Cape-jewels (Nemesia strumosa) Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses

Sensitive to drought, Cape-jewels needs constantly moist soil. Try to keep the substrate moist and water the plant when the top few layers of soil dry out. Water regularly, but don't let the plant sit in soggy soil.

Fertilization

Cape-jewels requires regular feeding. During the active growing season, from spring to fall, you can feed the plant with balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a month, or apply balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks. You can also add garden compost or seaweed extract several times during the active growing season.

Pruning

Trim the dead, diseased, overgrown branches in winter.

Soil

Sand, Sandy loam, Acidic, Neutral

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial sun

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Cape-jewels

Water

Every week

Sunlight

Full sun

Hardiness Zones

6 to 11

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Questions About Cape-jewels

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Temperature

Fertilizing

What is the best way to water my Cape-jewels?

To water Cape-jewels, you can use a garden hose with a spray nozzle, a watering can, or just about any other common watering tool. Generally, Cape-jewels is not too picky about how they receive their water, as they can live off of rainwater, tap water, or filtered water. Often, you should try not to water this plant from overhead, as doing so can damage the leaves and flowers and may lead to disease as well. At times, the best method for watering this plant is to set up a drip irrigation system. These systems work well for Cape-jewels as they apply water evenly and directly to the soil. For one Cape-jewels that grows in a container, you can use a similar watering approach while changing the tools you use. To water a container-grown Cape-jewels, use a cup, watering can, or your tap to apply water directly to the soil.

What should I do if I water my Cape-jewels too much or too little?

The remedy for underwatering Cape-jewels is somewhat obvious. When you notice that your plant lacks moisture, simply begin watering it on a more regular basis. The issue of overwatering can be a much more dire situation, especially if you fail to notice it early. When your Cape-jewels is overwatered, it may contract diseases that lead to its decline and death. The best way to prevent this outcome is to choose a proper growing location, one that receives plenty of sunlight to help dry the soil and has good enough drainage to allow excess water to drain rather than pooling and causing waterlogged soils. If you overwater your Cape-jewels that lives in a pot, you may need to consider changing it to a new pot. Your previous container may not have contained soil with good drainage or may not have had sufficient drainage holes. As you repot your overwatered Cape-jewels, make sure to add loose soils and to use a pot that drains efficiently.

How often should I water my Cape-jewels?

Cape-jewels needs water regularly throughout the growing season. Beginning in spring, you should plan to water this plant about once per week. As the season presses on and grows warmer, you may need to increase your watering rate to about two to three times per week. Exceeding at this rate can be detrimental to your Cape-jewels. With that said, you should also ensure that the soil in which your Cape-jewels grows remains relatively moist but not wet, regardless of how often you must water to make that the case. Watering Cape-jewels that lives in a pot is a bit different. Generally, you'll need to increase your watering frequency, as the soil in a pot can heat up and dry out a bit faster than ground soil. As such, you should plan to water a container-grown Cape-jewels a few times per week in most cases, versus just once per week for an in-ground plant.

How much water does my Cape-jewels need?

There are a few different ways you can go about determining how much water to give to your Cape-jewels. Some gardeners choose to pick their water volume based on feeling the soil for moisture. That method suggests that you should water until you feel that the first six inches of soil have become moist. Alternatively, you can use a set measurement to determine how much to water your Cape-jewels. Typically, you should give your Cape-jewels about two gallons of water per week, depending on how hot it is and how quickly the soil becomes dry. However, following strict guidelines like that can lead to overwatering if your plant requires less than two gallons per week for whatever reason. When growing Cape-jewels in a container, you will need to use a different method to determine how much water to supply. Typically, you should give enough water to moisten all of the layers of soil that have become dry. To test if that is the case, you can simply stick your finger in the soil to feel for moisture. You can also water the soil until you notice a slight trickle of excess water exiting the drainage holes of your pot.

How can I tell if i'm watering my Cape-jewels enough?

It can be somewhat difficult to avoid overwatering your Cape-jewels. On the one hand, these plants have relatively deep roots that require you to moisten the soil weekly. On the other hand, Cape-jewels are plants that are incredibly susceptible to root rot. Along with root rot, your Cape-jewels may also experience browning as a result of overwatering. Underwatering is far less likely for your Cape-jewels as these plants can survive for a while in the absence of supplemental watering. However, if you go too long without giving this plant water, it will likely begin to wilt. You may also notice dry leaves.

