How to Grow Ice Wings
Ice Wings
Diascia 'Ice Wings'
flowerIce Wings is a compact, mounding diascia cultivar prized for its delicate white and pale blue flowers that bloom prolifically throughout the growing season. This tender perennial is typically grown as an annual in most climates and produces attractive small, snapdragon-like flowers on low, spreading stems. It's an excellent choice for containers, hanging baskets, and garden edging.
When should you plant Ice Wings in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Ice Wings timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Ice Wings
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Ice Wings blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ice Wings dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; grown as an annual in cooler climates
Sign up free to see if Ice Wings grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Ice Wings timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with small linear cotyledons and first true leaves appearing
Keep soil moist, provide bright indirect light, maintain 65-70°F. Do not cover seeds; they need light to germinate.
Vegetative
3-4 weeksYoung plants develop branching stems and small lance-shaped foliage, creating a low mounding habit
Pinch growing tips to encourage bushier growth. Gradually increase light exposure. Water regularly but allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings.
Budding
2-3 weeksFlowering stems elongate and flower buds form at branch tips, plant becomes increasingly compact and dense
Begin light fertilization every 2 weeks with balanced or slightly higher phosphorus fertilizer. Maintain consistent moisture and full sun exposure.
Flowering
8-12 weeks and beyondAbundant delicate white flowers with pale blue or violet throats cover the mounding plant in continuous blooms
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Water consistently but avoid wetting foliage. Continue biweekly fertilization. Reduce heat stress with afternoon shade in hot climates.
Decline/Dormancy
Variable depending on climateIn cool climates or as seasons change, flowering slows and plant may decline; in zones 9-11, may persist through winter
In frost-prone areas, treat as annual and remove spent plants. In mild zones, reduce watering and fertilizer. Prune back damaged or overgrown stems.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Increase humidity, spray with water, use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe
-
Yellow sticky traps, insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil spray
-
Spray with water, use insecticidal soap, or apply neem oil
-
Improve air circulation, reduce humidity, use sulfur dust or fungicidal spray if needed
Uses
Container and hanging basket gardening
CraftIce Wings is an excellent trailing and mounding plant perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, and container gardens. Its cascading habit and prolific blooms make it ideal for vertical gardening displays. [source]
Garden edging and border planting
HouseholdUse Ice Wings to edge pathways, flower beds, and garden borders where its compact mounding form and delicate white-blue flowers create attractive definition and visual interest. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeThe small snapdragon-like flowers of Ice Wings attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators throughout the blooming season, supporting garden biodiversity. [source]
Floral arrangements and cutting
CraftThe delicate flowering stems can be cut for fresh or dried floral arrangements, though Ice Wings is more commonly enjoyed as a living ornamental display plant. [source]
Harvest Tips
Ice Wings is an ornamental flower, not harvested for food. Deadhead spent flowers regularly (at least twice weekly) to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. Pinch back stems occasionally to maintain compact, bushy form.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Diascia flowers have a unique 'window' on the lower petals that reflects ultraviolet light, visible to insects but not to human eyes, creating a hidden guide for pollinators.
- 🌱 Ice Wings is native to South Africa, where diascias are found in mountainous regions and adapted to cool nights and bright sunny days.
- 🌱 The name 'diascia' comes from the Greek word 'dis' (twice) and 'askos' (sac or pouch), referring to the two sacs at the base of the upper petals.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Ice Wings planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Ice Wings seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Ice Wings timeline →