Nemesia is a genus of annuals, perennials and sub-shrubs in the Scrophulariaceae family, which are native to sandy coasts or disturbed ground in South Africa. Numerous hybrids have been selected, and the annual cultivars are popular with gardeners as bedding plants.
In temperate regions the annual cultivars are usually treated as half-hardy bedding plants, sown from seed in heat and planted out after all danger of frost has passed. The flowers are two-lipped, with the upper lip consisting of four lobes and the lower lip two lobes. The cultivar 'Innocence', a low-growing bushy perennial with white flowers, has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme.
Eremophila maculata, also known as Spotted Emu Bush, Swamp Fuchsia, or Native Fuchsia, is a shrub which is native to Australia and is in the Scrophulariaceae family. It occurs in Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. It grows to between 0.2 and 3 metres in height and has red, pink, mauve, orange or yellow flowers between late autumn and late summer (May to November in Australia). The species was first published in 1822 by J.B. Ker Gawler as Stenochilus maculatus Ker Gawl.
E.maculata is widely cultivated in many areas and, although best suited to dry climates, can be successfully grown in more humid areas. The var.brevifolia is, however, difficult to maintain in such areas. The species prefers soils which are alkaline to mildly acidic and well drained. Full sun is preferred and, once established, the plant tolerates extended dry periods. It is also tolerant of at least moderate frost.
Propagation from seed of Eremophila species is unreliable. A number of treatment methods have been tried including sowing the ripe fruits, sowing of aged and washed fruits and splitting the fruits to extract the seeds prior to sowing. The latter involves splitting the fruits in halves and quarters but some seeds are inevitably damaged during the process. Most forms of E. maculata strike readily from cuttings of hardened, current season's growth.
Bacopa (or water hyssop), is a member the Scrophulariaceae family. The cultivar 'Mauve Pink' is a low-growing perennial which produces a profusion of tiny, mauve-pink flowers and is usually grown as an annual. Leaves are rounded and mid-green. Flowers are pink and star-shaped. Great in hanging baskets, or as a companion plant in pots and borders. Thrives in very moist soil and full sun.
This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme.
