Spanish Love-in-a-mist 'Midnight'

Nigella papillosa 'Midnight' is a more dramatic and structural relative of the common Love-in-a-mist. This hardy annual features large, deeply-cup-shaped flowers of an intense, dark purple-blue, featuring prominent, intricate dark stamens and a striking central seed pod. The foliage is the characteristic feathery, fennel-like greenery common to the genus, but the overall plant is taller and more robust than N. damascena, reaching around 60-90cm. In the UK, it is highly valued for its unique seed pods, which are large, dark, and crowned with hooked 'horns', making them exceptional for dried floral arrangements. It is best sown directly into the soil in spring or autumn. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and, once established, requires very little care. Like its cousins, it self-seeds readily, providing a naturalistic look to borders and gravel gardens. It is also an excellent nectar source for bees.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained loam.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul, Aug.