Nemesia spp.

Lionfaces

Scrophulariaceae

South Africa, especially the winter-rainfall Cape region

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Fragrant (light)Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Nemesia spp. is a genus of about 65 species of annuals, perennials, and small subshrubs in the family Scrophulariaceae, native to South Africa, where many grow as cool-season wildflowers on sandy and disturbed ground. Plants form bushy, branching mounds 6-24 in (15-60 cm) tall, with paired, toothed, lance-shaped leaves. Two-lipped, snapdragon-like flowers crowd the stem tips in white, pink, red, yellow, orange, blue, purple, and many bicolors, each bloom 0.4-0.8 in (1-2 cm) across with a pouched or spurred lower lip. Annual species such as N. strumosa are grown as spring and cool-season bedding plants, while perennial hybrids derived from N. caerulea and N. fruticans flower over a longer season and some carry a sweet scent. Blooming is heaviest in the cool weather of spring and autumn and slows in summer heat. The genus grows in full sun in moist, well-drained soil and is mostly frost-sensitive. Annuals are replaced each season, while tender perennials are grown in USDA zones 9 to 11 or as container plants elsewhere. The flowers draw bees and other pollinators.

Native Range

Nemesia spp. is native to South Africa, with many species in the winter-rainfall Cape region growing on sandy flats, slopes, and disturbed ground. Garden plants are largely annual species and perennial hybrids bred from this wild stock.

Suggested Uses

Nemesia spp. species are grown as bedding, edging, and container plants for spring and autumn color in beds, window boxes, and hanging baskets. Fragrant perennial hybrids are planted near paths and seating where the scent is noticed. The compact mounds suit mixed container plantings.

How to Identify

Identify Nemesia spp. by bushy mounds of toothed, paired leaves topped with clusters of small two-lipped flowers, each with a pouched or short-spurred lower lip. Blooms come in a wide range of solid colors and bicolors. The snapdragon-like flower shape on a low, branching plant separates Nemesia spp. from taller Antirrhinum spp. snapdragons.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 2'

Width/Spread6" - 1'4"

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks

Spring Fall

Flowering is heaviest in the cool weather of spring and autumn, with annual species blooming for several weeks and perennial hybrids over a longer span. Bloom slows or pauses in summer heat. In mild-summer climates flowering continues through the warm months.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 5-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

1 year

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Nemesia spp. species grow in full sun to light shade in moist, fertile, well-drained soil with a pH near 6.0 to 7.0. They grow most fully in cool conditions and steady moisture, and flowering fades when soil dries or heat builds. Most are frost-sensitive; annuals are planted out after frost or grown for spring and autumn display, while perennial hybrids survive in USDA zones 9 to 11. Cutting plants back by about one third after the first flush renews growth and brings further bloom. In hot climates the genus is grown as a cool-season plant rather than through summer. Container culture suits the compact mounding habit.

Pruning

Shearing plants back by up to one third after the main flush of bloom encourages branching and a fresh round of flowers. Spent flower clusters are removed to prolong display. Leggy perennial plants are cut back harder in spring to renew compact growth.