How should I water my Cape-jewels through the seasons?

You can expect your Cape-jewels’s water needs to increase as the season moves on. During spring, you should water about once per week. Then, as the summer heat arrives, you will likely need to give a bit more water to your Cape-jewels, at times increasing to about three times per week. This is especially true of Cape-jewels that grow in containers, as the soil in a container is far more likely to dry out faster than ground soil when the weather is warm. In autumn, while your Cape-jewels is still in bloom, it may need a bit less water as the temperature has likely declined, and the sun is no longer as strong as it was in summer.

How should I water my Cape-jewels at different growth stages?

Cape-jewels will move through several different growth stages throughout the year, some of which may require more water than others. For example, you will probably start your Cape-jewels as a seed. While the seed germinates, you should plant to give more water than your Cape-jewels will need later in life, watering often enough to maintain consistent soil moisture. After a few weeks, your Cape-jewels will grow above the soil and may need slightly less water than at the seedling phase. Then, once this plant is mature, you can begin to use the regular watering frequency of about once per week. As flower development takes place, you may need to give slightly more water to aid the process.

What's the difference between watering Cape-jewels indoors and outdoors?

There are several reasons why most Cape-jewels grow outdoors rather than indoors. The first is that these plants typically grow to tall. The second reason is that Cape-jewels needs more daily sunlight than most indoor growing locations can provide. If you are able to provide a suitable indoor growing location, you may find that you need to give your Cape-jewels water a bit more often than you would in an outdoor growing location. Part of the reason for this is that indoor growing locations tend to be a lot drier than outdoor ones due to HVAC units. The other reason for this is that soil in containers can dry out relatively quickly as well compared to soil in the ground.

Is pruning necessary for my Cape-jewels?

Cape-jewels is a kind of annual plant so it doesn't need much pruning. You only need to cut off and clean the diseased, yellow or dropped leaves and stems during its growing period. This will help your Cape-jewels to stay away from pathogens infection.

How do I prune my Cape-jewels?

During the growth of the plant, yellowing, drying and spotted leaves are produced, and these spotted and discolored leaves need to be trimmed off. If the whole piece of leave is discolored or infected, you will need to cut it off completely. In other situations, you will only need to cut off the discolored or infected part on certain leaves. Cape-jewels above the ground will die and dry up in the winter, and the dead plants need to be cleaned up.

Are there any cautions I should be careful with when pruning my Cape-jewels?

Cape-jewels leaves are delicate, so take care not to score or bruise them. Unless the leaves are withered or heavily discolored, do not prune the leaves from the lowermost branches unless they’re damaged. They typically grow the largest, so they supply the plant with critical energy to keep it growing right. Please prevent the wounds from water after pruning until they are fully recovered. Remember always sterilize the tools before pruning. When the pruning is finished, please throw all the waste leaves and stems into the trashbins to avoid diseases and bugs.

Are there any tips for pruning my Cape-jewels?

Sterilize all the tools before pruning; unclean tools will pass pathogens to the plant through wounds;
Prune on sunny days because the new cuts will be infected by pathogens if they're distained by rain or water.
Throw all the waste leaves and stems into trashbins, they will easily rot and attract diseases and bugs

When should/shouldn't I prune my Cape-jewels?

Expect to prune your Cape-jewels every week if it’s growing well or every two weeks if it grows slowly. It is always good to prune it on sunny days because if you prune it on rainy days, the rainwater will distain the cuts and cause the whole plant to be infected.

What should I look for when pruning my Cape-jewels in different seasons?

Because Cape-jewels is an annual plant, the pruning should take place basically during the seasons that the plant grows rapidly. During the growth of the plant, yellowing, drying and spotted leaves are produced, and these spotted and discolored leaves need to be trimmed off.

How much sunlight should Cape-jewels get per day to grow healthily?

You must expose the plants to at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. They prefer more exposure to the morning light, especially in the summer. The Cape-jewels needs full sun and more sunlight that it can get. The more light these species get, the more they can manufacture food, produce beautiful blooms, and survive.

