How to Grow Diascia 'Flying Colors'
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Diascia 'Flying Colors'
Diascia integerrima 'Flying Colors'
flowerDiascia 'Flying Colors' is a tender perennial trailing flower known for its vibrant, bicolored blooms in shades of coral, pink, and orange with contrasting centers. It produces abundant delicate flowers throughout the growing season and cascades beautifully in containers and hanging baskets. This South African native thrives in warm conditions and is prized for season-long color in mixed plantings.
When should you plant Diascia 'Flying Colors' in your zone?
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Example Diascia 'Flying Colors' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Diascia 'Flying Colors'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Diascia 'Flying Colors' blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Diascia 'Flying Colors' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11; grown as annual in cooler zones
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with true leaves appearing after cotyledons; growth is slow initially
Provide bright light, maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging, maintain temperature around 65-70°F, thin seedlings to prevent damping-off
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops trailing stems with small, narrow opposite leaves; no flowers yet
Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushiness, gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions, apply balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks
Flowering
8-12 weeks or until frostAbundant small snapdragon-like flowers in coral, pink, orange, and bi-color patterns appear along trailing stems; flowering accelerates in warm weather
Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming, maintain consistent watering, apply balanced or slightly higher phosphorus fertilizer weekly, ensure full sun exposure
Peak Production
4-8 weeksPlant reaches full cascading habit completely covered in continuous blooms; stems trail 12-18 inches
Maintain regular deadheading, water deeply when soil surface dries, monitor for pests, reduce fertility if plant becomes too vegetative
Decline/Dormancy
VariableFlowering slows in cold weather or intense heat; plant may decline in frost-prone areas
In zones 9b and warmer, reduce watering and allow period of rest, cut back by one-third in late fall, or dig up and overwinter indoors in cooler zones
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; monitor undersides of leaves; remove heavily infested leaves
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Increase humidity, spray with water, use miticide if severe; ensure adequate air circulation
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Spray with strong water stream, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, encourage beneficial insects
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Ensure excellent drainage, avoid overwatering, improve air circulation, remove affected plants
Uses
Container & Basket Displays
OrnamentalDiascia 'Flying Colors' is exceptional in hanging baskets, window boxes, and mixed containers where its trailing habit and constant blooms create impressive cascading floral displays throughout the season. [source]
Landscape Color
OrnamentalUse as edging, spillover plant, or groundcover in borders and garden beds, where it softens hardscapes and provides continuous color from spring through frost. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe nectar-rich flowers attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making it valuable for supporting pollinators in gardens. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not typically harvested; grown for ornamental flowers. Deadhead spent blooms regularly by pinching off flowers just below the flower head to encourage continuous blooming and maintain plant shape. Cut back stems by one-third in late fall to rejuvenate the plant.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Diascia is derived from the Greek word 'di' (two) and 'askos' (sac), referring to the two pouches at the base of the flower's upper petals
- 🌱 'Flying Colors' refers to the vibrant, eye-catching bicolored blooms that seem to float along cascading stems
- 🌱 Diascia is native to South Africa and thrives in the Mediterranean climate of its homeland, making it heat and light-loving in gardens
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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