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Cape Jewels Nemesia strumosa

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Antirrhinum strumosum
Phonetic Spelling
neh-MEE-see-ah stroo-MOH-sah
Description

Pouch Nemesia is a brightly colored annual that is native to southern Africa. They grow 6-12 inches tall and 6-12 inches wide. The long-lasting flowers come in assorted colors, including yellow, orange, pink, cream, red, mauve, and white. In mild temperatures, they can produce many flowers. There are a member of the Scrophulariaceae or figwort family.

There are 60 species of Nemesia in southern Africa, and they have been cultivated for many years as ornamentals. Pouch Nemesia is one of the most popular species. Cultivars of this plant are frequently grown as cool-weather annuals in the United States.

The genus name, Nemesia, comes from the Greek word "nemesion," which is the name of a similar plant. Nemesia is a symbol of friendship. Strumosa means "cushion-like swellings."

Pouch Nemesia performs best in full sun but appreciates part-shade in the afternoon, particularly during hot weather. They prefer cool to moderate temperatures. Soil requirements include well-drained, moist, loam, or sand with a neutral pH. Pinching the tips of the plant will promote bushy growth. It is best to cut back wilted flowers to stimulate flower production. The plant is propagated by its seeds that are easily dispersed by the wind.

The leaves are lance-shaped and have toothed margins. The flowers resemble an orchid. The upper lip has four lobes that form a fan, and the lower lip has two lobes. They may appear in racemes or solitary on the leaf axils. They come in a variety of colors, and some are bi-colored. They bloom from late spring to the first frost in mild climates. In hot climates, they are best grown in the spring or fall. The summer heat will result in die-back. They may also be a winter annual in frost-free areas.

This is an excellent brightly colored annual for borders, flower beds, containers, or hanging baskets. It may also be grown as a short-lived houseplant. The plant is hardy from zones 2 to 10.

Diseases, Pests, and Other Problems:

This plant has no serious disease or pest problems. If the soil is poorly drained, root rot may occur.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Blue Gem'
    grows 6-9 inches tall with clear blue flower
  • 'Carnival'
    grow 9-12 inches tall, bright color range
  • 'Truimph'
    mixture of all colors
'Blue Gem', 'Carnival', 'Truimph'
Tags:
#showy flowers#mass planting#hanging baskets#cool weather plant#rock garden#border planting#container plant#annual
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Blue Gem'
    grows 6-9 inches tall with clear blue flower
  • 'Carnival'
    grow 9-12 inches tall, bright color range
  • 'Truimph'
    mixture of all colors
'Blue Gem', 'Carnival', 'Truimph'
Tags:
#showy flowers#mass planting#hanging baskets#cool weather plant#rock garden#border planting#container plant#annual
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Nemesia
    Species:
    strumosa
    Family:
    Scrophulariaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    There are no reported medicinal or cultural uses of this plant.
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    South West Cape Province, South Africa
    Distribution:
    Native: South Africa; Cultivars distributed in the United States
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Colorful
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Multi-stemmed
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    NC Region:
    Mountains
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Cream/Tan
    Gold/Yellow
    Orange
    Pink
    Red/Burgundy
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Tubular
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    The flower is about 1 inch in diameter. The upper lip has 4 lobes that form a fan, and the lower lip has 2 lobes. They may appear in racemes, or they may be solitary on the leaf axils. They are available in a variety of colors, and some are bi-colored.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Leaf Margin:
    Dentate
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    The green leaves are lance-shaped and sometimes toothed. They measure up to 3 inches long.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Hanging Baskets
    Houseplants
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Rock Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Mass Planting