Nigella orientalis 'Transformer'

This other nigella, called Nigella orientalis 'Transformer', is very different from its cousin, the Damascus nigella. This annual plant has flowers with almost invisible red marbled petals and developed and decorative yellow sepals arranged in a corolla around a crown of central stamens. The flowers transform into very unique green fruits, resembling jester caps. You can sow this plant directly in rockeries or sunny flower beds, in well-drained soil, without worrying about disturbing neighbouring plants. The flowers of this 'Transformer' nigella are very beautiful in fresh or dried bouquets.

Much less known than the Damascus nigella, the oriental nigella is native to Western Asia. It is a hardy annual plant from the Ranunculaceae family. The 'Transformer' variety is an improved form of this botanical species, which has retained its originality. This nigella forms a small tuft of ramified stems 40 to 50cm (16 to 20in) tall when in bloom, and even 60cm (24in) in rich soil, with a diameter of 30cm (12in). Its delicate foliage resembles that of fennel. The linear lanceolate basal leaves measure 2 to 4mm (0in) in length, and the cauline leaves are palmately cut and strongly dissected, composed of very fine linear segments. The flowers with yellow sepals and atrophied petals are solitary, 3 to 5cm (1 to 2in) wide, carried by thin but sturdy stems. The flowering period depends on the sowing date. Spring sowings bloom from July to September, while sowings in September-October bloom as early as May-June. Nigella flowers are very melliferous and nectariferous. The flowers are followed by the formation of curious and decorative small fruits: they are long, ribbed, slightly twisted, and fused at the base capsules. The capsules dry out and then release black seeds that self-sow and germinate spontaneously in light soils.

The 'Transformer' oriental nigella is a rare plant, but nevertheless easy to grow in well-drained soils. It is perfect everywhere: in natural gardens, rockeries, perennial flower beds where it lightens the blooms. It pairs well with bush roses. It fills empty spaces in record time and allows for the quick creation of a colourful countryside decor with Phacelias, sainfoin, Californian poppies, perennial flax, or wild chicory. The 'Transformer' nigella allows for the creation of refined, contemporary, or naturalistic bouquets.