Nemesia: all about planting, care, varieties

Nemesia is a grassy plant native to South Africa. It is planted as an annual and perennial shrub, which is represented by 50 species. The natural habitat is the coastal zone, as well as shrubbery.

Description and features of nemesia

Nemesia branches with plastic stems on the surface of the soil, while the shoots are slightly raised. The appendix over the entire area is covered with a flexible pile, forms a quadrangle when cut. Rounded leaflets are almost completely devoid of petioles; they resemble an egg in shape. The leaf plate is soft, serrated on the sides. The tubular nimbus is formed of 4 parts at several levels. The palette of petals is represented by different shades of light (white, blue) and dark (purple) tones.

Flowering begins in mid-summer and ends only in early autumn. A lonely standing bush is able to stand until the first frost. The temperature regime of the winter period of medium latitude is not suitable for nemesia, therefore its wintering in open ground is excluded.

Varieties and varieties of nemesia

Breeders brought a large number of varieties of nemesia, suitable for every taste. There are samples that fit perfectly into the surroundings of the garden, others are great for a balcony or terrace.

Lush flowering

It grows to 0.4 m in height. The tops of the shoots are decorated with small flowers of bluish tones. The decorative look is widespread among gardeners, grown in open ground.

Multi-colored

Thin stems branch on the sides, and extend up to 0.25 m in height. The species is notable for the small size of the flowers and the fact that many hybrid varieties are bred on its basis, such as:

Creeping

The plant is branched, and its height reaches 0.4 m. The shape of the leaf varies depending on the location: it grows rounded below, and elongated above. The flowers of a peculiar form are devoid of spurs, while the pharynx is omitted. The diameter of a single flower is about 2.5 cm. The color palette is diverse: pink, red, yellow, orange. Grown from the end of the XIX century. The most common varieties:

Hybrid

Formed by crossing multi-colored nemesia with goiter. The bush is relatively high, can reach 0.6 m. The shape of the leaves is elongated. Small flowers 2 cm in diameter have a two-lipped nimbus. The species is found mainly in varietal mixtures and is notable primarily for the variability of its sizes.

Planting and reproduction of nemesia

Reproduction by seeds is suitable for an annual sample, and propagation by cuttings for a long-term one. In order for the flowering period of nemesia to coincide with the beginning of summer, a plant should be planted in mid-winter. Favorable days for planting nemesia can be clarified by looking at the lunar calendar.

Any soil is suitable for shrubs, if it is preliminarily fertilized with compost with sand, soil suitable for flowering plants is also suitable. In order to properly plant the seeds should:

1. The tiny seeds of nemesia should be mixed with sand so that they are evenly distributed.
2. Place the seeds in the soil to a depth of 0.5 cm;
3. Leave the container in a warm, lit place for 7 days;
4. Transplant plants in individual containers. It is important to remember that the stem root of a plant will be damaged if the transplant is not done on time.
5. It is preferable to water young shoots with a spray bottle.

It is allowed to plant directly in open ground, but it is better to do this at the end of spring, since frost can return earlier. The seed is placed in a hole, preferably several at a time, in order to then select the strongest seedlings from them. A similar planting option implies that the plant will bloom no earlier than August.

Seedlings can be planted only in late May and early summer, which managed to acquire buds. When planting, it is important to observe a distance between the bushes of 0.2 m.

In the flowerpot, seedlings can be planted earlier, to clean them in the house during cold snap.

Outdoor cultivation conditions

A picky plant will delight the gardener with timely flowering if several rules and recommendations are followed.

Outdoor care for nemesia

Nemesia does not require increased attention in terms of care, it is enough to ensure regular watering, especially with regard to the period of drought; timely weeding of the site and loosening.

Diseases and Pests

Spider mite. Its presence can be seen only with the appearance of a small cobweb on the leaves and stems of nemesia.

The size of the tick is not more than 0.05 cm. The pest of red or green color eats exclusively the juice of the bush, so from such cohabitation the color of the leaves will lose saturation, the plant may wither. It is worth starting the destruction of a tick immediately after its discovery, since this insect multiplies rapidly, which is greatly facilitated by the dry period. The most effective method is to treat the shrub with drugs such as Fitoverm, Actelik, Akarin.

It is recommended to process not only leaves and stems, but also the soil around 2 times a month. The solution will last longer on the surface of the shrub if a little soap or powder is added to its composition.

Root rot. It develops with excess moisture, while harming the growth of the plant and depriving it of root nutrition. The disease can only be cured in the initial stages.

Mr. Dachnik recommends: nemesia in landscape design

Saturated tones of nemesia can decorate both a flower bed and a flower garden. Often, an ampel plant is located on balconies, terraces and verandas. It is easy for him to find a place in the garden in containers or pots. Moisture-loving shrub can revive the look of ponds or fountains. Looks great as a lone bush of nemesia, and consisting in a composition with petunia, pansies or marigolds.

Watch the video: Nemesia Wisley Vanilla at Oasis Gardening (April 2024).