What type of sunlight does Cape-jewels need?

The Cape-jewels grows best under full sunlight. It's best not to crowd them together so they can get exposure to the sun evenly. The leaves shouldn't be starved with sunlight. If planted in pots, try to expose the herbaceous flowers in windows with direct sun and ensure they receive full sunlight regardless of the months.

They don't tend to do well in partial or filtered light as this will not produce strong stems and healthy flowers. It's best if the Cape-jewels is always exposed to the sun.

Can sunlight hurt plants? How to protect Cape-jewels from sun and heat damage?

When the temperature rises above 90℉(32℃), the Cape-jewels can get damaged by extreme temperatures, especially if they are exposed to many hours of sun. It's always ideal for providing some shade from the light in the afternoon in the summer. It's always important to keep in mind that the sunlight in the summer is stronger than the one in the winter. Sunlight exposure is also 50% longer in the summer than in the winter.

If the Cape-jewels is too stressed with sunlight, you might want to keep them fully hydrated. Water them when the top of the soil is about 2 inches dry, and move the plants indoors if it's too hot outside. This is the case if they are planted in containers.

It can be normal for the plant leaves to wilt during the day. Generally, they can recover at night. However, when you notice that the Cape-jewels is still drooping, this means that the plant is losing water fast, and you need to water them.

Should I protect Cape-jewels from sun exposure?

The Cape-jewels does not need any protection from the sun. In fact, they love the sun, and some species are heliotropic. Plant them in south-facing gardens whenever possible so they can be exposed from morning to afternoon. While the sun can benefit them, some may experience a sunburn. You might offer protection from the afternoon and midday sun through a shade of a tree or a wall.

Growing the Cape-jewels in shady areas is impossible because the larger flowers would require a lot of energy to grow and produce. Always provide the lighting conditions and set them in an area with full sun for best results.

What will happen if Cape-jewels gets inadequate sunlight?

When the Cape-jewels does not get adequate sunlight, or they are not placed in full sun locations, it's worth noting that the photosynthetic process will slow down. A lack of sunlight will cause the stems to become more leggy since they become thin and long since they tend to seek too much sunlight. They will not bloom and produce seeds in the shade.

Inadequate sunlight will also mean that the older leaves can die, the color of the new ones is lighter than the old foliage, and the new growth is smaller than the last ones.

The Cape-jewels indeed loves the sun so much. However, they can wilt when exposed to excessive heat and ultraviolet light during the extreme summer months, so be careful. You might want to cover them with a net that has a green shade, especially in the summer, to prevent the leaves and the flowers from scorching. When they are indoors, reduce the heat with the help of a fan.

Does Cape-jewels need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?

When the Cape-jewels is growing, they need more light than their mature counterparts. The younger ones should receive adequate light, but they might not be prepared for sudden full sunlight, especially if they are grown in a nursery. They can be more sensitive to the summer sun, so the lighting should be gradual and slow.

How much light does Cape-jewels need for photosynthesis?

During summer or late spring, the Cape-jewels needs 6 to 8 hours of direct light every single day. This is whether they are planted outdoors. If the Cape-jewels is planted in pots or you're growing them in the winter, they need direct fluorescent lights that help them grow better. Make sure to place them in an indoor area where they are facing south or east so they can have enough sunlight for photosynthesis.

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Cape-jewels?

When transplanting the plants, they should not be exposed to sudden sunlight. Give the Cape-jewels to grow and mature before transplanting outside. Some species of herbaceous plants can grow taller and might cast a shade on other young plants. Allow between 80 to 100 days of growing season before planting another batch to ensure that every plant receives more than enough sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.

Make sure that the Cape-jewels receives the best light possible, especially if it's planted in a nursery. These are sun-loving plants, but too much sunlight with a very hot temperature is also detrimental to their growth. Indoor lights should be replaced with natural sunlight as much as possible since these species crave this every day.

What is the optimal temperature for Cape-jewels?

The best temperature for Cape-jewels depends on the time of year. There are two primary seasons to discuss for temperature: the growing season, and the dormancy season. During the growing season, once Cape-jewels has begun to sprout, the ideal temperature range should be anywhere from 65~80℉(18~27℃). Any colder than 15℉(-10℃), and the plant will suffer; its leaves may brown and wilt, but if this is a short cold snap, then Cape-jewels may be able to survive with some help.

