Nemesia, often called Cape Jewels or Elfenspiegel, are absolute favorites for summer containers. You can find them in everything from solid, bold colors to whimsical bicolors, making it super easy to match them to your balcony’s vibe. Just a heads-up, though: these pretty bloomers are total “warmth-seekers” and really can’t stand chilly nights.
On the Balcony
If you’re planting Nemesia on your balcony or patio, they’re going to want a spot that is:
- Sunny and
- Warm
These plants are a bit delicate when it comes to the elements—they aren’t fans of wind, drafts, or heavy rain. Ideally, you’ll want to give them a south-facing spot. If they only get a little bit of morning or evening sun, they probably won’t perform their best.
If you’re planting them in a standalone pot rather than a window box, try placing them against a house wall. The wall acts like a radiator, soaking up sun during the day and radiating that extra warmth back to the plants. Grouping them with other plants can also help create a cozy, sheltered microclimate.
Temperature
Nemesia are extremely sensitive to the cold. For these guys, anything under 60°F (15°C) feels like a deep freeze. You should wait to move them outside in the spring until nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 55°F (13°C). If there’s a surprise cold snap, be sure to bring them indoors or at least tuck them right up against the house for protection.
Indoors
I wouldn’t really recommend keeping Nemesia as a permanent indoor houseplant. They just don’t get enough direct UV light inside to stay happy. If you really want to try it, a south-facing window is your best bet. If you can crack the window open on nice days, it’ll give them a much-needed dose of unfiltered sunlight.
Overwintering
For the most part, Nemesia are treated as annuals, and that’s definitely how they’re grown here in the States. However, if you want to try overwintering them, you’ll need to prune them back before moving them inside. Their winter home:
- Must stay above 55°F (13°C) and
- Needs to be bright and dry.
Make sure they aren’t sitting in a drafty hallway. Also, go very easy on the watering—excess moisture is the biggest threat to Nemesia during the winter months.
