Care of the plant Nigella damascena or Love-in-a-mist |
The genus Nigella, family Ranunculaceae, comprises 20 species of annual plants native to the Mediterranean region and the Middle East. Some species are: Nigella damascena, Nigella sativa, Nigella hispanica, Nigela orientalis. Common names: Ragged lady, Devil in the bush, Love-in-a-mist. This species is native to southern Europe, north Africa and southwest Asia. They are highly branched erect herbaceous plants that reach 50 cm (19.68") in height. The leaves are shaped like filaments. The curious flowers are 4 cm (1.57") in diameter and can be blue, white, pink or yellow. They bloom during the summer. Love-in-a-mist is used to form groups combined with other Mediterranean flowers of varied colors and as cut flowers due to their long duration. Nigella damascena needs full sun exposure and warm temperatures. Ragged lady can grow in any type of soil as long as it's very well drained. It's better not to transplant them but to sow them directly in the final location. Water moderately, waiting until the substrate has completely dried. Devil in the bush is quite resistant to drought. Fertilize with compost at the time of sowing or planting. Nigella damascena is a quite resistant plant to pests and diseases. If there is excess moisture, the plant turns yellow and even dies. Love-in-a-mist is propagated from seeds sown in the final location in late summer so that they begin to flower in early spring; in regions with very cold winters, sow in spring. |
Images of the plant Nigella damascena or Love-in-a-mist |