Botanical Name: Diascia barberae ‘Darla® White’

Common Name: Diascia, Twinspur

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Mild Climates (USDA Zones 7–10); Grown as an Annual Elsewhere

Size: 8–12" Tall × 12–18" Spread

Growth Habit: Compact, Mounding, Well-Branched Habit

Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade (Best with Afternoon Shade in Hot Climates)

Soil: Well-Drained, Average to Fertile Soil

Water Needs: Moderate; Consistent Moisture for Best Performance

Bloom Season: Spring through Fall (Strongest in Cooler Weather)

Fertilizer: Light, Regular Feeding During Active Growth

Features: Crisp White Flowers, Dense Mounded Habit, Long Bloom Season, Pollinator Friendly

Uses: Containers, Borders, Edging, Mass Plantings, Cool-Season Color

Patent: ✔ Patented

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

See our complete Diascia Growth & Care Guide for full care details.

More About Diascia Darla® White

Diascia ‘Darla® White’ is one of the cleanest white bloomers we grow for cool season color. The flowers are a true, bright white, not cream and not dull, which makes a big difference in early Spring displays. I have always believed white is one of the most important colors in garden design because it brings light and clarity to a planting. This variety forms a naturally compact, rounded mound that stays balanced without constant grooming. It branches well on its own, creating a dense canopy of blooms rather than a sparse scattering. Unlike other Diascia that can sprawl or thin out, this one keeps a controlled, polished silhouette. 

In our region, it thrives in those mild stretches when days are sunny and nights are cool. During particularly gentle Summers, we have seen it maintain bloom far longer than expected. The foliage remains tidy and supportive rather than stretching or opening up in the center. I often use it as a brightening element in mixed containers because it helps define surrounding colors. It pairs beautifully with bold reds and purples, but it is just as effective alongside soft pastels and silvery textures. When you need a plant that adds clarity and cohesion to a design, this one is remarkably dependable.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials here in Zone 8a, ‘Darla® White’ has been one of the most uniform performers in the series. One Spring, we planted it in large entrance containers mixed with deep blue and vibrant pink selections. The white acted almost like a spotlight, making the surrounding colors appear even richer. It filled in quickly and evenly, with no gaps or uneven growth. Even after heavy rain, the mound stayed intact and symmetrical. We did not need to pinch or reshape it to maintain that balanced look. That low maintenance reliability is something I truly value.

We have also used it in front of border plantings where a consistent edge is important. The plants grew at nearly identical rates, creating a smooth ribbon of white across the bed. Pollinators visited regularly, especially during cooler stretches when nectar sources were still limited. The blooms remained evenly distributed instead of clustering only at the top. I appreciate how it maintains a fresh, polished appearance as the season progresses. When I want a clean, cohesive look that ties a planting together, ‘Darla® White’ consistently earns its place.

Darla® White vs. Other Diascia

Darla® White is the cleanest and most versatile variety in the Darla® Series, producing crisp white flowers that brighten containers and sharpen nearby colors. Compared to Darla Light Pink and Darla Rose, it draws less attention to itself while enhancing surrounding plants.  Like the other Darla varieties, Darla White forms a compact, mounded plant with excellent branching and consistent flowering.

Against Diascia ‘Coral Canyon®, Darla White feels cooler and more structured, providing contrast rather than warmth. Its neutral tone makes it especially useful in mixed plantings where balance is the goal. It remains tighter and more uniform than Coral Canyon®, which tends to have a slightly more expressive visual presence. Darla White excels where cohesion, brightness, and design flexibility are priorities.