Love-in-a-mist Nigella damascena
Love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena) is an annual flowering plant in the Ranunculaceae family, native to Mediterranean Europe, North Africa and western Asia. It grows 40–60 cm (16–24 in) tall and 15–30 cm (6–12 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -6 °C (21 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
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Love-in-a-mist at a glance
| Type | Annual flowering plant |
|---|---|
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Mature height | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -6 °C (21 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | about 10–14 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 100 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mediterranean Europe, North Africa and western Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇫🇷 France |
Is Love-in-a-mist toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: seeds, foliage
Seeds and sap contain damascenine and saponins that can upset the stomach; pet effects are not well documented.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Love-in-a-mist
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Love-in-a-mist
- How far apart should I plant Love-in-a-mist?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–30 cm (6–12 in).
- Does Love-in-a-mist need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Love-in-a-mist need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Love-in-a-mist?
- It tolerates about -6 °C (21 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Love-in-a-mist flower?
- About 10–14 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks.
- Is Love-in-a-mist poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Seeds and sap contain damascenine and saponins that can upset the stomach; pet effects are not well documented.
- What grows well with Love-in-a-mist?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Love-in-a-mist. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Hardy annual that self-seeds; sow in autumn or spring.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
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- Delphinium Delphinium elatum hybrids
- Common columbine Aquilegia vulgaris
- Japanese anemone Anemone hupehensis
- Larkspur Consolida ajacis
- Globeflower Trollius europaeus
- Christmas rose Helleborus niger
- Persian buttercup Ranunculus asiaticus