Nemesia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Scrophulariaceae, also known as the figwort family. These plants are native to South Africa and are known for their colorful flowers that bloom profusely in the spring and summer and their fragrant, sweet scent.
There are over 50 species of Nemesia; the most commonly cultivated is Nemesia strumosa, also known as baby eyes or pinwheel flower. This annual plant grows up to 20 inches tall and 12 inches wide, producing a profusion of small flowers in shades of blue, pink, purple, white, and yellow. These flowers are clustered along the stem and bloom from spring to fall, attracting butterflies and other pollinators.
Nemesia plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, and they require regular watering. These plants can be grown in full sun or partial shade, but they tend to perform best in a location that receives morning sun but afternoon shade. In addition, they require regular deadheading to encourage continuous blooming. Deadheading involves removing spent flowers from the plant, which promotes the growth of new flowers.
One of the reasons that Nemesia plants are so popular is their fragrance. Nemesia flowers have a sweet, honey-like scent similar to vanilla or fruit. This scent is particularly strong in the evening and attracts moths and other nocturnal pollinators.