overwinter one.
I find that the peachy coloured one is reasonably hardy. Bits die off but the main plant survives but I think that after a few years it's worth getting a new one anyway.
Diascias originate in South Africa and their hardiness varies. Some can tolerate temps down to minus 10, but many of them are more cold sensitive than that and can only survive a mild frost. Unless you buy a named variety of known hardiness (see RHS website) it is safest to assume they will need winter protection. They may still be perennials but it would be best to lift them and keep in a greenhouse or mulch well and use a frame. If you live somewhere relatively warm like Cornwall, you can take a gamble and leave them in.
I just buy new plug plants each year, mail order, they arrive end of March.
Mine tend to overwinter well in the West Mids.
Sorry i got mixed up, should be Gazania's not Diasica.
Ah....I haven't had any luck with them either, the last lot I bought were eaten to a cm of bare stalk by slugs and snails.
I use them as annuals too.
My trailing diasicas bought as annuals last year have all stared flowering again in the remains of last years tubs and baskets And we're in the North East! They are the orange one called 'little tango'. I thought I'd just pot them up again in new compost and see if I get another year out of them. It's worth a try! Sue.