Nemesia Nemesia Myrtille = 'Fleurmyr' (PBR)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Nemesia Myrtille 'Fleurmyr' is a delightful ornamental plant recognized for its vibrant and showy flowers. The plant bears a profusion of blossoms that are noted for their rich colors, usually in shades of deep blue reminiscent of myrtle berries, complemented by white and yellow tones creating a striking contrast. The flowers are intricately detailed with a unique, velvety texture, showcasing a palate of color that captures the eye. Each bloom's structure is marked by a two-lipped formation. The upper lip typically consists of four lobes, while the lower lip is prominently larger and often carries intricate patterns or markings. Together, these floral parts frame the central opening, inviting pollinators. This plant’s foliage forms a lush backdrop to the colorful flowers. The leaves are delicate and lance-shaped, presenting a fresh green hue. Their arrangement on the stem is opposite, offering a balanced and dense appearance, which adds to the plant's ornamental value. Overall, Nemesia Myrtille 'Fleurmyr' exudes an aesthetic of cottage garden charm, due to its quaint and colorful blooms that are grouped together, creating delightful clusters. Its appearance can be described as both dainty and robust, providing both visual delight and a hint of whimsy to gardens or as part of container arrangements.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Scrophulariaceae.
- Synonyms
  Nemesia, Cape Jewels, Bastard Balm.
- Common names
  Nemesia Myrtille 'Fleurmyr' (PBR).
Toxicity
- To humans
  Nemesia 'Fleurmyr' is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to humans. However, as with many plants not typically consumed as food, there may be a potential for a mild stomach upset if ingested in large quantities. It is always best to avoid eating ornamental plants and to keep them out of reach of children who might inadvertently consume them. If any part of the Nemesia 'Fleurmyr' is ingested and adverse symptoms are experienced, medical attention should be sought.
- To pets
  Nemesia 'Fleurmyr' is not widely recognized as a toxic plant to pets. Nonetheless, ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset in pets such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is a good practice to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants. If a pet ingests Nemesia 'Fleurmyr' and shows any signs of distress, it is advised to consult a veterinarian.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Annuals
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Mixed
- Height
  1 foot (30 cm)
- Spread
  1 foot (30 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  9
- Native area
  South Africa

Benefits

General Benefits
- Attractive Blooms: Nemesia Myrtille 'Fleurmyr' produces vibrant flowers that add color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Long Flowering Season: It has a lengthy blooming period, providing gardeners with extended enjoyment of its blossoms.
- Low Maintenance: Known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep beyond basic watering and occasional fertilization.
- Compact Size: Its small stature makes it ideal for use in borders, containers, and small garden spaces.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this plant exhibits some level of drought resistance, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting biodiversity in the environment.
- Cold Tolerance: It is capable of withstanding cooler temperatures, making it a robust choice for various climate conditions.
- Versatility: Nemesia Myrtille 'Fleurmyr' can be used in a variety of garden settings such as rock gardens, alpine displays, or as edging plants.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers visual interest throughout the season, especially in spring and summer when its flowers are in full bloom.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Nemesia Myrtille can be used in sensory gardens for its varied and vibrant colors, which are beneficial for stimulating visual perception.
- The plant can be used in educational programs for children, introducing them to the basics of botany and plant life cycles through observation and care.
- Nemesia Myrtille acts as an indicator plant in gardens; changes in its health can suggest the presence of pests or soil imbalances that may affect other plants.
- With their delicate fragrance, the flowers can be included in homemade potpourris to naturally freshen indoor spaces.
- The blooms can be pressed and used in craft projects, such as creating natural art on greeting cards or bookmarks.
- Photographers and artists can use the vivid flowers as subjects for developing their skills in capturing color and fine detail.
- The plant's structure can inspire garden design, with its compact growth habit useful in illustrating principles of scale and proportion.
- They can serve as companion plants for vegetable gardens, attracting pollinators to the area which can increase yields of crops.
- By planting Nemesia Myrtille in urban environments, they can contribute to the beautification of the cityscape and provide a habitat for urban wildlife.
- Used in the study of plant adaptations, Nemesia Myrtille's response to different environments can provide insight into ecological resilience.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The plant Nemesia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The plant Nemesia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Delicate Beauty: Nemesia, in general, is a delicate looking plant which may symbolize a beauty that is not bold and in-your-face but rather refined and subtle, just as its fine textured flowers suggest.
- Optimism: With its cheerful and bright flowers, Nemesia is often associated with positivity and the hopeful feeling that comes with spring and early summer when these plants usually bloom.
- Gratitude: Nemesia can be a symbol of thankfulness, possibly due to its habit of blooming abundantly as if it's showing gratitude for the care provided by the gardener.
- Friendliness: The plant's inviting look could be why it's thought to represent amiability and the spirit of welcoming or companionship.
- Perseverance: Despite its delicate appearance, Nemesia can be quite hardy, symbolizing persistence and the ability to overcome challenges.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every year