During the warmer parts of the year, Cape-jewels will need to be similarly protected from temperatures that are too high. 95-105℉ (35-40℃) is the top of this plant’s temperature range, and anything above that will compromise the integrity of the foliage and blooms of Cape-jewels. Hotter temperatures can cause wilting, drooping, and even sunburn on the leaves, which can be difficult for Cape-jewels to recover from. There are quite a few ways to combat this issue that are quick and easy!

Temperature requirements for first year or seedling Cape-jewels

If this is the first year of your Cape-jewels outside as a new plant, then it may need a little extra tending during the coldest months of the year. Not only can frost more severely damage a first-year Cape-jewels, but it can also prevent it from growing back as a healthy plant come spring. This plant needs to be kept at 40℉(5℃) or above when they’re not yet established, which can be done either by bringing your Cape-jewels inside for a month or two, or putting up mulch or fabric barriers that protect from frost damage.

It’s also a good idea to plant Cape-jewels in a shadier spot during the first year or two, as smaller and weaker plants have a more difficult time maintaining their own temperatures in the heat. First-year Cape-jewels should receive no more than five hours of direct sunlight per day, particularly if the ambient daytime temperature gets above 80℉(27℃). Shadecloth and frequent watering or misting are the keys to summer heat control.

How can I protect Cape-jewels from extreme temperatures?

If cold temperatures (below 15℉(-10℃)) do occur during the growing season, there are a few measures you can take to help protect Cape-jewels from frost or cold damage. If you’re growing Cape-jewels in a container, then the container can simply be brought inside in bright, indirect light until the temperatures rise up over the lower threshold again. Another option that’s better suited for ground-planted Cape-jewels is to use mulch or horticultural fabric to create an insulated barrier around the plant, which will protect the plant from frost and cold wind.

For temperatures that are hotter than 80℉(27℃) in the shade during the day, be careful to only expose Cape-jewels to six hours or less of sunlight per day, preferably in the morning hours. Putting up shade cloth, or a fine plastic mesh, can help reduce the amount of direct sunlight that hits the plant during the hottest parts of the day. You can also install a misting system that allows for a slow release of cooling mist around the base of the plant during the day to lower ground temperatures.

Dormant season temperature recommendations for Cape-jewels

During the cold winter months, Cape-jewels needs a certain measure of cold in order to stay in dormancy until it’s time to sprout. Sprouting too early, that is before the danger of the last frost has passed, can be fatal to Cape-jewels, especially if it’s already had a head start when the frost hits. Winter temperatures should ideally stay below 32℉(0℃), but if they get up to 40℉(5℃), everything will be just fine.

An unexpected warm spell during the cold months, which can happen in more temperate climates like woodland rainforests, can trigger a premature sprout from Cape-jewels. In this case, if there’s still imminent danger of frost, you may want to try covering it with clear plastic on stakes so that the cold has less of a chance of damaging the new sprout. This setup can be removed when the danger of frost has passed. Occasionally, Cape-jewels will be able to resprout at the correct time without any help, but this method increases the chances of a successful second sprouting.

Why do I need to fertilize my Cape-jewels?

Plants need nutrients to survive; most gardeners, regardless of experience, are well aware of this factor. However, without food, Cape-jewels will die out soon after the first pollination. Therefore, providing the right type of nutrients in the right amounts is the best way to keep Cape-jewels going throughout the blooming season and producing large, beautiful flowers.

Fertilizer also helps Cape-jewels build a large, healthy root system. This plant needs all the help it can get since its root system is very thin and easily damaged. Fertilizing at planting helps Cape-jewels build a solid root structure that not only provides stability to the plant, but also sets the stage for a sensational flowering performance. When timed correctly, fertilization can greatly extend Cape-jewels's flowering period.

When is the best time to fertilize my Cape-jewels?

Cape-jewels puts on tremendous growth early in the growing season, once the danger of the last frost has passed. It’s during this time that Cape-jewels should be fertilized; more specifically, during planting. The idea is to apply when the plant is first planted in the ground or in planters; however you choose to plant it. This will be the only dose of fertilizer until later in the year, when blooms are in full force.

