About
This compact and tough, bushy, half-hardy perennial. Has small lance-shaped, toothed dark green leaves and terminal racemes of scented two-lipped tubular flowers with mauve upper petals and yellow lower petals, and a brighter 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 typeSand, Loam
Soil pHNeutral, Acid
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Annual Biennial
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, Patio and container plants, Hanging basket
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