Love-in-a-mist Delft Blue Seeds - Nigella papillosa

Nigella papillosa or Love-in-a-mist 'Delft Blue', is undeniably original. In the summer, it bears precious flowers splashed with an unusual grey-blue, bringing to mind the finesse of famous Dutch porcelain, nestled within a finely divided foliage. Stunning when planted in groups in borders, its large flowering stems carry very curious fruits that make an original addition to in fresh or dried flower bouquets. This annual is easy to grow. Sow directly in place, in light soil and in the sun.

Nigella papillosa is a fast-growing annual belonging to the buttercup family (Renonculaceae). It is native to the Mediterranean region and can be found in cereal fields of hot, dry climates, on sandy loam or clay loam soils in semi-arid regions. 'Delft Blue' exudes a delicate charm. It produces sturdy, branched stems, about 50 cm high, carrying many leaves that are finely divided into linear strips. Flowering takes place from June to September, depending on when the seeds were sown. The flowers are rather large, measuring between 30 and 50 mm in diameter. They start off yellowish with greenish veins then blossom, unfolding petals that are randomly spotted and splashed with white, grey and pale blue, all of which are arranged around a bouquet of many black stamens. The flowering is melliferous and nectar-rich. The fruit is a fairly large capsule, topped by horizontally spreading styles. It contains smooth, trigonal, grey-brown seeds.

Being one of the plants commonly cultivated in monastic gardens, the Damascus nigella, so aptly named by the English 'Love-in-a-mist', is one of the easiest plants to grow in well-drained soils. It is charming and perfect everywhere and goes well with all the other plants: in natural gardens, rock gardens, perennial beds, where it contrasts beautifully with coarse textured plants. It can also be combined with shrub roses, old roses, bushes or botanical roses. Love-in-a-mist colonizes open spaces in record time and can quickly create a colourful, rural setting with Lady phacelia, Honeywort, sainfoins, Californian poppies, perennial flax, rosemary or wild chicory. Combined with other blue or pink flowers, love-in-a-mist 'Delft Blue' allows one to create very elegant bouquets.