Twinspur Plants In The Garden
Twinspur plants are a vigorous growing, tender perennials that are closely related to the Snapdragon. Twinspur plants are excellent as ground covers, in rock gardens or borders, and are well suited for growing in containers. The plants common name ‘twinspur’ is also derived from this distinctive structure. These plants fill an important niche in rockeries, containers, and perennial borders. Ideal for rockeries, containers, and perennial borders, twinspur plants are generally low compact plants, usually forming a mound of stems with small, simple, dark green leaves. In summer, these mounds are covered with small stalks bearing tiny flowers that have 4 small lobes, 2 short-spurred nectaries, and a large lower lip. The flowers are usually pink but also come in colors ranging from red-pink through to pale apricot and even maroon. Adding Twinspur plants to the garden not only provides color and interest, but this lovely little plant is great for attracting useful pollinators to the area.
Easily grown in a sunny position with light well-drained soil, the perennials require a climate with a fairly mild winter, but the annuals thrive almost anywhere. In general, the plants in this genus are tolerant of light to moderate frosts. Routine deadheading will extend the flowering season. Water well during dry periods. The perennials sometimes self-layer or they can be propagated from cuttings. Raise the annual forms from seed.
