Care of the plant Nemesia strumosa or Cape jewels |
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The genus Nemesia, family Scrophulariaceae, comprises 50 species of annual herbaceous plants native to Africa. Some species are: Nemesia strumosa, Nemesia fruticans, Nemesia floribunda, Nemesia lilacina. Common names: Cape jewels, Pouch Nemesia. This species is native to South West Cape Province, South Africa. They are small annual plants that reach 45 cm (17.7") in height. They have opposite leaves of intense green color, whole or lobed. The attractive flowers appear in clusters and are very abundant; there are varieties of all colors. They bloom in winter and spring. They are used in pots for balconies and terraces, in rockeries, in beds, on curbs and mixed borders. Nemesia strumosa needs full sun exposure (avoid midday sun in Mediterranean climates). They do not resist sudden changes in temperature, cold or excess humidity. The soil can be a normal garden substrate. Planting is done in early spring. Water enough so that the substrate is moist but never watery; they do not resist drought or excess water. Prune the tips of the branches after flowering to cause the appearance of new flowers. Fertilize with seaweed extract every 15 days in winter and spring. They are plants prone to mite attacks. They are propagated from seeds sown in spring. |
Images of the plant Nemesia strumosa or Cape jewels |
 Nemesia strumosa  Nemesia strumosa  Nemesia strumosa  Nemesia strumosa  Nemesia fruticans  Nemesia fruticans  Nemesia fruticans  Nemesia fruticans |