Diascia vigilis

Diascia vigilis or elegans is a vigorous trailing Diascia with pale salmon-pink flowers and a purple throat.  These flowers are larger than usual for a Diascia. Reliable and easy to grow in a light, not too dry soil, this beautiful perennial flowers for several months, from summer to autumn. Plant it in a large rockery if winters are mild in your region, as this highly decorative species can withstand short freezing temperatures of around -6 to -7°C (21.2 to 19.4°F). Elsewhere, it will look stunning in a container or hanging basket!  

Diascia elegans belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family. It is a botanic species native to the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa. This perennial plant with stoloniferous stems (capable of rooting upon contact with the ground) has a wide, slightly trailing habit, forming a clump that reaches a minimum height of 40 cm (16in) and a width of 50 cm (20in). Flowering generally starts in June and lasts until October. The flowers form large clusters of pearly pink flowers with a hint of salmon, and a yellow throat maculated with purple, extending downwards with two spurs. The diameter of the flowers can reach 3 cm (1in). These flowers somewhat resemble snapdragons. The stems of this perennial bear oval leaves, 3 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) long, toothed, with a slightly fleshy texture, bright green in colour, and more or less villous. The foliage is semi-evergreen in winter. In cold regions, this Diascia will be grown as an annual. 

Diascia vigilis is a superb patio or balcony plant that can be grown in the ground in coastal gardens. There are plenty of ideas for companion planting with this remarkable species. In a perennial bed, it looks wonderful alongside agastaches, nepetas, penstemons, perennial geraniums... It is also a lovely companion for pink, mauve, or white roses. Annuals such as poppies, centaureas, and love-in-a-mist also pair well with its generous pink flowers.