Overview
Love-in-a-mist is a flowering annual that has been used in gardens for centuries. Aside from its evocative name, its versatile blooms can be used as cut flowers or for craft projects.
Botanical Name
Nigella damascena is a member of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). It is also known as fennel flower because of its ferny, fennel-like foliage.
Habit
Love-in-a-mist grows to a height of 15 to 24 inches. Given enough space, it will grow to 12 inches wide.
Color
Bright green foliage is finely cut. Paler green, thread-like bracts (the "mist") surround flowers in shades of blue, white, rose, red and violet. Flowers are 1½" across.
Requirements
This annual flower does best in full sun---at least six hours per day. Love-in-a-mist does not transplant well, so it should be seeded in well-drained soil after the last hard frost.
Hardiness and Range
A self-seeding annual, love-in-a-mist will grow from seed throughout the United States. Sow seed every three weeks for continuous blooms.
Uses
Love-in-a-mist is used in borders and beds. After blooming, the plants produce an attractive seedpod that can be used in dried flower arrangements.
- University of Wisconsin: Love-in-a-Mist
Keywords:
love in a mist, flowering annual, attractive seedpod
About this Author
Moira Clune is a freelance writer who since 1991 has been writing sales and promotional materials for her own and other small businesses. In addition, she has published articles on VetInfo and various other websites. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Hartwick College.
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