Five spot wildflowers (Nemophila maculata) are attractive, low-maintenance annuals. Native to California, they can be grown virtually anywhere in the United States and in areas with similar climates. They are prized both for their prolific, striking flowers and their soft, fern-like foliage. Keep reading to learn more about growing five spot plants.
Five Spot Plant Info
Five spot wildflowers are named for their distinct flowers: 1 inch wide (2.5 cm) light blue or white blossoms of five petals, each of which is tipped with a vivid, deep purple spot. They are reasonably compact – they grow to no more than 12 inches (30.5 cm) high and 8 inches (20.5 cm) wide and do not spread over the course of the summer.
They prefer cool climates, germinating best in soil temperatures of 55-65 F. (13-18 C.). If your summers are particularly hot, don’t be discouraged. They should be able to survive if given lots of shade. They are annuals, and they’ll die back with the first frost. If allowed to flower and die back, however, they ought to seed naturally, and new plants should appear in the same spot the following spring. They bloom consistently and impressively all spring long.
Tips for Growing Five Spot Plants
Learning how to grow five spot flowers is exceptionally easy, as is their care. Because of their compact size and vigorous blossoming, five spot wildflowers are perfect for hanging baskets. A handful of seeds should ensure a great display through the spring.
They also grow flawlessly in the ground, however. They’ll tolerate most types of soil with full sun to dappled shade. They do not transplant well, so direct sowing is recommended. Early in the spring, as temperatures are warming, sprinkle the seeds over the bare ground and then rake lightly to mix them with the soil.
After this, they need essentially no care, apart from regular watering.
Five spot wildflowers (Nemophila maculata) are attractive, low-maintenance annuals. Native to California, they can be grown virtually anywhere in the United States and in areas with similar climates. They are prized both for their prolific, striking flowers and their soft, fern-like foliage. Keep reading to learn more about growing five spot plants.
Five Spot Plant Info
Five spot wildflowers are named for their distinct flowers: 1 inch wide (2.5 cm) light blue or white blossoms of five petals, each of which is tipped with a vivid, deep purple spot. They are reasonably compact – they grow to no more than 12 inches (30.5 cm) high and 8 inches (20.5 cm) wide and do not spread over the course of the summer.
They prefer cool climates, germinating best in soil temperatures of 55-65 F. (13-18 C.). If your summers are particularly hot, don’t be discouraged. They should be able to survive if given lots of shade. They are annuals, and they’ll die back with the first frost. If allowed to flower and die back, however, they ought to seed naturally, and new plants should appear in the same spot the following spring. They bloom consistently and impressively all spring long.
Tips for Growing Five Spot Plants
Learning how to grow five spot flowers is exceptionally easy, as is their care. Because of their compact size and vigorous blossoming, five spot wildflowers are perfect for hanging baskets. A handful of seeds should ensure a great display through the spring.
They also grow flawlessly in the ground, however. They’ll tolerate most types of soil with full sun to dappled shade. They do not transplant well, so direct sowing is recommended. Early in the spring, as temperatures are warming, sprinkle the seeds over the bare ground and then rake lightly to mix them with the soil.
After this, they need essentially no care, apart from regular watering.