Nemesia

Compact, branching plants are covered with appealing, 2-lipped flowers, in white, cream, lilac, blue, yellow and red. Flowers sometimes combine two colours and can have contrasting centres.

For the best flowering, grow in full sun, in well-drained soil. In containers, add perlite or vermiculite to potting compost for improved drainage.

Wet soil and shade result in poor growth and restricted flowering.

These plants will not withstand frost, so should not be planted outdoors until late spring or even early summer, when all risk of frost has passed.