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Nemesia 'Myrtille' should be watered deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically equates to watering about once a week during active growth periods. However, frequency depends on weather conditions and soil type; in hot, dry weather, you may need to water more frequently. Use a watering can or hose to evenly moisten the soil without splashing the foliage. Ensure adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging. A rough estimate would be to provide around 16-24 ounces of water for small to medium-sized pots or up to 1-2 gallons for larger containers or garden beds every week in the absence of rain.
Light
Nemesia 'Myrtille' thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. The ideal spot for this plant is where it will receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, possibly with some afternoon shade in hotter climates to prevent scorching. Avoid deep shade as this will limit flowering and can lead to leggy growth.
Temperature
Nemesia 'Myrtille' prefers a moderate climate with temperatures ranging between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit but will suffer if the temperature drops further. The optimal growing temperature range lies between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pruning
Nemesia 'Myrtille' benefits from regular deadheading to remove spent flowers and encourage further blooming. Prune lightly throughout the blooming season to promote bushy growth and more flowers. The best time for more extensive pruning, to reshape or reduce the size, is late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for Nemesia, commonly known as Cape Jewels, should be well-draining with a peat-based or loam-based component, rich in organic matter. The optimal soil pH for Cape Jewels should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. Amend the soil with compost or a slow-release fertilizer to provide nutrients.
Repotting
Cape Jewels, or Nemesia, typically do not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 1-2 years. Repotting should be done in the spring before the onset of the growing season to give the plant time to establish in its new container.
Humidity & Misting
Cape Jewels or Nemesia thrive best in moderate humidity conditions. They do not require overly high humidity levels but should not be placed in excessively dry environments. Aim for a humidity level consistent with typical indoor conditions, around 40-60%.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place Nemesia in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
- Outdoor
  Plant Nemesia in partial sun; water regularly.
- Hardiness zone
  9-11 USDA
Life cycle
The Nemesia Myrtille 'Fleurmyr' starts its life as a dormant seed, requiring a period of stratification or exposure to cold to break dormancy and germinate. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and develops true leaves, entering the vegetative growth stage where the plant will mature and increase in size. During its growth, it will form robust stems and foliage, creating the framework for future flowering. As it reaches maturity, Nemesia Myrtille will enter the flowering stage, blooming with vibrant colors, typically in late spring to summer, attracting pollinators and completing its reproductive cycle. After pollination, the plant will produce seeds, allowing it to spread and create new plants for the next generation. Eventually, as the seasons change, particularly if it's grown in a cold climate, the plant may die back, marking the end of its life cycle, although in some climates it may behave as a perennial, surviving to regrow the next season.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to Summer
- Propogation: The Nemesia Myrtille 'Fleurmyr', commonly known as Nemesia, is typically propagated through the sowing of seeds. The best time to propagate Nemesia by seeds is in early spring when the danger of frost has passed, and temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). You would sow the small seeds on the surface of a well-draining seed starting mix, as they require light for germination. The trays or flats should be placed in a bright, warm location but not in direct sunlight, and the soil needs to be kept moist but not waterlogged. Seedlings usually emerge within 7 to 14 days, and after they have grown large enough to handle, you can transplant them into individual pots or outdoors in your garden.