Pouch Nemesia Nemesia strumosa
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Antirrhinum strumosum
- Phonetic Spelling
- neh-MEE-see-ah stroo-MOH-sah
- Description
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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:
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- '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'
- 'Blue Gem', 'Carnival', 'Truimph'
- Tags:
- 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'
- 'Blue Gem', 'Carnival', 'Truimph'
- Tags:
-
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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.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Annual
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Multi-stemmed
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Medium
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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
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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.
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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.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Hanging Baskets
- Houseplants
- Landscape Theme:
- Cottage Garden
- Rock Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Mass Planting