Nemophila maculata (fivespot)

Japanese name: ネモフィラ マクラタ
Scientific name: Nemophila maculata

[Overview]
An annual about 20 cm tall.
The stems and leaves bear soft hairs; it branches well and spreads sideways.
The leaves are opposite, oblong to ovate, about 3 cm long and 1.5 cm wide, and pinnately lobed.
The flowers are borne singly; the corolla is about 3 cm across, a shallow bowl or wheel shape with 5 lobes, white with purple veins and a dark purple spot at the tip of each lobe.

[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed.
It is an annual sown in autumn, but in cold regions it can also be sown in spring.
It dislikes transplanting, so sow directly or sow in pots and then plant out.
It is sensitive to rain and prefers a cool, dry place.
It prefers sunny, well-drained, fertile sandy soil rich in humus.
It dislikes heat and humidity.
Protect it from cold wind and frost, but too much protection from the cold makes it grow leggy instead.
For potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries; for plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient.
If fertilizer is applied at planting, no further fertilizer is particularly needed.
Too much water or fertilizer makes it leggy, so keeping it somewhat dry with little fertilizer gives a compact, sturdy plant.
Remove dead leaves, spent flowers and crowded branches regularly to improve air circulation around the plant.
Pests and diseases include powdery mildew, gray mold and aphids.

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