Once the season is in full swing and Cape-jewels has opened most of its blooms at full size, it’s time to start fertilizing again. Around the time when blooms are at peak output, begin fertilizing again once every three to four weeks, as weather permits. Then, after Cape-jewels starts to put out fewer new blooms, stop fertilizing; there’s no need to fertilize when the plant can’t produce any more blooms.

When should I avoid fertilizing my Cape-jewels?

While regular fertilizing is important for Cape-jewels, it absolutely can be applied at the wrong time. Some situations call for holding back the fertilizer once in a while. These are usually climate related, but they also include a variety of controllable factors. Essentially, when something is wrong with the plant, the soil, or the climate, wait it out until things have been smoothed over and the plant has recovered.

An example of when not to fertilize is if there are severe or unexpected changes in the weather. If a cold nap suddenly comes in the middle of summer, wait until it’s warm again to start fertilizing. The same stands for if the soil becomes too dry or too packed to absorb anything. At this point, fertilizer will be going straight to the roots, rather than being diffused by soil before it reaches them. As you can imagine, the roots of Cape-jewels aren’t very fond of that.

When temperatures soar during the hottest parts of the day into the 90-degree fahrenheit range, don’t apply fertilizer. Since fertilizer can be broken down at various speeds depending on temperature, it’s especially important not to allow hot temperatures to break it down too quickly. Pests or diseases should also be treated and cleared up before re-fertilizing.

What type of fertilizer does my Cape-jewels need?

Most types of Cape-jewels need the same general balance of nutrients from fertilizer. These should come in the form of a fertilizer that’s formulated specifically for high-yield blooming plants. A fertilizer with a higher level of phosphorus is the best option. This type of fertilizer has a higher P number in its NPK number, for example 10-30-10.

Several fertilizer brands sell a fertilizer that’s perfect for blooming plants like Cape-jewels, which are an easy and fuss-free way to provide the right nutrients. If you do choose to use a pre-mixed fertilizer, follow the directions on the package to prevent Cape-jewels from getting too much or too little fertilizer, both of which can cause the plant to grow poorly or even wilt entirely.

How do I fertilize my Cape-jewels?

Depending on the type of fertilizer you have, specific fertilizing instructions may vary. However, there are a few general tips for applying most types of fertilizer to Cape-jewels. The first fertilizer application, which should be when you first plant Cape-jewels, will likely consist of mixing the recommended amount of fertilizer into the soil before planting and watering in the Cape-jewels.

Subsequent fertilizing may look a little different. For pellet fertilizers, simply mix the pellets into the top inch of soil around the outer edge of the plant, where the roots are. Water them in very well at first, then water regularly after that. Other fertilizers may be mixed into a watering can and applied just like a regular watering. Follow any instructions on fertilizer packaging for consistency, but if you’d rather keep things on a regular schedule, shoot for every three to four weeks.

What happens if I fertilize my Cape-jewels too much?

Over-fertilizing is a very easy mistake to make for first-time gardeners, or even for experienced gardeners trying out a new product. Fortunately, Cape-jewels makes this issue known very well by displaying several signs of distress. You may notice that its leaves are yellowing quickly, the foliage may wilt, or new blooms may be under-developed. These are all clear signs of too much food.

When you fertilize Cape-jewels too frequently, you create uninhabitable soil conditions. Soil may become too hot, which is a term used to describe when soil is too saturated with minerals, nutrients, or compost, and ends up burning the roots of anything planted in it. It’s a good idea to flush out the soil well once a month or so, just by watering twice as much as normal with good drainage.

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Feng shui direction

Southeast

The cape-jewels subtly but significantly enhances the energetic fields of the Southeast zones, through its vibrant colors and resilient nature which may harmonize with the Wood element traditionally associated with this sector. However, Feng Shui is a personal journey and what works in one space may not work in another.

Water

Every week

Lighting

Full sun

Cape-jewels thrives in areas that offer a great deal of sun exposure throughout the day. While it can endure some shade, excessive lack of light could impair its health. Originating from sun-drenched habitats, adequate solar exposure at all growth stages is essential. Over-exposure may lead to withered blooms, while insufficient light stunts growth.

