Diascia barberae Blackthorn Apricot

Diascia barberae 'Blackthorn Apricot',  is a perennial plant native to South Africa, with a low habit.  It is not very hardy, and is suitable for dry soil, in the sun. It tirelessly offers, from spring to the first frosts, a profusion of small double-spurred, salmon pink flowers above its small pale green heart-shaped leaves. Well known for its use in hanging baskets and containers, it is very attractive in rock gardens, low borders, or casually trailing over walls. A plant to try in well-drained soil, in a not too cold climate.

Diascia barberae 'Blackthorn Apricot' belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family. It is a cultivar derived from Diascia barberae, native to southern Africa, Lesotho, and KwaZulu-Natal. This plant has a trailing habit, forming a small bush about 30 cm (12in) in all directions. The flowering begins in spring and continues until the first frosts. It produces clusters of light salmon pink flowers with a wide lip, with the throat slightly dotted with red, extending downwards with two spurs. The diameter of the flowers does not exceed 1cm (1in). These flowers somewhat resemble snapdragons. The foliage, deciduous to semi-evergreen depending on the climate, is composed of small, pale green, heart-shaped leaves, 2 cm (1in) long.

Diascia 'Blackthorn Apricot' can be used in the ground and in pots, either on its own or mixed with other low-growing species such as lithodora, silver baskets, and aubrietas. Given its bushy habit, both upright and trailing, it will look good in borders, flower beds, rock gardens, containers, or hanging baskets, in the crevices of walls, paving or as groundcover.