Nierembergia

Nierembergia - The only quite hardy Nierembergia is M. rivularis (White Cup), one of the handsomest of all. The stems and foliage trail along the ground like those of the New Holland Violet, while barely pushed above the foliage are open cup-like creamy-white flowers, usually nearly 2 inches across. They continue during the summer and autumn, and have a pleasing effect in the distance, as they suggest Snowdrops at first, and are quite as pretty when closely viewed. To ensure success with Nierembergias have heavy, firm soil, a level surface, and sunny aspect. The tender Nierembergias are N. frutescens, a sub-shrubby plant of erect growth, and N. filicaulis, or gracilis, as it is called, which has slender drooping branches. Both have pretty white flowers pencilled with purple, and are suitable for the rock garden in summer or for drooping over the edges of vases. Propagate by cuttings in spring in heat.