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Annual Biennial

Nemesia strumosa

Cape jewels

A bushy annual to 30cm in height, with lance-shaped leaves and racemes of 2-lipped flowers 2cm across, in shades of red, purple, pink, blue, yellow or white, often bicoloured

Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Pink Purple Red White Yellow Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Scrophulariaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Temp S Africa

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained, slightly acidic soil in full sun. Water freely in dry weather to maintain flower production. Pinch out growing tips to promote bushy growth

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 15°C in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to root rot

Get involved

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