Overview

Nemesia fruticans is a plant with a bushy habit in the genus Nemesia, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Nemesia fruticans grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include bedding, containers and hanging baskets. It is native to Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North-West.

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, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H3

Plant details

Nemesia fruticans size, habit and characteristics

Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Suggested uses
Bedding, Containers, Hanging baskets
Native to
Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North-West

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Nemesia fruticans

Propagation
Seed, Softwood cuttings
Pest resistance
Aphids
Disease resistance
Foot and root rots

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Nemesia fruticans?

Nemesia fruticans prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Nemesia fruticans need?

Nemesia fruticans grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.

Is Nemesia fruticans hardy in the UK?

Nemesia fruticans 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 fruticans?

Seed, Softwood cuttings.

From the Fenn Plants journal

More in the Nemesia genus

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