Five Spot is a cool-season annual flower native to California grasslands that brings delicate charm to spring gardens in zones 6-10. Its upward-facing, cup-shaped white flowers are instantly recognizable by the distinctive purple spot at the tip of each petal, hence its charming common name. Growing 6-12 inches tall and wide, these plants bloom prolifically from April through June, thriving in cool climates where nighttime temperatures stay below 65°F and declining rapidly once consistent heat arrives. Nemophila maculata excels in loose, well-drained, acidic soils with consistent moisture and works equally well in full sun or partial shade.
Partial Sun
Moderate
6-10
12in H x 12in W
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Moderate
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The defining feature is unmistakable: pure white petals, each crowned with a single rounded purple spot that looks almost hand-painted. These delicate flowers nod upward on slender stalks, creating an airy, cottage-garden effect rather than dense, showy impact. Five Spot thrives in cool spring weather and actually prefers it, making this a go-to choice for gardeners in northern regions or those looking to extend color into early summer. The plant's intolerance of heat and drought means it's not for every climate, but in the right conditions, it delivers weeks of refined, cheerful bloom.
Five Spot is grown as an ornamental annual flower, valued for its delicate spring-to-early-summer blooms in beds, borders, and cottage garden settings. Its compact size and cool-season preference make it suited to containers and mixed plantings where extended cool weather is available.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
In cool-summer climates, sow seeds directly in the garden in spring for bloom from summer to frost. In hot-summer climates with cold winters, fall sowing for winter and spring bloom is recommended.
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