About
A strong and compact, bushy, half-hardy perennial. Has small lance-shaped, toothed dark green leaves and terminal racemes of scented two-lipped tubular purple and lilac flowers with a bright yellow protuberance in the centre from late spring to early autumn.
About the genus
Nemesia can be annuals, perennials or sub-shrubs of bushy habit, with simple, opposite leaves and 2-lipped flowers in short racemes or solitary in the leaf axils
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHNeutral, Acid
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Hanging basket, Patio and container plants
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationWill grow well in moist but well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic soil in full sun. Partial afternoon shade will make flowers last longer. If growing in containers add one application of slow release fertilizer to encourage steadier performance. Overwinter in a greenhouse or in a frost free environment
PruningPinch out growing tips to produce a bushier plant. Cut back in summer for a second flush of flowering, alternatively trim off spent flowers to promote continuous flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed and softwood cuttings in spring or late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free but may be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free but may be susceptible to root and foot rot in very wet conditions