Nierembergia plants are a genus of mat growing plants that reach from 5 to 60 cm (2 to 24 inches) in height.
They are usually grown as half hardy annuals in the garden, but are in fact half hardy perennials.
Nierembergia have small feathery leaves and white or purple flower that have an attractive purple inner. Plants come into bloom in the summer.
Their size and nature make Nierembergia an ideal plant to grow in rock gardens, or as an edging plant.
Some common names for Nierembergia include Cupflower and Whitecup.
Nierembergia caerulea by Windsurfgirl; creative commons.
Dwarf cupflower by Beautifulcataya; creative commons.
Common Names: Cupflower, Whitecup, Purplecup
Family: Solanaceae.
Life Cycle: Half hardy perennial commonly grown as a half hardy annual by gardeners.
Height: 4 to 12 inches (10 to 30 cm).
Native: South America.
Growing Region: Zones 2 to 10. As a perennial in zones 7 to 10.
Cupflowers like to grow in a sunny part of the garden that has good drainage and a rich moist soil.
The cupflower seeds can be sown either at the start of autumn or early in spring. Once sown lightly cover the seeds with soil.
To grow cupflowers indoors, sow the seeds about 10 weeks in advance. Nierembergia plants can be planted out in early spring or early autumn.
They take about two to four weeks to germinate at 21 to 25 degrees centigrade (70 to 77°F).
Once ready, transplant into the garden using a spacing of about 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches).
Once growing it is important to keep the soil that Cupflower (and other Nierembergia) plants grow in moist.
Nierembergia plants should be deadheaded to produce more flowering, and cut back in the autumn.
In the spring apply a top dressing of manure. If you require more Nierembergia, then cuttings can be took in the autumn, or they can be divided in the springtime.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Nierembergia plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Chinese Lanterns, Erigeron plant, and Schizanthus plants.