Five Spot (Nemophila maculata) – 45+ Seeds, Delicate White and Purple Flowers for Rock Gardens & Containers
Nemophila maculata
Minimum: 45+ seeds
The Five Spot (Nemophila maculata) is an enchanting, low-growing annual that showcases delicate white flowers adorned with striking purple spots on the petals. Each blossom features five spots, one on each petal tip, creating a beautiful, unique contrast that makes them stand out in any garden. Five Spot is ideal for adding a whimsical touch to rock gardens, containers, hanging baskets, or as ground cover in sunny areas. These blooms also thrive in cooler temperatures, making them perfect for early spring gardens.
Key Features:
- Unique Flower Design: The distinctive white petals with purple spots give Five Spot its charming name. These lovely flowers, about 1 inch in diameter, add a delicate and graceful touch to any garden space.
- Compact Growth Habit: Five Spot grows to a compact height of about 6-12 inches, making it excellent for low-growing ground cover, rock gardens, or containers. The spreading habit of the plant also makes it suitable for filling in gaps in flower beds.
- Ideal for Containers & Hanging Baskets: This plant's cascading nature is perfect for pots and hanging baskets, where it can gracefully spill over the sides. It thrives in small spaces, making it a great choice for patios, balconies, and terraces.
- Cool Weather Tolerance: Five Spot thrives in cooler temperatures and is well-suited for early spring planting. It prefers milder climates and can continue blooming well into the cooler days of summer.
- Pollinator Friendly: These charming flowers attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, helping to support a healthy and vibrant garden ecosystem.
Growing Tips:
- Light: Five Spot prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates. For the best flower production, aim for at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering. These flowers enjoy moist conditions but do not thrive in soggy soil. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
- Soil: Five Spot grows best in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Adding compost or organic matter before planting will encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms.
- Temperature: This annual plant prefers cooler weather, thriving in temperatures between 50-65°F (10-18°C). It does well in the spring and early summer but may decline in hot weather unless kept cool and moist.
- Fertilizer: While not heavy feeders, Five Spot will benefit from a light application of balanced fertilizer or compost at planting and mid-season to encourage continuous blooming.
Care and Maintenance:
- Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to promote prolonged blooming throughout the season. Deadheading helps the plant redirect its energy to produce more blooms instead of setting seed.
- Spacing: Space plants 6-8 inches apart to allow room for their spreading growth habit. This ensures good air circulation and helps prevent diseases such as mildew.
- Pest and Disease Control: Five Spot is generally resistant to most pests and diseases, but proper watering and spacing will prevent common problems such as root rot or mildew.
Landscaping and Decorative Uses:
- Rock Gardens: Due to its low-growing and spreading nature, Five Spot is perfect for adding color to rock gardens. The delicate flowers contrast beautifully against rocks and gravel, creating a soft, natural look.
- Ground Cover: When mass planted, Five Spot creates a carpet of blooms that’s perfect for ground cover in garden beds, filling spaces with its soft, colorful appearance.
- Container Gardening: The trailing habit of Five Spot makes it ideal for containers, window boxes, and hanging baskets. Its compact size allows it to thrive in small spaces, bringing beauty to patios, porches, and balconies.
- Wildflower Gardens: The whimsical, spotted blooms are perfect for adding to wildflower or cottage-style gardens, where they can naturalize and grow with other spring-blooming flowers.
Why Choose Five Spot?
If you’re looking for a charming, unique flower to add to your garden or container displays, Five Spot is an excellent choice. Its delicate white and purple blooms add a touch of whimsy, while its compact size makes it versatile for small spaces. Whether used as ground cover, in rock gardens, or in hanging baskets, Five Spot offers months of beautiful, low-maintenance blooms.
Specifications:
- Botanical Name: Nemophila maculata
- Common Name: Five Spot
- Plant Height: 6-12 inches tall
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Watering Needs: Keep soil consistently moist
- Flowering Season: Blooms in spring to early summer
- Soil Requirements: Well-drained, fertile soil
- USDA Zones: 3-9 (grown as an annual in all zones)
Add a Whimsical Touch to Your Garden!
Order your Five Spot seeds today and enjoy the delightful beauty of these charming, spotted flowers. Whether planted in rock gardens, containers, or as ground cover, they will bring a unique and colorful display to your outdoor space. Brighten your garden this season with the delicate blooms of Five Spot!