About
A compact, bushy, short-lived perennial to about 30cm, usually grown as a bedding plant. It has small, mid-green leaves and scented, lilac-blue flowers borne almost continuously 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 typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeBedding
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Hanging basket, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrows best in moist, fertile soil in full sun, but is tolerant of light shade; flowering will be affected in dry weather unless watered freely
PruningPinch out growing tips to produce bushy plants, and trim off flowering shoots when initial flowering is finished to promote more flowers
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings from the ends of non-flowering shoots in late summer and overwinter in frost-free conditions or propagate by softwood cuttings in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to root rots in wet soils