Nemophila maculata – Five Spot –

Description

Nemophila – There are about 11 species of quick growing, spreading to erect, slender, fleshy stemmed annuals in this genus. They occur in Western North America, from coastal sands to chaparral and redwood forest. The mid green or gray green leaves are opposite, lobed or pinnate, ovate to rounded, spoon shaped, or oblong, and toothed. In summer it bears small, 5 petaled, saucer or bell shaped, blue or white flowers held singly. Grow in a border, or in a window box or other container. Grow in fertile, moisture retentive but well drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Ceases to flower in hot weather. Protect from wind. Prone to powdery mildew, downy mildew, and aphids. N. maculata – Five Spot – This fleshy stemmed, sometimes slightly downy annual from California grows 6-12″ tall and wide. It produces 5 to 9 fern like, pinnate leaves, oblong to oval in outline and ½-1 1/4″ long. Over long periods during summer it bears solitary, saucer shaped white flowers, to 1 3/4″ across, held on long stalks, each petal is tipped with a small, deep purple blotch, and is sometimes faintly veined or tinted mauve-blue. Zones 9-10