Nemesia strumosa Sunsatia Cherry On Ice

Nemesia Sunsatia Cherry On Ice, also known poetically Mirror of the Elves, is a remarkable annual plant capable of flowering from the end of winter up until autumn. Clusters of bicoloured corollas, red and white with a yellow heart, bloom en masse, covering its dense and semi-trailing vegetation, for a sensational effect in hanging baskets and containers. This well-branched plant shows good resistance to bad weather and can tolerate light frosts. It should be placed in a gently sunny position, in fertile and well-drained soil.

Nemesia strumosa, also known as African nemesia, is an annual plant from the family Scrophulariaceae, native to South Africa, with rapid growth. It is the source of numerous horticultural varieties, whose performance in terms of floriferousness and durability is constantly being improved. The Sunsatia series is one of these successful creations, offering continuous flowering from May to October on very dense, wider-than-tall, semi-trailing plants.

The 'Cherry On Ice' variety has symmetrical flowers with undulated petals, half of which are red veined with black at the base, while the other half is immaculate white. They are enhanced by a small golden yellow heart. Gathered at the end of sturdy, leafy stems, they adorn a graceful clump measuring 25 cm (10in) in height and 30 cm (12in) in diameter, with a wide, compact, slightly trailing habit. The foliage consists of small, deeply toothed, lanceolate leaves, of medium green colour. This well-branched plant is resistant to wind and rain. Its slightly fragrant flowering attracts pollinating insects. The nemesia is hardy down to approximately -3°C.

From the first days of spring, the vibrant colours of nemesias illuminate the flowerbeds of cities and villages. On terraces and in gardens these fresh plants, with their graceful, bushy and trailing habit, are perfectly suited for hanging baskets, balconies, any type of container, and even perennial borders, preferably in full sun. They are easy to grow in the garden and provide spectacular results when planted in containers. Use them also as borders in a mix of colours, or in combination with geraniums, lobelias, verbenas, petunias, etc.

Note: Please be aware that our plug plants are professional products reserved for experienced gardeners. Upon receipt, transplant and store them under cover (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame) at a temperature above 14°C for a few weeks before placing them outdoors once all risk of frost has passed.