Temperature

0 43 ℃

Cape-jewels is native to temperate environments with temperatures typically falling within 68 to 100 °F (20 to 38 ℃). It thrives under consistent warmth. In cooler seasons, consider moving cape-jewels indoors or use a heat mat to maintain optimal temperature.

Transplant

0.5-1 feet

Transplanting cape-jewels is ideally done during the 'late frost-free season' - think S2-S3. This is when it can effectively adapt to a new environment. Choose a sunny, well-drained location. Remember, early evening is best for transplanting to minimize shock.

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Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Cape-jewels based on 10 million real cases

Flower withering

Flowers may dry out due to a sudden change in environment or because the plant has completed its normal flowering period.

Solutions: If flower withering is a natural progression due to age, there is nothing that can be done to slow or stop the process. Once hormones within the plant begin the process of senescence, it’s irreversible. For lack of water, immediately water the plant using room temperature rainwater, bottled spring water, or filtered tap water. Water container plants until excess water drains out the bottom; water in-ground plants until the soil is soaked but there isn’t standing water on the surface. In the event of nutritional deficiencies, the best solution is to use a granular or water-soluble liquid fertilizer, and apply it to the soil at about half the recommended dosage. Keep it off the leaves and make sure granular products are watered into the soil well. If the plant is infected with a bacterial or fungal pathogen, there is no course of treatment that cures the diseased plants. The best solution is to remove the infected plants and dispose of the plant material off-site. Do not put in a compost pile.

Underwatering

Leaves may wilt for a variety of reasons.

Solutions: The easiest (and most obvious) way to address underwatering is to fully hydrate the plant. However, this must be done carefully. A common mistake that many gardeners make is to douse their underwatered plants with water. This can overwhelm the roots of the plant and shock its system, something that can be even more damaging than the lack of water to begin with. Instead, water thoroughly and slowly, taking breaks to let the water slowly saturate through the soil to get to the roots. Use room temperature water, as cold water might be too much of a shock. In the future, shorten the time between waterings. A good rule of thumb is to check the soil around each plant daily. If it’s dry to at least two inches down, it’s time to water. If a container plant is repeatedly drying out very quickly, repotting into a slower-draining container might be a good idea, too.

Aged yellow and dry

Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.

Solutions: If the yellowing and drying of leaves and flowers is a natural progression due to age, nothing can be done to slow or stop the process. Once hormones within the plant begin the process of senescence, it’s irreversible.

Leaf beetles

Leaf beetles are a class of colored insects 1 to 2 cm in size. They gnaw on leaves and petals resulting in small, round holes scattered over the surface.

Solutions: For less serious cases: Remove beetles, nymphs, and eggs. Remove all life stages of the beetles and kill them by placing them in a bucket of warm, soapy water. This can be done more easily by placing the bucket under affected leaves and shaking the plant. This method is most effective in the afternoon when leaf beetles are more active. Always dispose of insects in a sealed bag or container to avoid escape and spread. To treat more serious infestations: Apply organic insecticides. Use naturally-derived insecticides before moving on to synthetic insecticides. Neem oil and pyrethrum are naturally-derived insecticides that should be applied following label instructions. Apply synthetic insecticides. Examples of insecticides effective for leaf beetles include carbaryl, permethrin, and bifenthrin. Apply insecticides according to label instructions.

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Distribution Map

Habitat

Sandy flats

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Plant Type

Herb

Flower Color

White

Yellow

Pink

Red

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Usages

Garden Use

Cape-jewels is a versatile garden plant that provides a pop of color in flower beds or garden borders. It works well in dry, shady rock gardens, as its blooms are less abundant in full sun. When grown in containers and hanging baskets on patios or indoors, its showy flowers provide lovely decoration.

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Family

Figwort

Genus

Lionfaces

Species

Cape-jewels

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Baby's tears

Baby's tears is a plant built for propagation and survival. It grows Soleirolia soleirolii all along the edges of its leaves, and those tiny plantlets can even grow roots while still attached to the main plant. Flowers are not a seasonal occurrence and may or may not appear on any given plant. When baby's tears does flower, the blooms are pink or grey.

The rapid growth and strong timber of the burflower tree (Neolamarckia cadamba) make it popular for creating windbreaks and repopulating clear-cut forests of southeastern Asia. The bark is commonly used to create a vivid yellow dye, and lumber is used for creating craft-worthy wood. It is a sacred tree in India, where its flowers are used to make a perfume called attar.

