John Rickard
Family
Scrophulariaceae
Botanical Name
Nemesia fruticans
Plant Common Name
Nemesia
General Description
Delicate, airy clusters of tubular, two-lipped flowers cover this South African native when growing conditions are cool and favorable. Blue nemesia is a delightful tender perennial with an upright or slightly spreading habit. Where hardy, it grows as an evergreen subshrub, but where winters are cold it’s planted as a cool season bedding annual.
Small, narrow, lance-shaped leaves cover the bushy plants throughout the year. From late spring to autumn, it becomes covered with loose clusters of short, spurred, two-lipped flowers. Though commonly called “blue nemesia” its flowers are also naturally found in shades of pale pink and white. Each blossom has a white or yellow “bee” at the base of the lower lip. Deadheading is not necessary, but the plants will continue to bloom better if gently pinched back and fed intermittently.
Grow Nemesia in full to partial sun and fertile soil with even moisture and good drainage. Plants tend to grow better if the soil is slightly acid. These tender perennials are evergreen in frost-free zones but will be killed to the ground by light frosts. In subtropical areas, reduce watering in winter, and occasionally pinch back stems to encourage additional flowering. In northern regions, these beautiful plants can be enjoyed as long-blooming bedding annuals. Where summers are hot, they are best planted for spring or fall color. Nemesia is ideal for containers, garden edges and hanging baskets.
This species is synonymous with Nemesia foetens.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
10 - 8
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USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 10
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Sunset Zone
H1, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Tender Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
18"-24" / 45.7cm - 61.0cm
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Width
10"-12" / 25.4cm - 30.5cm
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
Southern Africa, South Africa
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Cushion/Mound-forming
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Seasonal Interest
Summer, Fall
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Cutflower, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes
