Capejewels (Nemesia strumosa): A Charming South African Annual for Cool-Season Color
If you’re looking for a cheerful annual that brings a rainbow of colors to your garden during the cooler months, capejewels might just be the plant for you. This South African native has found its way into gardens around the world, including parts of Canada, where it has naturalized and now grows wild in Quebec.
What Are Capejewels?
Capejewels (Nemesia strumosa) are delightful annual flowers that belong to the forb family – essentially, they’re non-woody plants that die back each year but pack a serious punch in the color department. These compact beauties produce masses of small, fragrant flowers that come in an impressive array of colors including white, yellow, orange, pink, and purple. Sometimes you’ll even find bicolored varieties that look like tiny jewels scattered across your garden beds.
Where Do They Come From?
Originally hailing from the Cape region of South Africa, capejewels have adapted well to various climates around the world. In North America, they’ve established themselves in Quebec, where they now reproduce naturally without human intervention. This South African origin explains their preference for Mediterranean-like conditions and their ability to thrive in cooler weather when many other annuals are struggling.
Why Gardeners Love (or Don’t Love) Capejewels
There’s plenty to appreciate about these colorful annuals:
- Extended blooming period from spring through fall in cooler climates
- Incredible color range that’s hard to find in other small annuals
- Compact size makes them perfect for containers and tight spaces
- Pleasant fragrance that adds another sensory dimension to your garden
- Relatively low maintenance once established
However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. As a non-native species, capejewels don’t provide the same ecological benefits as indigenous plants. While they do attract some pollinators like bees and butterflies, native wildflowers and annuals will always offer superior support for local wildlife populations.
Garden Design and Landscaping Uses
Capejewels shine brightest when used as:
- Border plants along pathways and garden edges
- Container garden stars for patios and balconies
- Ground cover for small areas needing quick color
- Rock garden additions where their compact size won’t overwhelm other plants
- Cool-season annual displays when combined with other spring and fall bloomers
Growing Conditions and Care
Capejewels are fairly adaptable but have some specific preferences that will help them thrive:
Light Requirements: They perform best in full sun to partial shade. In extremely hot climates, they’ll appreciate some afternoon shade to prevent stress.
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil is crucial – these plants hate having wet feet. They’re not particularly fussy about soil type but prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH levels.
Temperature Preferences: Unlike many annuals that love heat, capejewels actually prefer cooler weather. They’re perfect for spring and fall displays and can handle light frosts.
USDA Hardiness Zones: While they can be grown as annuals in zones 2-11, they perform best in cooler regions and during cooler seasons.
Planting and Care Tips
Getting the most out of your capejewels is surprisingly straightforward:
- Direct sow seeds in early spring after the last hard frost
- Space plants about 6-8 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation
- Water regularly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
- Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming
- In hot summer areas, they may go dormant but often return with cooler fall weather
Pollinator and Wildlife Benefits
While capejewels do attract bees and butterflies with their colorful, fragrant blooms, their wildlife benefits are limited compared to native alternatives. The small flowers provide some nectar, but they don’t support native insect larvae or provide the complex ecological relationships that indigenous plants offer.
Consider Native Alternatives
If you’re interested in supporting local ecosystems while still enjoying beautiful annual color, consider these native alternatives that offer similar aesthetic appeal:
- Native wildflower mixes appropriate for your region
- Indigenous annual sunflowers
- Local native asters and goldenrods for fall color
- Regional wildflowers that provide both beauty and ecological function
The Bottom Line
Capejewels are charming, easy-to-grow annuals that can add wonderful color to your garden, especially during cooler seasons when many other flowers are taking a break. While they’re not native and won’t provide the ecological benefits of indigenous plants, they’re not invasive and can be enjoyed responsibly as part of a diverse garden palette. Just remember to balance non-native ornamentals like capejewels with plenty of native plants to support your local ecosystem – your garden can be both beautiful and beneficial!
