Nigella damascena’s original birthplace is in the rocky slopes, fields, and wasteland of the Mediterranean, North Africa, and Eurasia. Easy going Nigella, makes its self at home in any old-fashioned garden. Love-in-a-Mist looks it's best in an informal setting such as annual borders, mixed borders, and is perfect for filling in gaps in cottage gardens. It's fine foliage contrasts well with plants like irises, as well as silver colored plants like Lamb's Ears (Stachys byzantina).
What’s in a Name?
Nigella damascena is commonly called Love-in-a-Mist for its delicate blooms that are surrounded by fennel-like leaves. Then there’s Devil-in-a-Bush, Love’s alter ego. The name refers to the balloon-shaped seed pods that have little horns on their heads that seem to be hiding behind the spidery foliage.
Nigella’s Habits
- Love-in-a-Mist blooms all summer.
- All varieties are full, but light and airy.
- The petals are paper-thin and are 1 ¾” across.
- Nigellas range from 15” to 30” tall depending upon the variety.
- They are virtually trouble free from pests and disease.
- Nigella doesn't mind drought or poor soil.
Planting is Easy
- Pre-chill Nigella seeds in a refrigerator for one week prior to planting.
- Plant the seeds in situ (their permanent place) in mid-spring ½ “ deep. They grow long taproots and resent being disturbed.
- Nigella prefers to be planted in well-drained soil and full sun.
- Another option is to plant the seeds in Autumn, however, they will need protection through the winter.
A Versatile Plant
Nigella works overtime to please it’s gardener, rewarding us for giving it a chance in our gardens. While you can dead-head spent blooms, Nigella’s seed pods that are formed at the end of its lifecycle are every bit as charming as the flowers. They become a unique addition not only to the garden, but to dried flower arrangements as well. If you shake a dried pod and can hear the seeds rattling inside, this is the time to break them open and collect seeds for next year’s garden or to share with friends.
Some Varieties and Cultivars
N. damascena ‘Miss Jekyll’ - The most popular variety. Light blue blooms that darken with age. Grows 1 ½ ‘ tall. There is a full ‘Miss Jekyll Series’ that have bloom colors in white, sky blue, and rose.
N.damascena ‘Persian Jewels’ – These are sky-blue, deep violet, rose pink, deep pink, and white. Grows to 16”.
N. damascena ‘Miss Jekyll Rose’ – Pure pink in color, and grows to 1 ½ ‘ tall.
N. damascena ‘Mulberry Rose’ – large flowers opening creamy pink and deepening to rose pink.
N. hispanica ‘Curiosity’ – Scented, with bright blue flowers 2 1/2 “ across, 24-30” tall.
N. orientalis ‘Transformer’ – yellow flowers that are 1 3/4 “ across, 18” tall.
Keep your eyes open for this lovely annual; there are many more varieties to enjoy!
Chris McLaughlin - Chris McLaughlin's gardening books include "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Heirloom Vegetables." Check out her complete profile.
