Overview
Nemesia 'Blue Gem' is a bushy, compact, trailing bedding in the genus Nemesia, part of the Scrophulariaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Nemesia 'Blue Gem' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include bedding, containers and baskets.
About
Nemesia 'Blue Gem' is a cultivar of the Nemesia genus, which includes annuals, perennials, or sub-shrubs with a bushy growth form and simple, opposite leaves. This herbaceous perennial has a bushy, compact, and trailing habit, making it suitable for bedding, containers, and baskets. It is deciduous and thrives in full sun with a sheltered aspect, preferring fertile, moist but well-drained loam or sandy soils with an acid to neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H3, it is best grown in spring and summer and can be propagated by seed or softwood cuttings.
About the genus
Nemesia is a genus of annuals, perennials and sub-shrubs which are native to sandy coasts or disturbed ground in South Africa. Numerous hybrids have been selected, and the annual cultivars are popular with gardeners as bedding plants. In temperate regions they are usually treated as half-hardy, grown from seed in heat, and planted out after all danger of frost has passed.
Wikipedia contributors, "Nemesia (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Nemesia (plant)
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Nemesia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Nemesia 'Blue Gem' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bedding, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy, Compact, Trailing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Bedding, Containers, Baskets
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Nemesia 'Blue Gem'
- Propagation
- Seed, Softwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free, may be susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free, may suffer from foot and root rots in wet soils
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Nemesia 'Blue Gem'?
Nemesia 'Blue Gem' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Nemesia 'Blue Gem' need?
Nemesia 'Blue Gem' grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Nemesia 'Blue Gem' hardy in the UK?
Nemesia 'Blue Gem' has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Nemesia 'Blue Gem'?
Seed, Softwood cuttings.