[3][6] The new species is distinguished from D. frutescens in its darker, deeper pink flowers, its larger anthers, the smaller amount of hairs on its style, and its relatively narrow leaves.

The oppositely arranged leaves are linear in shape, 1.5 centimeters long, smooth-edged, and dotted with visible oil glands.

The flower has a corolla just under a centimeter long with a bent, tubular throat and lobed lips.

[4] The loss of this Florida scrub habitat is the greatest threat to the survival of this species.

Although fire in the area is rare,[5] it is required in this fire-adapted habitat type to maintain the ecosystem.

[4] Periodic fire clears out overgrown vegetation and creates the openings in the pine and oak canopy that this and many other species require.