Care of the plant Nemophila menziesii or Baby blue eyes |
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The genus Nemophila, family Boraginaceae, comprises 11 species of herbaceous plants native to the USA, Canada and Mexico. Some species are: Nemophila menziesii, Nemophila heterophylla, Nemophila spatulata, Nemophila maculata. Common names: Baby blue eyes, Baby's-blue-eyes. This species is native to California and Oregon, USA. They are annual herbaceous plants that reach 30 cm (11.8") in height. They have fleshy pinnate leaves of green color. The attractive blue flowers with a white center have 6 petals. They bloom in spring, sometimes also in late winter. They are used in pots and planters and in flowerbeds and borders combined with Eschscholzia californica, Dudleya, Dichelostemma capitatum and Calochortus. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens. Nemophila menziesii can grow in full sun or semi-shade exposure; prefers a warm climate like the Mediterranean climate. They resist frost down to -12 ºC (10.4 ºF). The soil should be well drained and contain organic matter, which would do with a garden soil with coarse sand and some compost. They resist the not very prolonged drought; They appreciate regular watering in spring and summer, waiting for the substrate to be almost dry. Fertilize with compost at the time of planting or sowing. Prune the faded flowers and the tips of the stems to favor the next flowering. They are plants quite resistant to pests and diseases but can be attacked by aphids, especially in case of drought. They are propagated from seeds sown directly to their final location in spring or fall. |
Images of the plant Nemophila menziesii or Baby blue eyes |
 Nemophila menziesii  Nemophila menziesii  Nemophila menziesii |