Nemesia
Nemesia strumosa
A dainty South African annual covered in masses of small two-lipped flowers, often bicolored and lightly fragrant, in a wide range of bright and pastel colors. It excels in cool-season containers, baskets and edging.
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Keep evenly moist
- Difficulty
- Moderate
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Overview
Nemesia is a low, bushy annual (with some perennial hybrids) loved for its profusion of small snapdragon-like flowers. Many modern varieties are sweetly scented and bloom heavily in the cool parts of the growing season.
Native to South Africa, it is a favorite for spring and fall containers, hanging baskets and border edges, offering jewel and pastel tones over a long period.
How to identify it
- Compact, mounding to trailing plant generally 6-12 in (15-30 cm) tall
- Leaves are narrow, lance-shaped and toothed, mid-green
- Flowers are small, two-lipped and often pouched at the base, frequently bicolored
- Colors span blue, white, pink, red, orange, yellow and many combinations
- Newer hybrids carry a light, sweet fragrance
Care & growing
- Light: Full sun in cool weather; part shade where summers heat up
- Water: Keep soil evenly moist; nemesia dislikes drying out
- Soil: Fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soil
- Temperature: A cool-season grower that flags in extreme heat
- Feeding: Feed regularly for continuous bloom in containers
- Propagation: Species from seed; named hybrids usually from cuttings
Shear lightly after the first flush to encourage rebloom, and refresh or replace when summer heat slows flowering.
Habitat & origin
Native to South Africa, where many species grow as annuals in sandy coastal and disturbed soils.
Grown worldwide as a cool-season ornamental in containers, hanging baskets, window boxes and border edging, popular for spring and autumn displays.
Uses & benefits
- Ornamental: Excellent filler and edging for cool-season pots, baskets and beds
- Fragrance: Scented hybrids add perfume to patio plantings
- Ecological: Flowers attract bees and other pollinators
Frequently asked questions
Why did my nemesia stop blooming in summer?
Nemesia is a cool-season plant; high summer heat causes it to slow or stop flowering, so it performs best in spring and fall.
Should I cut back nemesia?
Yes, shearing the plant lightly after the first big flush encourages bushy regrowth and a fresh wave of flowers.
Is nemesia an annual or perennial?
Most garden nemesias are grown as annuals, though some modern hybrids are short-lived tender perennials in mild climates.
Does nemesia need full sun?
It likes full sun in cool conditions but benefits from afternoon shade in hot climates to keep it blooming.
Nemesia guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Nemesia.