Summer

Burflower tree

Plant Collection Most Common Herb Fragrant plantain lily See More The trademark feature of Asia-native plantain lilies is the numerous glossy oval leaves with deep parallel veins. The Fragrant plantain lily is additionally decorated with strongly fragrant, trumpet-shaped, large white flowers, which are unique in the genus. Hosta plantaginea is one of the favorite cultivatedContinue reading “Most Common Herb”

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Plant Collection Best Annual Plant to Grow Common sunflower See More The Common sunflower is recognizable for its bright flower on a very tall stem. It is often grown in gardens. These flowers have been important in culture: they were worshipped by the ancient Inca people, and today, they represent eco-friendly movements. The artist VincentContinue reading “Best Annual Plant to Grow”

Useful Tips

Trim the dead, diseased, overgrown branches in winter.

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Most Common Herb

Plant Collection Most Common Herb Golden pothos See More The Golden pothos is a popular flowering house plant that’s commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including “devil’s ivy,” because it is so hard to kill, and can grow in the dark. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, soContinue reading “Most Common Herb”

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Cape-jewels

Nemesia strumosa

Nemesia strumosa, or cape-jewels, is a gorgeous, fast-growing, summer annual. Bright flowers look lovely when planted en masse, in containers, or in flowerbeds. Not only pleasing to the eye, but these pretty flowers also offer up a sweet fragrance.

Hardiness Zones

6 to 11

Care Guide for Cape-jewels

Water

Fertilization

Pruning

Soil

Sand, Sandy loam, Acidic, Neutral

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial sun

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Questions About Cape-jewels

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Temperature

Fertilizing

What is the best way to water my Cape-jewels?

What should I do if I water my Cape-jewels too much or too little?

How often should I water my Cape-jewels?

How much water does my Cape-jewels need?

How can I tell if i'm watering my Cape-jewels enough?

How should I water my Cape-jewels through the seasons?

How should I water my Cape-jewels at different growth stages?

What's the difference between watering Cape-jewels indoors and outdoors?

Is pruning necessary for my Cape-jewels?

How do I prune my Cape-jewels?

Are there any cautions I should be careful with when pruning my Cape-jewels?

Are there any tips for pruning my Cape-jewels?

When should/shouldn't I prune my Cape-jewels?

What should I look for when pruning my Cape-jewels in different seasons?

How much sunlight should Cape-jewels get per day to grow healthily?

What type of sunlight does Cape-jewels need?

Can sunlight hurt plants? How to protect Cape-jewels from sun and heat damage?

Should I protect Cape-jewels from sun exposure?

What will happen if Cape-jewels gets inadequate sunlight?

Does Cape-jewels need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?

How much light does Cape-jewels need for photosynthesis?

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Cape-jewels?

What is the optimal temperature for Cape-jewels?

Temperature requirements for first year or seedling Cape-jewels

How can I protect Cape-jewels from extreme temperatures?

Dormant season temperature recommendations for Cape-jewels

Why do I need to fertilize my Cape-jewels?

When is the best time to fertilize my Cape-jewels?

When should I avoid fertilizing my Cape-jewels?

What type of fertilizer does my Cape-jewels need?

How do I fertilize my Cape-jewels?

What happens if I fertilize my Cape-jewels too much?

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More About How-Tos

Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Cape-jewels based on 10 million real cases

Flower withering

Flowers may dry out due to a sudden change in environment or because the plant has completed its normal flowering period.

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Underwatering

Leaves may wilt for a variety of reasons.

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Aged yellow and dry

Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.

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Leaf beetles

Leaf beetles are a class of colored insects 1 to 2 cm in size. They gnaw on leaves and petals resulting in small, round holes scattered over the surface.

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Distribution Map

Habitat

Sandy flats

Map

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Plant Type

Herb

Flower Color

White

Yellow

Pink

Red

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Usages

Garden Use

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Mints plantains olives and allies

Family

Figwort

Genus

Lionfaces

Species

Cape-jewels

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Related Plants

False christmas cactus

Schlumbergera truncata

Soleirolia soleirolii

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